CPAP and Weight loss...again...

[stogie5150]

Hello all, nice site ya got here, thanks for letting me in...

I've recently lost some major weight ( for me, anyway, 50 pounds...and counting) and am on CPAP therapy for five years now. Last week or so I've noticed that while asleep my mouth is being blown open (I've never been a mouth breather, up to now...) My pressure is set at 12.5cm. I have a 'dumb' machine, Philips RemStar SE w/heated humidifier, so no chance of using sleepyhead to see whats going on. for now, I've turned my pressure down to 10cm, took a nap today and had a much better experience than I've had in the past 2 weeks or so.

That being said, I am now in a financial situation that I can afford a better machine, after reading here and dealing with DME's and Doc's in the past I am confident I can handle my therapy at least as well as they did, which is to say, very little...They provided the machine my insurance 'paid for' , showed me how to clean it, and when to replace the consumables, and thats been it for five years. But since I am losing weight, and having these issues, I wish to know MORE about what's going on.

I see and hear a lot about the Dreamstation machines, and they look like they would work for me, price wise, would rather a gently used machine if at all possible, I'm not MADE of money...question is, the two machines I am looking at are the DSX400H11, and the DSX500H11. Is the only difference between them the bluetooth connectivity? Do I NEED bluetooth connectivity? I understand I have a non auto machine now, what does an AUTO CPAP machine do for me?

EDIT: I've since found the Wiki (DOH!, Sorry!) And i think i want the flexibility of the autoPap. SO it will be the 500 model.....Unless anyone has a better idea...

[Hopeful50]

I don't know how quiet you need your machine to be, but my sleep doc now prescribes only the ResMed Airsense Autoset, because many of his patients complained about the noise level of their Dreamstation machines. My ResMed is virtually silent. Good luck!

[Bigmike52]

Stogie 5150. Congratulations on the 50 lb. weight loss. If you get to missing it, just drive a little north to Arkansas because I found it. I would suggest you sign up to Sleepyhead and they have many reviews on both the Resmed and the Dreamstation. As you found out the DSX400H11 is a Dreamstation Pro fixed Cpap machine. You would definitely want the DSX500H11 as it is an Auto machine that will be better equipped to handle any future weight loss or gains. I am sure you will hear many replies in favor of the Resmed Airsense 10, and personally if it wasn't for the fact one of my family members gave me my new Dreamstation, I would have purchased the Airsense 10 solely on the fact it responds quicker than the Respironics to Hypopnea's, to prevent them from becoming apneas.

As far as noise and I find a lot depends on mask selection. My machine is very quiet, but some masks can be noisy depending on where the air vents are located. You most likely will want the Bluetooth as it works well with your IOS device. They have a program called Dreammapper that gives you some info, but the more you are involved with Sleepyhead the more you will find their software far superior. Although you are frustrated with your DME the Bluetooth will allow you to have direct connection with your sleep doctor and any new DME you may find. I have gone through 5 in just 18 months, but it was a challenge. It may not be a bad idea to have a new sleep study since you lost all that weight. I'm sure the experts on here will, help you a great deal.......Mike

[stogie5150]

I'm an android guy.

And noise matters not to me, I sleep with two fans and a radio...a little noise from a CPAP is inconsequential. Better THERAPY, however, does.

I've considered having a new sleep study, given the costs involved and my experience with the last one, it would likely be a waste of time. Down here, the usual procedure is the home study and everyone I know that has done it has ended up with a positive apnea diagnosis and a script for a machine. I'd rather just skip all that time and expense and get a new machine, learn the software and carry on with my therapy. I actually LIKE CPAP, I am not looking for an excuse to stop using it. I dont have a sleep doc, everything goes through my primary care Doc. She asks at every visit how my CPAP is and am I still using it. I'd likely not have an issue asking her for a script for a new machine if need be.

I am NOT wedded to the idea of a Dreamstation, I'll definitely look into the Airsense 10. Thanks!

[ChicagoGranny]

I've considered having a new sleep study

Fuh git it! Waste of time and money.

Since your CPAP is five years old, why not have the DME submit to your insurance for a new one? The DME can tell you what they need from your doctor. You may have to make a doctor visit.

I'll definitely look into the Airsense 10

AutoSet! There are several models. You want the AutoSet or the AutoSet for Her.

[palerider]

question is, the two machines I am looking at are the DSX400H11, and the DSX500H11. Is the only difference between them the bluetooth connectivity?

Where are people seeing this? you're not the first person I've seen thinking that's the only difference.

as far as I know, both machines can use bluetooth. the *important* difference in the 400 and the 500 is that the 400 is a fixed pressure machine and the 500 is an auto setting machine, which can react to your changing needs...

That said, the Resmed Autoset is a better reacting machine.

[Fetou]

Any chance you smoke cigarettes on top of those stoges? I have a used AirSense 10 Autoset unit that definitely had some smoke exposure that I could sell on the cheap

[stogie5150]

I've considered having a new sleep study

Fuh git it! Waste of time and money.

Since your CPAP is five years old, why not have the DME submit to your insurance for a new one? The DME can tell you what they need from your doctor. You may have to make a doctor visit.

I'll definitely look into the Airsense 10

AutoSet! There are several models. You want the AutoSet or the AutoSet for Her.

Because I have a 1k deductible, I'll be paying OOP regardless.

My Doc will write whatever I ask her to, she's awesome like that.

Correct, Autoset.

question is, the two machines I am looking at are the DSX400H11, and the DSX500H11. Is the only difference between them the bluetooth connectivity?

Where are people seeing this? you're not the first person I've seen thinking that's the only difference.

as far as I know, both machines can use bluetooth. the *important* difference in the 400 and the 500 is that the 400 is a fixed pressure machine and the 500 is an auto setting machine, which can react to your changing needs...

That said, the Resmed Autoset is a better reacting machine.

Once I found the Wiki, that was immediately apparent. When I originally typed the post I hadnt followed directions.

Any chance you smoke cigarettes on top of those stoges? I have a used AirSense 10 Autoset unit that definitely had some smoke exposure that I could sell on the cheap

No, I dont smoke ciggies, BUT I also am not sensitive to smoke issues. Doesn't bother me. Tell me more.

[Fetou]

No, I dont smoke ciggies, BUT I also am not sensitive to smoke issues. Doesn't bother me. Tell me more.

It's a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset for Her unit (has everything that the regular one has but with an extra mode). Just under 2000 run hours, was previously used in a smoking home. Given the circumstances with the smoke smell, I'm willing to take a loss on it. I'm looking for $220 + shipping cost (about $15 usually Priority Mail).

[ChicagoGranny]

Because I have a 1k deductible, I'll be paying OOP regardless.

Have you looked to see if that applies to medical equipment? It doesn't in some policies.

[stogie5150]

Because I have a 1k deductible, I'll be paying OOP regardless.

Have you looked to see if that applies to medical equipment? It doesn't in some policies.

I was curious, so I checked... CPAP machines are listed as DME in my policy.

DME ( Durable Medical Equipment) Is covered at 80%, AFTER deductible. My deductible is 1500.00, which I have paid 591.00 of so far. So I'd have to pay 900.00 more or less PLUS the 20% after the deductible.

I think I'd be better off paying OOP.

[palerider]

Because I have a 1k deductible, I'll be paying OOP regardless.

Have you looked to see if that applies to medical equipment? It doesn't in some policies.

I was curious, so I checked... CPAP machies are listed as DME in my policy.

DME ( Durable Medical Equipment) Is covered at 80%, AFTER deductible. My deductible is 1500.00, which I have paid 591.00 of so far. So I'd have to pay 900.00 more or less PLUS the 20% after the deductible.

I think I'd be better off paying OOP.

by far.

[stogie5150]

Okay, I've picked up my sleep study documents from my doctor this morning....turns out my pressure was specified at 11cm, the machine they gave me was preset at 14.5 when they gave it to me, at the time I talked to the Doctor and she said it was OK to reduce it because I was having a rough time getting my mask to stay sealed at that pressure, I reduced it to 12.5cm and I used it at that pressure for close to 4 years! Looking at the paperwork this morning with my nurse I was just in disbelief ! She laughed and said it happened all the time, that i was smart for taking things by the horns and doing what was right for me. My Doc walked in right before I left and I gave her the 30 second version of what I intend to do, she said it was fine and she was interested in seeing the sleepyhead reports when I got things going...

Anyway, I've purchased and received Fetou's Resmed 10 auto for her, and now I am going to start setting it up and learning this... stay tuned!

[stogie5150]

Lesseee...

Comfort settings:

Ramp time..30 min...
Tube temp off ( I am happy with standard tube, I like cool air)
Climate control :Manual
Humidity Level 6 ( on my Philips machine its maxxed out, but let's start slowly, eh?)
Pressure relief ON
Mask : Nasal ( I use the Respironics Comfort Blue Nasal mask and I like it, so it and the tube will transfer to this new machine)

Clinical Menus:

Mode : AutoSet
Max pressure 12cm
Min pressure 5cm
(Per my sleep docs my pressure was supposed to be 11cm, BTW)
Mask: Nasal

Comfort:
EPR ON
EPR type Full time
EPR level 1 ( I have never had a problem with exhalation relief, so I started in the basement)

Look okay to get a baseline? I've scanned and attached my iniital observation and titration documents below... Any and all comments welcome!

[palerider]

Mode : AutoSet
Max pressure 12cm
Min pressure 5cm
(Per my sleep docs my pressure was supposed to be 11cm, BTW)
Mask: Nasal

I would NOT recommend those settings.
If you're used to 12.5, then spending the night with the machine trying to get back down to 5 is very likely a recipe for crap sleep.

I'd go min 11, max 20, and see how things go, if the pressure never changes, then drop it a cm.. see if it still never changes.