Looking for advice, doctor not interested since I didn't buy the machine with them.

[Dcmg1900]

Context:
-I have had sporadic episode were I woke up to catch air, specially if I'm sleeping on my stomach. Snore very loud every night, feel tired every day, morning headaches, dry mouth, high blood pressure. IgaN Nephropathy diagnosed.
-My wife got a CPAP through a friend since they no longer needed, she also got a new mask and hose*
-Not many sleep clinics in my town (MX Caribbean), the one available is postponing my appointments since I didn't purchase the machine with him. Claim has no spots to do the complete study.

Questions:
-Can I put my life at risk by using this machine with out medical advise?, if not..
-If I setup the machine on Auto, with an initial level 4, will be the way to go?

Thanks again for your advice.


*DreamStation Auto CPAP with Cell Modem, Heated Tube, Humidifier by Philips Respironics (DSX500T11C)

[LSAT]

The machine will not hurt you...There are various other setting than pressure that can make the device more comfortable for you. What specific machine are you using.

[Dcmg1900]

The machine will not hurt you...There are various other setting than pressure that can make the device more comfortable for you. What specific machine are you using.

Thanks Oscar, I have:
DreamStation Auto CPAP with Cell Modem, Heated Tube, Humidifier by Philips Respironics (DSX500T11C)
DreamWear Pillow Mask Phillips
Repironics Heated Tube

[Dog Slobber]

A lot of us self-manage *without* doctors or sleep clinics advising us.

Most here achieve better results because doctors simply can't (or are disinterested) fine-tune our settings.

And no, you're not going to cause yourself harm.

• Yes, Auto-adjusting is the way to go. Though many feel air-starved on such a low pressure.
• Put an SD Card in it
• Download OSCAR
• Post graphs and people can look at your results and advise you on your settings.

For your initial settings, I would suggest:

• AFlex: 3 - This will help to exhale against the pressure
• Minimum pressure: 6 - As stated, 4 is too low for most, and we want to be closer to your normal pressure any way
• Maximum pressure: 15 - This is where I disagree with what many here advise. Many will advise to set to the machines maximum of 20, and let the machine go where it needs to go. The reason I like an *initial* lower maximum, is many people don't tolerate the higher pressures well when they are new. Our goal is to get you to tolerate CPAP. Then we can optimize.
• Humidity 3, Heated hose 3: This is about midway, there are better people to advise on DreamStation Humidity than me.

Then after looking at your graphs, we can start moving the minimum pressure closer to where it wants to be, and increase your maximum so it can go higher should it need to.

[Dcmg1900]

A lot of us self-manage *without* doctors or sleep clinics advising us.

Most here achieve better results because doctors simply can't (or are disinterested) fine-tune our settings.

And no, you're not going to cause yourself harm.

• Yes, Auto-adjusting is the way to go. Though many feel air-starved on such a low pressure.
• Put an SD Card in it
• Download OSCAR
• Post graphs and people can look at your results and advise you on your settings.

For your initial settings, I would suggest:

• AFlex: 3 - This will help to exhale against the pressure
• Minimum pressure: 6 - As stated, 4 is too low for most, and we want to be closer to your normal pressure any way
• Maximum pressure: 15 - This is where I disagree with what many here advise. Many will advise to set to the machines maximum of 20, and let the machine go where it needs to go. The reason I like an *initial* lower maximum, is many people don't tolerate the higher pressures well when they are new. Our goal is to get you to tolerate CPAP. Then we can optimize.
• Humidity 3, Heated hose 3: This is about midway, there are better people to advise on DreamStation Humidity than me.

Then after looking at your graphs, we can start moving the minimum pressure closer to where it wants to be, and increase your maximum so it can go higher should it need to.

Great insight, this is what I was looking for, I will follow your advise.

[Chikorita]

I had exactly the same issue when I started in 2012.
My only advice and support was the lovely people here.
I had done a sleep study and had a prescription but hated my Dr and bought my machine elsewhere.
I am not knowledgeable enough to advise but I can report that the support here is very helpful

[Miss Emerita]

Just a word of welcome and a +1 to the advice from DS.

[chunkyfrog]

. . .
[*]Maximum pressure: 15 - This is where I disagree with what many here advise. Many will advise to set to the machines maximum of 20, and let the machine go where it needs to go.
. . .

I agree with DS on this.
For some wacky reason, my breathing lets the machine go way higher than it needs to.
I am fine putting a governor on it.