Statless and jealous

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 6:31 pm

I'm maybe not a techno-geek, but I like techy things - GPS and you know how it goes.

Since getting on the hose last August, my sleep-lab/DME gave me an APAP loaner to try to get a better idea of what pressure to use. Guess my PSG wasn't definitive enough. Had that for 6 weeks, and went in, where they dumped the info from the smart card and gave me all kinds of graphs and stats. NEAT! At least they didn't hold any of that back.

So, when they gave me a RemStar Plus M, "with smart card" (underlined and bolded) what did I know? Only after I went in for a 6 week check did I find out that "smart" to them only means compliance. Who needs that?

I've read many of the posts that talk about leak rates and AHI, until I turn absolutely green. Man, woulda, coulda shoulda. I know my insurance won't pay for another machine for another 4 years, and this one is about paid for, but I'm seriously considering going out of pocket for something I can work with.

Wow. I feel better already. Now, what kind of machine to get?

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 6:35 pm

Seeing as you've got the humidifer already... I'd either go with an Auto M (Remstar) with Aflex or Cflex... or a Pro M (Remstar) with Cflex.

If you're paying for it and money's not the problem... get the Auto M with Aflex

CarrieS · Post by **CarrieS** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:11 pm

I was give a resmed compact that is simply compliant and was not satisfied. I was opening my mouth at times I didnt know if I was leaking or how well I was doing, plus had trouble with wakings likely caused my exhalation pressue. Well on the advice of one my cpap comrads I requested a resmed elite s8 (w/epr) which is fully data compatable. I asked my DME and they said they need a note from my doc I asked my doc and got the note requesting I get it. The DME swapped it out even and didnt have any invoice or billing connected and just put it as an even swap. I still kept my humidifier hoses and everything else and they just switched the machines and I had no issues (so far) since there was no bill. Just something to consider I dont know all the rules but there may be a way for you to upgrade?

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:16 pm

I'd get the new A-Flex machine.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:35 pm

Yup, despite my LOVING my Resmed (s), paying out of my own pocket I'd definitely go w/the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex, ESPECIALLY since you already have the integrated humidifer to go w/it.

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:16 pm

Once you know your pattern do you lose interest in checking the data? I just think it would be interesting to know all that stuff but if it didn't change much I think I might not bother checking. That's my way of rationalizing not paying for a machine (that I didn't know existed when I was given equipment and basically told "here. use this".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:39 pm

I want a data machine.

Hey, where'd you guys get the 'puter software for your computers?

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:07 pm

Elle.....

I check my stats every day to see how I'm doing. I'm continually tweaking my system to improve my treatment. Being a mechanic and engineer, I can't help trying to make it better. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't be without software. I'd get it from my doctor....or on the black market.....but, I wouldn't be without it.

Gerald

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:17 pm

Thanks Gerald, I am afraid I might become addicted to it. I am also so suggestible that my day would depend on what numbers i saw in the morning. If they were poor I would have a bad day. Ignorance just might be bliss in my case.

John_M · Post by **John_M** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:02 pm

Anonymous wrote:I want a data machine.

Hey, where'd you guys get the 'puter software for your computers?

http://sleepapnea.wikia.com/wiki/Encore_Pro and its links might help you come aboard.

Welcome

John M

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:14 pm

jasper wrote:I'm seriously considering going out of pocket for something I can work with.

Wow. I feel better already. Now, what kind of machine to get?

I agree with what several others said... the Respironics M series REMstar Auto with A-flex. Yep.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:05 am

Elle wrote:Once you know your pattern do you lose interest in checking the data? I just think it would be interesting to know all that stuff but if it didn't change much I think I might not bother checking. That's my way of rationalizing not paying for a machine (that I didn't know existed when I was given equipment and basically told "here. use this".

So far, two months in, I still check every morning. A couple of times I forgot to put my card back in the machine before going to sleep and was disappointed because there was no data.

But I'm now frequently having 0.1 readings and I keep hoping for 0.0 AHI. It's kind of a game for me.

I may lose interest after a while, but whenever I try a new mask, that data is very valuable. When I tried the hybrid, I had a really horrible night, and the machine helped me see what was going on. Lotsa leaks, yup! High AHI, yup! So now when I try it again, doing some of the modifications, I'll be able to see the progress exactly. Looking at the chart of the night, I can see if the leaks are associated with apneas or not.

Also, it's been extremely helpful to see the difference wearing a backpack stuffed with a pillow has made. This helps me stay on my side. This makes a big difference in my AHI, too. No way would I be wearing the backpack unless I could see it made a difference. It's not that bad, but also another encumbrance at night. Hose, then backpack to manage.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, AHI

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, AHI

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:45 am

Thanks for the good suggestions. I've been assuming (and you no what assume does) that they wouldn't swap me for a new machine. I'll call my sleep center today and see if that's a possibility. I have one of those sleep centers with a live-in DME. Hasn't been a problem yet, so I hope they can talk it out. Worth a try.

I probably wouldn't check the data every day after a while, but I'd really like to know what difference a new mask makes, and so forth.

I'd go with the APAP since my original results of the PSG were kind of unreliable. MY AHI actually settled out at about 14 (my current pressure) and then started to go up with increasing pressures (centrals maybe?). Never really got to very low AHI's from my start of 65, but certainly is an improvement. I sleep through the night, and feel good during the day.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 6:14 am

Jasper:
Despite all the bark and woof about C-Flex & A-Flex, if you can, trial as many auto machines as possible. Making a choice based on YOUR experience, rather than the experience of others, is wise.

The different manufacturers all have different algorithms in their machines. You might find that one machine agrees with your particular breathing pattern better than the others. It may well be that the Respironics machine is best for you, but you won't know that until you compare it to the other manufacturer's machines.

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:48 am

hey RG, nice new pic!! but i have one question:

are you actually getting YOUNGER?!?!

Statless and jealous

Statless and jealous

Re: Statless and jealous

Maybe not too late?