Getting Machine Friday!Need Advice

[LyricZ]

Hi, guys. The DME indeed did call today, and I have an appointment for Friday to pick up my machine!!!! They offered to come to my home to set it up, but they couldn't do it until next Wednesday. I don't want to have to wait another 7 days if I don't have to.

Is there any problem with them teaching me how to set it up in their office and then I set it up when I get home? Or is the setup difficult and I need the expert to come to my house to do it? I don't want to be overly anxious and not be able to set it up when I get home. Please give me some advice on this.
Thanx

[Organplayer]

Should not be a problem. Make sure you lie down with the mask and machine on so you can see how it all feels. its one thing to put it on, another to have it all run.

I hope you are getting a machine that is data capable.

Kevin

[Guest]

I got my lesson at the DME's office. They set the machine up, then taught me what I needed to know with the machine and mask. It took less than one hour.

[dieselgal]

I did everything at their office. They didn't even suggest coming to the house and that is good because I would not have liked that.

[amandalee]

I'm so glad you'll be getting a machine soon!

The machines are not that difficult to set up and use. I picked mine up from the sleep lab and it only took about an hour.
The guy from the DME showed me how to use my machine with and without the humidifier, how to hook the hose up (duh ), showed me the different C-flex settings and the ramping. It wasn't very complicated.

I hope you're getting a machine that is data compatible, too. When I got my machine, he briefly explained the smart card, but when I asked about software, he said I could just bring the card in and he'd print it off for me... Like it was weird that I'd want information about my own therapy, but whatever. I'd imagine it's similar with most places, so even if you don't want to check the data yourself, you could bring it in to the DME and have them print it off for you.

I agree that the most important thing would be finding a mask that fits really well and is as "comfortable" as possible. Do you know if you want a full face, a nasal, or the nasal pillow type? Try as many as you need to find the one that you think is best for you. When I got my CPAP stuff, I tried on a few different masks, and then when I found one that seemed to be the best for me, I put it on and laid down for about 10 minutes on one of the beds in the sleep center with the mask hooked up to a machine at my prescribed pressure. This gave me a good idea of what to expect, and how well the mask should work. If they don't suggest this to you, ask if you can try the mask at your pressure, laying down somewhere.

Do you have an idea of what machine or mask you want? You could try browsing the cpap.com website and see what's available, and even print out the info for the machines that seem good and take that with you to the DME. It might be helpful to show them that you've done your homework, and you'll be more likely to know if they're trying to stick you with some crappy, bottom of the line machine.

Good luck!