Benefits to newer vs. older PAP

pdblues · Post by **pdblues** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:14 pm

I've been using my CPAP every night for a few years now and have clocked over 9500 hours onto it (it's amazing how that number adds up after a while). I've been using a Respironics REMStar Plus since day one and I'm wondering is there a benefit to try to get an upgrade to a newer machine? Perhaps one with monitoring software? I think I was given a bare-bones unit by my DME provider and now I think my insurance wants it to explode before they'll replace it.

Also recently I've been feeling horrible, worse than before I was diagnosed and started treatment. I'm going back to my sleep doc and I fear I'll need to get a pressure test to see what's going on. I get so worked up about the lab because I can never sleep there with all the junk attached. Could a newer machine with software tell me if I'm having a leak issue/mouth breathing/etc without having to go to the lab??? What exactly does the software tell you??

Finally, is it possible the machine is wearing out and not providing the pressure it's programmed for??

Thanks to all the expert hose-heads out there!!

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:26 pm

You're telling my story except I was using an old Sullivan V.

I bought a new machine with all the bells and whistles and I'm glad I did. What I learned mostly was that I was mouth breathing and didn't know it so now I use polident strips to seal my mouth at night. I tried APAP but the pressure variances woke me up, so I am back to my original Rx of 12 running straight CPAP, but I have the data to look at every morning.

Don't expect miracles from a new machine. Last nite's numbers all looked great, but I kept waking up for some unknown reason and I felt like hell all day.

I'm saying that because I expected more from an APAP than it was able to deliver....but that's just me.

Good luck on your continuing journey...

JeffH

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:03 am

That's why the pressure is checked every 6 mo, with a Manometer. The reason for a new machine is data and easier exhale, and with APAP using the pressure you need. Jim

Better get a stick and see if that squirel died. Jim

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:29 am

Goofproof wrote: ... That's why the pressure is checked every 6 mo, with a Manometer. ...

Oh yeah, GoofProof? No one has ever asked or offered to check the pressure w/a manometer on my Resmed S8 Elite and I've had this one since 08 Jan 07. In fact, just for mischief's sake since I disliked my original local DME supplier who held the capped rental on my Elite I even called last fall before the capped rental was over to ask about any needed maintenance and pressure check that should be done and was told nothing needed to be done unless it quit running. Snort!

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:18 am

The only thing any DME has ever offered me was to take my money. If anyone is expecting actual services to be offered to them, I think they are probably in for a long wait.

JeffH

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:00 pm

Lincare here, holds classes for mask fitting and other things, they are equipt to test them there. I've never went as I take care of my own problems, and they probably make me mad, and kick me off the property.

Our relationship works better from a distance. Jim

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:08 pm

Lincare here does not hold any classes that I am aware of. I had asked about trying some different masks and was told the ONLY nasal pillow mask they have is the Optilife -- big selection!!!

I have purchased my masks from cpapauction, eBay, or from other forum members to try different ones out.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:28 pm

I'm in a city of about 70,000 they seem to be a big player in the area. The company seems to run on autopilot, and mostly driven by gravity,

I only use them because it's the only one my INS, plays with. On a scale of 1 to 5, i'd rate them a 2. They get few thing right, but aren't so bad you can't grit your teeth and get by.

I am sure there are worse, and I hope there are better. Jim

pdblues · Post by **pdblues** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:31 am

I've never had the pressure checked in 5 years with the same machine. They told me the same thing, if it stops working (as in no air at all) then bring it in. I think when I see the sleep doc I'm going to ask for a new scrip for a newer machine. Does anyone feel it's worth it to have the newer benefits like flex and software??

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:02 pm

I think the software and reports are great. I have had a pressure gage that reads in cm of water pressure for a long time. It has a tubing that fits on the oxygen connection on some masks. I check my machines periodically to verify that the pressure is correct. Some places may call it a manometer but I still think it is a pressure gage. To me a manometer has a u shaped tubing with fluid in it. Pressure is determined by the difference in height of the fluid on each side of the u. You should be able to find a manometer or pressure gage from a cpap supplier and buy it on your own and check your own machine. The pressure gage checks pressure only and does not check air flow. I check the pressure when I am in bed using the mask so I know I have the pressure during actual use.
GeneS

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:12 pm

cpap.com sells manometers (pressure guage) for $89
It reads from -30 to +30 cm water.
It is the same brand as the one that I have.

GeneS

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i