New To Cpap's...Need Advice

[DisneyFan]

I am new to the Cpap world and just received a Resmed C-Series tango cpap/heated humidifier, currently using 7cm, with a Swift Mirage LT nasal pillow. This machine was recommended by my pulmonologist

I have read some of the posts here and it seems not everyone gives the tango a positive review. I did not pay for this machine, my insurance(Humana) did. I'm wondering now if I got a good machine for a first time user?

I used it last night and was a little confused with the humidifier settings..I live in South Florida so the weather is warm but our home is kept cooold(hubby). I also suffer from sinus/sinus congestion. Any advice which would be a good setting?

[boston]

ive been congested for a few days now, usually use a 2 setting, i am going to try passover mode tonight and see if it helps.

[txdeb]

The climate here is the same, as is the coooold house at night. I keep mine set at 2 or below. Anything higher than that and it really messes with my sinuses. It also causes horrible rainout if you are using heat in the cold room. (nothing worse than being awakened by water running into your nose!!!)

Good luck!

Deb

[ozij]

Humidity needs vary between people, and evironments.
The majority do better with heated humidifcation, because the pressurized air blowing in dries your airway. Think of the effect of a breeze on your face during a humid day.

Resmed about humidification
Many of us on the forum perfer machines that can track and report our breathing events during the night - the Tango is incapable of doint that. It can track the number of hours you use it - but that' all.

At a pressure of 7, you probably won't need any kind of exhale pressure relief - that again is something other models do have. At a pressure of 7 you will also probably need a relatively low humidifier setting.


O.

[cflame1]

I don't believe from what I've seen on Resmed's website that it has either full data (more than just hours of use) or EPR (which you may not need if you stay at 7, but if you have trouble exhaling under the pressure you might need).

[DisneyFan]

My first night....and it was terrible!

I set the humidifier at 1, put the mask on and felt good at first, I was able to breathe and I have a stuffy nose.

But during the middle of night I had to remove the mask because I could not breathe. My husband said I was mouth breathing(which I usually do).

Maybe I have the incorrect mask?

[Robadob]

Get a papcap. That will stop the mouth breathing. At least for me it did. If it doesn't you can find the threads about mouth taping or poligrip strips or switch to a FFMask.

Link to papcap - http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6
Added bonus to the cap is that it keeps my hair from getting rumpled by the headgear and helps the headgear stay in place.

STICK WITH IT! Keep tweaking until you dial in your therapy.

[DisneyFan]

Wouldn't a full face mask been better than the nasal pillows if I mouth breathe?

This is what my prescription says: cpap @ 7cm h2o c-flex resmed mirage swift mask ramping @ 30 min. heated humidity.
"what is c-flex"

I have another question...I was told my machine was brand new, out of the box.

I found it odd when it was delivered to me by the therapist, who showed me how to use it and it was not in a box.
she was carrying it on a bag that had the name "puritan bennett." The actual machine does not fit correctly in this bag and it's not practical for traveling(I am traveling in 2 weeks).

Was I suppose to get a carrying case with this? It does't look like a used machine, but the bottom of water chamber container has some scuffs and I just started using it yesterday.

[cflame1]

Resmed's version of CFLEX is EPR... and you don't have that either. It's an exhalation relief. Basically it means that the DME didn't fill your script with what was prescribed.

CFLEX is a Respironics term.

[rested gal]

Wouldn't a full face mask been better than the nasal pillows if I mouth breathe?

Yes.

This is what my prescription says: cpap @ 7cm h2o c-flex resmed mirage swift mask ramping @ 30 min. heated humidity.

C-flex is the trademarked name for a feature that applies only in Respironics machines. C-flex drops the pressure a tad each time you exhale, making it easier to get an exhalation started.

I agree with cflame1. The DME (home health care supplies store) did NOT fill your prescription correctly on either of these counts when they gave you that very basic Tango, because....they gave you a machine that is:

1. a brand other than Respironics -- only Respironics has the "c-flex" that your Rx called for.

and...if they were going to substitute a different brand, they gave you....

2. a model that doesn't have any kind of exhalation pressure relief at all. ResMed makes machines with an exhalation relief feature called "EPR", but the Tango isn't one of them.

Both Respironics and ResMed make very good machines (as do several other manufacturers.) They both have some extremely basic (cheaper for the DME to buy) models, and they both have models with lots of bells and whistles.

Sounds like your DME is cutting a LOT of corners cost-wise.

[CorgiGirl]

Cflame is right, you don't have the machine that your doc prescribed for you...since he/she wrote the prescription for a machine with c-flex, you should have a Respironics machine. And yes, the case should fit the machine.

I'd go back to the DME and make them give me the right machine. I'd also be adamant that I was going to get one that was data capable.

I'm a mouth breather, too, and can't stand nasal masks or chin straps, so a full face mask works best for me. I like the Flexifit 432 because it works for me on my side and/or stomach (where I sleep most of the time). Your DME should have several you can try out at their office to find one that will work for you.

Hang in there. It takes time to get used to sleeping with the mask on. And it takes time to find the right mask. It took 6 weeks and 8 masks before I could sleep all night, every night with mine.

[DisneyFan]

So does it mean I don't have the correct prescription on my machine? Should I contact the DME first thing Monday morning?

I have done a search on this machine and haven't found to much information on it. I'm starting to wonder if I got a good machine and do I have an option to switching to a better one. I just received this past Friday and Humana(premier) is paying for it.

[CorgiGirl]

If it were me, I would call on Monday. The machine they gave you isn't the one your doctor prescribed and that could get them in hot water legally...you might have to remind them about that.

DME's are notorious for trying to skimp and make a buck. There are good ones, but they seem to be few and far between. Can you change DME's? Just return this machine to them and get a different machine somewhere else? If you have that ability but want to stay with this DME, you might threaten to leave to see if that gets you any leverage. Of course, they might just call your bluff and then you'd have to go....

I think that all Respironics machines with C-Flex is data capable, but I may be wrong, so I hope someone will correct that statement if I am. But if they are not, I'd fight to get one that is data capable. It's so hard to know how your therapy is going without it.

[DisneyFan]

thank you everyone for your help..I just called their 24 hour line and left them a detailed message, lets she what happens.

I have been doing a search on the Respironics machines and mostly have the "optional" heated humidity."

If I were to request this brand machine, which would be better ofr the Remstar machines, with data capabalities?

[CorgiGirl]

DisneyFan, you can add a heated humidifier to any xPAP. Remstar seems to be a fairly generic term for Respironics -- a lot of machines have that designation. I would try to get a Respironics M Series CPAP with C-flex. The M Series is data capable and should come with a Smartcard (although they are pretty cheap if you have to buy your own). The Encore Viewer software and a card reader will cost you $125 or so, but it's soooooooo worth it!

Good luck with the DME. I have my fingers crossed for you!