Is it true that I can access and change settings...

[enso]

of a "full data" machine, even if the RT doesn't open access for me to it?

One of the wisdom articles mentions getting access written into the prescription. If I can get the directions about that here, then that's one less thing I have to bring up with the dr (or more accurately, her gatekeeping, cranky assistant).

Or do you think I should push for this as well? What's worked for you?

[DreamStalker]

What works best for most is to gatekeep the doctor and their cranky assistants away from your treatment and take control of it for yourself.

Doctors are great for diagnosing OSA but clueless for treating the condition.

http://www.cpap-supply.com/Articles.asp?ID=130

[BeanMeScot]

There are a couple of seperate topics in the original question.

Yes, you can change access and change your settings. Once you get a machine, make a request here and someone can send you the clinician's manual for it. You can use that to change pressure, change from APAP to CPAP (if applicable), change from AFlex to CFlex (if applicable), etc.

On some machines, the DME can change the settings so that you see more information on the screen of the machine. That is what is being discussed when people talk about having access written into the prescription.

Some data capable machines also have what is called a Smart Card. You would need a card reader and software to pull that data and that can be done with or without the DME giving more access in the menus. On some machines, there is no way to give more access through the screens.

I have an M Series with A Flex. I can go into the clinician's menus and see much more information than I can on the normal screens. I don't think it can be changed to show that permanently though. That machine gives averages even on the things in the clinician menu so people don't usually want to use that long term. To get accurate daily information, you have to get a Smart Card Reader (there is only ONE for this card) and some software, either Encore Viewer or Encore Pro to interpret it.

[Wulfman]

Yep!

Den

[enso]

What works best for most is to gatekeep the doctor and their cranky assistants away from your treatment and take control of it for yourself.

Yes, that's the impression I'm getting from reading the posts on this board. This can be quite an overwhelming experience, and I've been trying to attend to that so I can continue to move forward.

Any specific, detailed anecdotes on what you experts (and anyone who's been using a machine is expert in my eyes!) did/said to accomplish getting what you wanted from your doctor and RT would be most helpful. At this point, I'm not ready to strike out on my own. I would prefer to try working with them and "training" them to be effective partners in my healthcare. If I can do that before my month-long, at-home titration trial (I think that's the right description) is over, then yay for me.

[Slinky]

Just be diplomatic but firm. YOU re the one who must sleep w/the equipment AND w/the xPAP you get for at least the next 5 years. YOU are the one paying for this equipment, whether thru insurance or out of pocket is immaterial, w/o you the sale doesn't get made. YOU are the one who will endure the benefits - or consequences - of YOUR xPAP therapy. YOU are the one this is all about. You would, of course, PREFER that all decisions made are MUTUALLY agreeable decisions - but in the long run this is all about YOU. IF NECESSARY, YOU are the employER, THEY are the employEE. YOU are PAYING them for their advice and sharing of knowledge, for the information needed for YOU to make INFORMED decisions - BUT YOU are the one who has the final decision.