Sandman HC Humidifier settings

[RN1959]

I am using the Sandman HC which is quiet, and small ( I like that ) I use the resmed nasal pillow headset. My ramp is set at 4.0 over 20 min with a setting of 9.0.

Now, on to the problem... I'm afraid I haven't been very compliant with this machine. My mouth gets so dry in the night I have to take water to bed, and usually wake up 3-4 times a night to get a drink. I'm not a mouth breather, and the seal seems good with no leaks. My humidity was set to 2.... I'm wondering what other users have found to be a good setting, and if this will make a difference ?

I really need to start using this machine as I'm feeling so tired during the day without it, but waking up with this dry mouth all night isn't much better. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks !

[mars]

Hi RN1959

Have you got the software to check your data on a daily basis, or is that not possible with your machine.

Your ramp start seems a bit low, do you really need it.

Could you please enter full details of your equipment in your profile, that will help you getting help.

The humidifier goes up to 10, why not try increasing it by 1 every few days, and seeing if that makes a difference.

I also use a vapouriser, which might make a difference for you. This what I use -

http://www.fgb.com.au/product/euky-bear ... -vaporiser

but you should be able to find something similar in your country.

Experiment - that is the key to success with the cpap machine

cheers

Mars

[RN1959]

Mars,

Thank you for responding to my question. I just adjusted the humidifier from 2 to 4 ( I'm impatient ). I wasn't able to turn off the ramp as it looks like the RT set it at 4 ( comfort ) to 9, over 20 min and it's locked. It appears that your machine, and mine are identical, with the exception that I wear the Resmed nasal pillows, not a full face mask.
I know that the machine collects data, and I was suppose to mail the card to the RT ....well, last year. As I said, I haven't been very compliant with use ( leave it to a nurse ) but I may have to bite the bullet, admit it, and start fresh. The problem with use has been a dry mouth, and I should have contacted her right away about that. Hopefully the problem is corrected now with the increase in humidity. I'm hopeful that tonight will be a better night. I will keep in mind that I could add a vaporizer to the room. I hadn't thought of that... I've also read that some people use cough drops to help. I hate to start doing that, unless I have to.
Thank you for your advice, and I'll let you know how this works !

RN

[mars]

Hi RN

It looks like you have got the bottom of the line machine with the intro.

However, are you able to input the data from your memory card into your computer. If not you will need to get either an omnikey or a data cable. See your supplier. Sandman products have been discontinued, so cheap spare parts should be available somewhere.

At the very least you need to know what yourt nightly AHi is.

You can change the ramp settings in the clinicians area of the machine, try pressing the arrows simultaneously. Then be careful that you do not change anything that you are not sure of.

I wonder why you have the software if you cannot use it, or do you have the necessary bits and pieces tucked away somewhere

What did your prescription say, and are you insured. Just wondering because of what you have been given ?

cheers

Mars

PS Your Clinicians Manual may be part of the software cd.

[RN1959]

Good morning Mars...

Back when I got this machine I was not insured, and I made payments each month. I'm sure that the DME was trying to make things affordable for me at that time. I do have insurance now, and the DME calls now and then to see if I want a new machine...lol Might not be a bad idea ! As I recall, when I got this machine I was suppose to place the card in the machine, download the info, and mail it back to the RT ( I never did do that, and I have no idea where that little card has gone. ) In case you haven't noticed, I make a terrible patient unless I'm really suffering ! I'll give them a call today, and see what they can do..maybe a new machine that provides more information will help. I DID find the user manual, so I should be able to adjust the ramp off.
As a side note, I did increase the humidity last night, and it helped a lot with the dry mouth issue. As it turns out however, I did wake up a few times through the night with just the corners of my mouth open, very slightly...but I'm sure that can't be helping the dry mouth issue. Someone suggested that I fabricate a chin strap out of pantyhose...that lasted about 15 frustrating minutes !!!

Thank you so much for your guidance, I'll let you know what I find out today. I've actually been doing a search to find out which machine is reviewed as the best...of course, I'm sure that is a personal opinion.

Have a great day !
RN

[mars]

Hi RN

I do have insurance now, and the DME calls now and then to see if I want a new machine...lol Might not be a bad idea !

You need a machine which will give you data, and that is an auto, which will give you options not possible with the Intro.
And you then need the software to check your results.

I DID find the user manual, so I should be able to adjust the ramp off.

Good, most people can do without the ramp, but some like it. Again, you need to have a choice.

As a side note, I did increase the humidity last night, and it helped a lot with the dry mouth issue. As it turns out however, I did wake up a few times through the night with just the corners of my mouth open, very slightly...but I'm sure that can't be helping the dry mouth issue. Someone suggested that I fabricate a chin strap out of pantyhose...that lasted about 15 frustrating minutes !!!

One night is usually not enough to come to a definite conclusion about something. There are many ways to keep you mouth closed, and a search will help you find them

Thank you so much for your guidance, I'll let you know what I find out today. I've actually been doing a search to find out which machine is reviewed as the best...of course, I'm sure that is a personal opinion.

Just remember the Covidien Sandman people have gone out of business, and you need an auto to give you better choices.

cheers

Mars