Newbie Question Re: Pressure settings

[Baxter-ZZ]

After reading a number of posts, I am curious about the difficulties some people have with setting the pressure on their machines. Is this something that is generally difficult to do correctly or is it just that many of the DME's will not leave the instruction books for the machines.

Is it a perceived legal issue for the doctor; that they are worried about liability that would arise if they allowed someone to adjust their own machine? I read one post where the person had to bring their machine to their doctor to have the pressure adjusted. That seems like a waste of time for all involved.

I have yet to order my machine because I am not sure I want to go through the DME at this point. I already feel as if they are pushing me toward a machine I do not want.

But I am somewhat concerned, after seeing the number of posts seeking help for setting the pressure on their machines, that if I were to purchase the machine on my own that I will not know how to use it properly.

Thoughs, comments and stories welcome.

[Darth Vader Look]

Welcome to the forum extraordinaire Baxter-ZZ. Generally speaking the pressure level adjustments are not difficult to do. The clinicians manual (the one explaining how to adjust the unit's pressure) isn't left with the machine if you purchase from a DME. Most online suppliers will leave the manual with the machine but it is always recommended to ask if they do first before buying. CPAP.COM does include the clinicians manual with your xPAP purchase. I am not sure about how legal it would be for a doctor to give you the manual but more of a cover your butt situation. Plus, most doctors get another fee for changing the pressure not to mention the DME getting a piece of the action.

Most of us recommend getting a unit that has data recording capabilities (not just hours of usage) so that you can compare a weeks worth of readings and make adjustments based on that. Straight CPAP's can be adjusted up but I prefer to have data so that I can base my adjustment on that rather than guess.

Remember that you will need a prescription for a machine with a pressure level setting. If you have insurance you may want to check with them as to what they want you to do in order to get compensated for the purchase.

[Linda3032]

Baxter-ZZ, I just received my new Remstar Auto with cflex from cpap.com (I have an old Remstar Auto also which I bought online). Both machines came with the "Setup Manuals". You would have no problems getting it set according to your prescription.

I always purchase my own equipment and then send the bill to my insurance company for reimbursement minus 25%. I've never had a problem.

Plus it's much easier nowdays, because most nasal pillows come with more than one size.

[Guest]

After reading a number of posts, I am curious about the difficulties some people have with setting the pressure on their machines. Is this something that is generally difficult to do correctly or is it just that many of the DME's will not leave the instruction books for the machines.

Setting the pressure on the machine is very, very simple. You press a button until the correct number appears in the display. The only difficulty is encountered when the DME withholds the manual from the user, who must then ask here for directions. Those pesky DMEs actually cut open the box, remove the manual, then give you the machine. Job security, I suppose. Although they must not be TOO worried about job security, because they turn around and sell these manuals on ebay and make a few extra bucks on the side. What a racket.