Recommendations for new CPAP user?

SleepyQuilter · Post by **SleepyQuilter** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 5:18 pm

I am a nurse who underwent a long overdue sleep study Friday night. I was surprised to learn that my family was correct and I do need therapy. At midnight or so, the technician told me that I was severely apneic and I had awakened myself 88 times in the first two hours. My O2 SAT was 72. I know what this means in my practice with airway infants. I did some homework over the last week and found the DME provider I liked, a machine I think would be a good piece of equipment and a mask I hope will work well for me. I want to begin by trying the ComfortCurve because I have a small bone chip on the bridge of my nose from an old fracture. The mask they had on me in the lab made a raw red spot over the fracture. I am to receive a call tomorrow to let me know what is next. Here is my question for all of you:
If you knew then what you know now, WHAT DO YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU? The machines I have talked to the DME about (even before the study, my best friend is a respiratory tech) are the S8 Elite and Vantage. I have been reading here that APAP can be a good thing. I am determined to improve this condition with weight loss at least to some extent and I thought the AutoPap might help ramp down the settings when that occurs? Thank you for any imput, I know answering these questions again and again can be tiring. Speaking of tired, I am so tired.

roztom · Post by **roztom** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 5:34 pm

Welcome:

For many here the Resmed Apap with C-Flex is a good choice. The Apap adjusts to your needs and also tends to run at a lower overall pressure most of the time.

So, it is more comfortable. Also with C-Flex you get relief on the exhale so you are not breathing against pressure.

In addition, the machine comes with a SMartCard so you can monitor your therapy - which many here do. Quite often what you are titrated at in your one shot sleep study might not be the actual number that is best for you.

With the APAP you will see where your sweet spot tends to be after some time and evaluating the data. Also, be sure to get a Heated Humidifier with your machine.

As far as masks go, there as they say lies the rub.

That is a very individualized issue and for many it takes patience not only to adjust but also to find a mask that is reasonably comfortable.

I suggest you read up on different masks. ALso whether you mouth breath or back or side sleep can have an impact on which mask will ultimately work best for you.

This DOES take a little getting used to but you will be surprised how xPAP an positively impact your life.

Best of luck-there is so much good info and good people on this site to assist. Also, cpap.com is a great resource for product information.

Tom

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 5:55 pm

One correction. It is Respironics who makes the REMstar Auto with C-Flex. (not Resmed).

Here's a previous thread on this topic with alot of information. Click on this:

What equipment to ask for

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 6:37 pm

SleepyQuilter,

Don't get your heart set on any particular mask, because the way they look has little or no relationship to how well they work (or maybe there is an inverse relationship between good looks and effectiveness!).

It is critically important to try out the mask WITH the pressure on, WITH your usual sleep positions LYING DOWN and for MORE than a couple of minutes. Best of all would be a DME that would let you try a couple of masks then keep the one that works best. If the Curve doesn't work for you, another popular mask is the Swift.

If you have high pressure needs, see if you can get a bipap.

Since you plan to lose weight, try to get an automatic unit.

You may want to monitor your therapy with software. Some units have better software than others.

Happy Breathing!
Moogy
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, swift, DME

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 7:42 pm

Starting with the xPAP. I started with a standard CPAP and quickly changed to an APAP. The CPAP ran at the full titrated pressure all night and forced more air into my stomach, causing major discomfort. Auto on and off is a nice PAP feature. Put your mask on the machine starts, take your mask off the machine stops with out you having to reach over and find a button to push. You will be doing a lot of this in the dark, so lighted buttons are nice. I haven't seen any, but a machine with a "powered" outlet would be nice. That way your humidifier could come on when you your PAP comes on. You definitely want a heated humidifier. A passover humidifier doesn't put enough moisture in the air. I have a F&P HC150 humidifier. That unit comes with a base that goes under your PAP and also anchors the humidifier. That works fine if you can line up all of your equipment. If not, there is a problem. The HC150 has a push button on/off switch. Without the plate to anchor the humidifier, turning the humidifier off and on becomes a two hand operation, unless you have a big hand that can wrap around the base. The HC150 reservoir does not come apart and is very difficult to clean. The internal ribbing inside the reservoir prevents it from draining completely. Some reservoirs come apart and some can be put into the dishwasher. The sound of PAP machines are different. For instance, the PB420E has a higher RPM blower, the AutoSet T has a lower RPM motor. Think 2 cycle engines versus 4 cycle engines. Both PAPs are quiet, but the pitch is different. If you have the option to test PAP units, remember the examine room will probably not be as quiet as you bedroom.

To comment about masks, we need to know more about your physical characteristics and sleep position. An Activa on a 300 pound person would not be an issue. That same mask would feel like a lead weight on a petite, 100 pounder. Post type forehead supports are better for side sleepers. The Comfort Classic is available in many sizes that will fit about anyone. Just remember, the mask is generally the key to success for this treatment. Take your time selecting a mask and don't be discouraged if it takes four or five tries to find one you like. I have over 15 different masks and have modified many of them in the search for the perfect mask. I'm still looking.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 9:33 pm

Questions, I have so many questions! What IS the best software for a person who will analyze their sleep to death, as I will. What do you all think of the Vantage? If you are given a machine without software, do you have to buy that on your own and therefore a better purchase is a machine with it included?
Do people prefer C Flex over the EPR of the Vantage and what is the difference? It has been stated here that the EPR on the Vantage cannot be used in the auto mode. What then happens on exhalation or does the auto feature take care of that? An awful lot of people here seem to like one of the C Flex machines.
What is the quietest machine to your knowledge?
Also, to Moogy, you have really got my number! Yes, I was jazzed by that Comfort Curve mask with the low profile, color bars, and snuggle tubing! I did have my heart set on it, just like you said. I have taken your advice to heart and decided to do as you say and really try these masks out with an open mind and give them an actual, lengthy workout before I decide. Thanks for the reality check. I would hate to compromise good therapy for the sake of wearing a pink nose mask to bed. Maybe I can apply cute stickers instead.
Seriously, thank you so much for the good advice so far, it is very helpful. I am glad I found this forum while looking at cpap.com.

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 12:04 am

Anonymous wrote: If you are given a machine without software, do you have to buy that on your own and therefore a better purchase is a machine with it included?

Many cpaps have NO provisions for software, or only limited data, so avoid those. It seems that most of the software junkies on this forum use Respironics machines so we can use the EncorePro and MyEncore software, even though EncorePro is not included with the price of the units. However, we have a few experts on other software as well.

I really only know about EncorePro (by Respironics) and MyEncore (free add-on). Others on the forum can tell your about the other brands. I paid for EncorePro and the card reader out-of-pocket, and had some trouble with reinstallation when I got a new computer, and even so, it was worth ALL of the money and the trouble!

Check out the EncorePro and MyEncore info on cpap.com :
viewArticle/Encore-Pro-Respironics-CPAP ... Derek.html myencore.php

Moogy