AirSense 10 Autoset: where are my menus?

[Aclyesia]

Hello! I recently got my APAP from my DME but didn't spend a whole lot of time reading the manuals or trying to "master" the machine's operation. However, it was pointed out to me that there is supposed to be a warm up mode that heats up the water in the humidifier reservoir so I can start my therapy with the air already warmed. I've watched multiple YouTube videos now and cannot for the life of me locate the menu for this mode. I believe it should be under the "Run Mask Fit" option, but it isn't there. I also have no control over the AutoRamp. Is this something the DME did? If so, how can I override the menu limitations? It really makes me wonder what other features they have hidden from me.

Thanks!

[yaconsult]

First, you should realize that the humidifier adds moisture to the air by heating the water only a very small amount. The air coming out of the machine does not feel any warmer when using the humidifier - it just has more moisture in it. But the air won't be any warmer, so don't expect that.

Yes, there is a way for the DME to lock down the settings and keep you from adjusting most things by putting the machine into "dummy mode". The super secret clinician's manual that tells how to change settings can be downloaded from https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf Of course, the DME will NOT approve of your changing any settings - they want you to be totally dependent on them! And they can access your machine remotely and change the settings back, should they choose to. The only way that you can prevent that is to put the cpap into "airplane mode" but in most cases they can't be bothered to spend the time to fight with you over the settings.

[Aclyesia]

I have the heated tubing so my air does come out warm; I understand it's the hose's doing and not the humidifier, but the heat makes the humidification more bearable (for me) and humidification is a must-have for me as well, so I suppose I just lumped them together.

I guess I'll call my DME and tell them I want all of the menus unlocked. Insurance and I didn't just spend $800 to be locked out of the machine's features! At the same time I'd prefer not to step on any toes or make anyone mad since I have no idea if the settings were directed from my doctor or not.

I feel like the starting pressure of 4 isn't enough and I have to breathe in hard to get enough air. It's not to the point of feeling suffocated, just annoyed... which isn't good when you're trying to doze.

[Julie]

No, don't call your DME and ask them to 'unlock' your menus... nothing is 'locked' (except the bad attitudes of the dealers who won't thank (or help) you for asking. Just go to the clinician manual Yaconsult linked and do your settings as you wish. You just haven't yet accessed the menu you want. They tell people it's locked, but that's a lie - no such thing - all it means is that they haven't shown you how to get at the other settings. Terrible, and should be made illegal.

[Cardsfan]

Hold the round button and the Home button (on the bottom) down at the same time. After about 3 seconds the menu unlocks. You then have access to everything.

[yaconsult]

And, yes, a starting pressure of 4 would be uncomfortable for many people - 6 or 7 would be more reasonable. But DMEs are lazy - they often just hand over the machine without changing any of the default settings.

You have to remember that the DMEs and doctors don't actually USE the equipment like we do, so their practical knowledge is usually limited.

And it's not unusual for DMEs to say things like, "it's illegal for you to change your settings"!

[Aclyesia]

So unlocking the other menus and adjusting pressures won't affect my "compliance period" to qualify me for the full machine purchase coverage, will it? Sorry if the question seems dumb. I'm new to all of this and just don't want to piss off the wrong people and end up footing the whole bill because I somehow disqualified myself.

[ChicagoGranny]

So unlocking the other menus and adjusting pressures won't affect my "compliance period" to qualify me for the full machine purchase coverage, will it?

If the changes you make result in a more comfortable and effective CPAP therapy, they could affect your compliance period by making it easier to use your CPAP.

Or, short answer - No, it will not affect your compliance period. The insurance companies are only checking whether you used the machine the requisite number of hours. They don't care about the effectiveness or your comfort.

[Sheffey]

The air coming out of the machine does not feel any warmer when using the humidifier

It does feel warmer, and that is one of the reasons I don't use a humidifier. I don't want any extra heat in the bed. That heat that comes from the heating plate has to go somewhere and most of it goes right out the hose into the mask.

[SewTired]

So unlocking the other menus and adjusting pressures won't affect my "compliance period" to qualify me for the full machine purchase coverage, will it? Sorry if the question seems dumb. I'm new to all of this and just don't want to piss off the wrong people and end up footing the whole bill because I somehow disqualified myself.

Insurance company is only looking for compliance. If you use your machine 4 hours a night (at least) and more than 80% of the days, not a problem. OTHERS cannot change your settings without a doctor's order, but you certainly can. My doc knew right off that I was going to change my settings and simply gave me some parameters with which to work and a reason why for those parameters.

[Aclyesia]

You all are awesome and have been a great help! I'll be looking into adjusting some settings tonight for sure. Thank you!

I'm at 16 days of 100% use for 7+ hours and only need to reach 21 out of 30 days to meet compliance before the machine is MINE! Lol!

[palerider]

The air coming out of the machine does not feel any warmer when using the humidifier

It does feel warmer, and that is one of the reasons I don't use a humidifier. I don't want any extra heat in the bed. That heat that comes from the heating plate has to go somewhere and most of it goes right out the hose into the mask.

plus, moist air typically *feels* warmer than dry air.

[iflyvfr]

I feel like the starting pressure of 4 isn't enough and I have to breathe in hard to get enough air. It's not to the point of feeling suffocated, just annoyed... which isn't good when you're trying to doze.

I just got an Airsense machine and that's the first thing I noticed when I tried it on in the DME's office. I immediately turned ramp OFF. Give me the full blast . . .ahhhh!