My husband is using a CPAP machine (I think). I know that a BiPAP machine uses a computer to calculate your breathing rate and reduces the pressure on exhalations. And APAP stands for auto-PAP.
I'm just wondering, from personal experience, what main differences/advantages one kind of machine offers over another (other than cost).
My husband is currently using a Fischer & Paykel Health Care Sleep Style 600 CPAP series with a Thermo Smart button and a 600ml reservoir for the humidifier which he's still using on a trial basis, but when once we buy it, our extended health provider will only pay for a new one every five years, so I'm hoping for one that lasts at least that long.
Thanks. Theresa
APAP, BiPAP, CPAP??? Main differences/advantages?
In my opinion, an auto is better than a straight CPAP. A straight cpap has a constant pressure and can't do more than that without being reset or ramped or cflex/epr. An auto, especially a Respirionics auto... allows for a variable pressure nightly or a change in pressure easily if the needs change. The Resp auto also allows for cflex to be used. An auto in general can be run either as an auto or as a straight cpap.
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oldgearhead
- Posts: 1243
- Joined: Thu Mar 30, 2006 9:53 am
- Location: Indy
..and BiPAP units are generally used for users that require higher
pressures. If you are going to rely on your insurance, its highly
unlikely you will get one, unless the required pressure is in the
14 -22 cm/H2O range. The most capable BiPAP is the RemStar Auto
BiPAP. Because it is a BiPAP unit thats does auto titration.
The APAP is an auto titrating unit that is especially good for those
people (nearly everyone) who require different pressure for different
body positions. It runs in whatever pressure range you select, and
adjusts the pressure as your needs change. Here again the RemStar
Auto and Auto M are unique, because they may be ran in auto mode +
their exhale relief process known as C-flex.
CPAP - Much cheaper than the other two. Its the low price that makes them
attractive to DMEs and insurance. a CPAP just expels a constant air supply
at the set pressure.
Software - Then we have software, so that we can follow our own
treatment. Insurance will not cover this cost ($200) in most cases.
Not all CPAPs have software capability, but, I think all autos do. The
first CPAP that comes to mind with software capability is the RemStar
Pro 2 (Only the Pro 2, not the first generation Pro, without the 2).
pressures. If you are going to rely on your insurance, its highly
unlikely you will get one, unless the required pressure is in the
14 -22 cm/H2O range. The most capable BiPAP is the RemStar Auto
BiPAP. Because it is a BiPAP unit thats does auto titration.
The APAP is an auto titrating unit that is especially good for those
people (nearly everyone) who require different pressure for different
body positions. It runs in whatever pressure range you select, and
adjusts the pressure as your needs change. Here again the RemStar
Auto and Auto M are unique, because they may be ran in auto mode +
their exhale relief process known as C-flex.
CPAP - Much cheaper than the other two. Its the low price that makes them
attractive to DMEs and insurance. a CPAP just expels a constant air supply
at the set pressure.
Software - Then we have software, so that we can follow our own
treatment. Insurance will not cover this cost ($200) in most cases.
Not all CPAPs have software capability, but, I think all autos do. The
first CPAP that comes to mind with software capability is the RemStar
Pro 2 (Only the Pro 2, not the first generation Pro, without the 2).
+ Aussie heated hose.
....................................................................
People have more fun than anybody..
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People have more fun than anybody..
Sounds sort of difficult for the wife to understand not being a user herself and not sure if it is a cpap. Please post any of what you don't understand like titration etc. if you don't and maybe it can be clarified.
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Bi-Pap for 17 years now. Rx 12/8 and using a Resmed AirCurve 10 SAuto Bipap Auto.
Thank you, I understand a bit more now.
Dh (shorthand for dear husband) is using a CPAP machine right now, even though he started with an APAP (we figured this out over the weekend). They switched him because the humidifier on the APAP wasn't working well for him and he was having dry mouth/nose.
Since it's mostly being paid for by extended medical benefits, I'd prefer he have an APAP and he can use it as a CPAP if he needs to. Do all APAP's also work as CPAP's?
Also, what does the computer program do? Right now, he doesn't get any feedback from his CPAP, isn't even sure if it has the computer chip to record any statistics like the APAP did. This doesn't sound good to me. His pressure is set at 9 and that's that. He says he can do another sleep study if he needs to adjust the pressure. I'm sure it must be easier than that. Yesterday morning, I was watching him breathing in his sleep, and it was very fast and shallow. Later, after he had taken off the head set, he was back to the deep breathing where I'm not sure if he's stopping breathing...
Also, I'm not quite clear what a C-Flex does?
I tend to be more aggressive in treatment, and want to get the best I can, for me or him. He tends to be more passive, and it seems to be working, leave well enough alone (though my evaluation is that it's NOT working as well as it COULD).
The problem I see is that he's still very tired, and now he has a sore back/neck because with the nasal pillows, he unconsciously sleeps on his back, which he never did before because of the discomfort. He's tried different thicknesses of pillows (the head kind, not the nasal kind) but is still sore.
I still have hopes that he can tweak his treatment, get a better machine with more feedback, and end up feeling better. He's still not as good as I think he could be, still wakes up tired, and has headaches now, besides the sore neck/back. I feel bad for him that it's taking him so long to get better.
Theresa
Dh (shorthand for dear husband) is using a CPAP machine right now, even though he started with an APAP (we figured this out over the weekend). They switched him because the humidifier on the APAP wasn't working well for him and he was having dry mouth/nose.
Since it's mostly being paid for by extended medical benefits, I'd prefer he have an APAP and he can use it as a CPAP if he needs to. Do all APAP's also work as CPAP's?
Also, what does the computer program do? Right now, he doesn't get any feedback from his CPAP, isn't even sure if it has the computer chip to record any statistics like the APAP did. This doesn't sound good to me. His pressure is set at 9 and that's that. He says he can do another sleep study if he needs to adjust the pressure. I'm sure it must be easier than that. Yesterday morning, I was watching him breathing in his sleep, and it was very fast and shallow. Later, after he had taken off the head set, he was back to the deep breathing where I'm not sure if he's stopping breathing...
Also, I'm not quite clear what a C-Flex does?
I tend to be more aggressive in treatment, and want to get the best I can, for me or him. He tends to be more passive, and it seems to be working, leave well enough alone (though my evaluation is that it's NOT working as well as it COULD).
The problem I see is that he's still very tired, and now he has a sore back/neck because with the nasal pillows, he unconsciously sleeps on his back, which he never did before because of the discomfort. He's tried different thicknesses of pillows (the head kind, not the nasal kind) but is still sore.
I still have hopes that he can tweak his treatment, get a better machine with more feedback, and end up feeling better. He's still not as good as I think he could be, still wakes up tired, and has headaches now, besides the sore neck/back. I feel bad for him that it's taking him so long to get better.
Theresa
Seems like you went backwards when the humidifier wasn't working for you. Why didn't the DME just swap the non-working unit for a working unit of the same type? What was the brand of APAP that he had before changing?
I totally understand one person driving the best possible medical care and the other taking what is given. Been there. I am the driver type. He is lucky to have you looking out for him.
I am also a lover of APAP. As far as I know all APAPs can be run as CPAP. Makes sense since you can set the pressure range to the same number and that is what you get -- CPAP. So by getting an APAP you get added choices, nothing lost. Even better if you can get one without fighting with the DME. What did the doc prescribe? Seems strange that they gave you one without a fight. Good but strange. By the way, you should collect up his prescription, and copy of his sleep study for your own files. You can use that if you ever want to buy another machine, from someplace like CPAP.com or if you want to change to another DME online or local. Just good to have in general. In your case to also see what was actually prescribed.
You talk about dry nose and mouth. What mask was he using? Was it a nasal and perhaps he was mouth breathing? That wouldn't account for the dry nose though. Was it really dry, drier than anything he has ever experienced or just somewhat dry? Was the humidifier getting warm? Was the original machine new or used?
The computer programs give all sorts of feedback. I will let someone else go there as I am just about to install mine (I wanted to wait until the machine was "bought" by my insurance company before I pulled the card...) Someone with experience can say better. There is also a thread on this that is very recent dealing with Resmed Escape vs Elite.
Yes your husband can do another sleep study if he needs titration. I personally didn't enjoy it very much (at all) the first time and the $$$ copay for that are nowhere near as cheap as letting the APAP check your pressure. Even if you opt to use the APAP as a CPAP, it is a simple thing to change it over once in a while to see how things are going (with the software). Some makes (Resmed I believe, although I don't have one) allow you to get data on the machine from the previous night which would allow you not to need the software as badly). Someone else can maybe explain the differences there better than I. I have a Remstar and have never used others.
C-FLex is exhalation relief. Resmed has something similar, however in Auto mode, the Remstar APAP can use CFLEX whereas the Resmed in AUto mode cannot provide exhalation relief. Good writeup on CPAP.com (try FAQ might have been there).
I tend to sleep more on my back with CPAP, but with time I have gotten to where I can get some side sleep in. Some find it easier than others no matter which mask they are using.
Hope some of this helps
I totally understand one person driving the best possible medical care and the other taking what is given. Been there. I am the driver type. He is lucky to have you looking out for him.
I am also a lover of APAP. As far as I know all APAPs can be run as CPAP. Makes sense since you can set the pressure range to the same number and that is what you get -- CPAP. So by getting an APAP you get added choices, nothing lost. Even better if you can get one without fighting with the DME. What did the doc prescribe? Seems strange that they gave you one without a fight. Good but strange. By the way, you should collect up his prescription, and copy of his sleep study for your own files. You can use that if you ever want to buy another machine, from someplace like CPAP.com or if you want to change to another DME online or local. Just good to have in general. In your case to also see what was actually prescribed.
You talk about dry nose and mouth. What mask was he using? Was it a nasal and perhaps he was mouth breathing? That wouldn't account for the dry nose though. Was it really dry, drier than anything he has ever experienced or just somewhat dry? Was the humidifier getting warm? Was the original machine new or used?
The computer programs give all sorts of feedback. I will let someone else go there as I am just about to install mine (I wanted to wait until the machine was "bought" by my insurance company before I pulled the card...) Someone with experience can say better. There is also a thread on this that is very recent dealing with Resmed Escape vs Elite.
Yes your husband can do another sleep study if he needs titration. I personally didn't enjoy it very much (at all) the first time and the $$$ copay for that are nowhere near as cheap as letting the APAP check your pressure. Even if you opt to use the APAP as a CPAP, it is a simple thing to change it over once in a while to see how things are going (with the software). Some makes (Resmed I believe, although I don't have one) allow you to get data on the machine from the previous night which would allow you not to need the software as badly). Someone else can maybe explain the differences there better than I. I have a Remstar and have never used others.
C-FLex is exhalation relief. Resmed has something similar, however in Auto mode, the Remstar APAP can use CFLEX whereas the Resmed in AUto mode cannot provide exhalation relief. Good writeup on CPAP.com (try FAQ might have been there).
I tend to sleep more on my back with CPAP, but with time I have gotten to where I can get some side sleep in. Some find it easier than others no matter which mask they are using.
Hope some of this helps
He upped the humidity level on the APAP and it wasn't enough. He started with a nasal mask, which resulted in a dry mouth (mouth breathing) then when he switched to nasal pillows and ended up ripping them off after a few hours every night because of the pain/dryness. This improved when they switched him to the CPAP machine, which they said had a "more powerful humidifier". Both machines are used.snoregirl wrote:Seems like you went backwards when the humidifier wasn't working for you. Why didn't the DME just swap the non-working unit for a working unit of the same type? What was the brand of APAP that he had before changing?
I'll have to look at the prescription. The APAP was the first machine they gave him, so it must have been part of the prescription, although he "seems" to be doing well on the CPAP. I will get a copy of the prescription and results from his sleep study (all I know is he stopped breathing on average 25 times per hour, but his blood oxygen level didn't drop).
I'll have to learn more about Resmed/Escape computer issues etc.
So is C-Flex an alternative to BiPAP? He doesn't seem to have exhalation problems...yet. I'll check out the FAQ's. He's just not a happy camper.
Thank you very much for your help.
Theresa
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birdshell
- Posts: 1622
- Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:58 am
- Location: Southeast Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
Old Machines and C-Flex
First of all, why is your husband getting old, used machines? It is unusual, and if the insurance company is paying for a new one--well, they just may be verrry interrrested in finding out that they are used!
Secondly, I do not have a C-Flex machine. However, my understanding is that it is a feature on the RemStar machines that lessens the pressure when the user exhales. This makes it easier for the user to breathe at higher pressures.
Thirdly, the software can be very useful in determining problems. I wish I'd been prescribed software, as it could determine if I am getting benefit. I've ripped off the surgical tape on my mouth several nights. If I'd had software, the information from the xPAP (meaning any PAP device) would have told me the extent of the mouth breathing.
Time for the more knowledgable to chime in! You may also benefit from searching for a topic on the forum. Many other beginners have sought information!
Best wishes. Keep up the research; you'll be glad you did.
Secondly, I do not have a C-Flex machine. However, my understanding is that it is a feature on the RemStar machines that lessens the pressure when the user exhales. This makes it easier for the user to breathe at higher pressures.
Thirdly, the software can be very useful in determining problems. I wish I'd been prescribed software, as it could determine if I am getting benefit. I've ripped off the surgical tape on my mouth several nights. If I'd had software, the information from the xPAP (meaning any PAP device) would have told me the extent of the mouth breathing.
Time for the more knowledgable to chime in! You may also benefit from searching for a topic on the forum. Many other beginners have sought information!
Best wishes. Keep up the research; you'll be glad you did.
It seems to me, you had a Remstar APAP, Your husband used a nasal interface, and started mouthbreathing, which causes the nose and mouth to dry out.
So instead of fixing the mouthbreathing problem, they traded you a cheaper CPAP, (so they could resell the APAP again, since their was nothing wrong with it, but a patient mouthbreathing). The Insurance co. is still being charged as if they had provided the good machine.
In the meantime your husband is using a cheaper machine, with a Nasal mask, still mouthbreathing, and basically going poorly treated.
This is how I read your post, shame on everybody concerned you were dealing with. I would get my new Remstar APAP with HH back, get it set correctly, and learn how to mouthtape or get a FF Mask to by-pass taping, and start getting treatment that will work.
Then I would get the software and reader, so his progress can be seen, and adjust his treatment as necessary. Jim
So instead of fixing the mouthbreathing problem, they traded you a cheaper CPAP, (so they could resell the APAP again, since their was nothing wrong with it, but a patient mouthbreathing). The Insurance co. is still being charged as if they had provided the good machine.
In the meantime your husband is using a cheaper machine, with a Nasal mask, still mouthbreathing, and basically going poorly treated.
This is how I read your post, shame on everybody concerned you were dealing with. I would get my new Remstar APAP with HH back, get it set correctly, and learn how to mouthtape or get a FF Mask to by-pass taping, and start getting treatment that will work.
Then I would get the software and reader, so his progress can be seen, and adjust his treatment as necessary. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
Amen Jim. I use a Bipap Auto so I couldn't really comment to much on the Apap. That seems to be what is happening in my opinion too.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, APAP
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, APAP
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Last edited by sthnreb on Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
Bi-Pap for 17 years now. Rx 12/8 and using a Resmed AirCurve 10 SAuto Bipap Auto.
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birdshell
- Posts: 1622
- Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:58 am
- Location: Southeast Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
Listen
Please take to heart the Goofproof's posting. He is very knowledgable and always post good advice.
You may also want to search for DME (Durable Medical Equipment). You will get a huge number of posts, but also many, many stories about mistreatment of patients/clients. There are a few good DME providers, in all fairness.
You may also want to search for DME (Durable Medical Equipment). You will get a huge number of posts, but also many, many stories about mistreatment of patients/clients. There are a few good DME providers, in all fairness.
The machines are used, I guess, because they are being "tried out". We gave them a $250 deposit, and haven't submitted anything for payment by the insurance company yet, maybe it works differently here in Canada. When we decide on a machine, they will give us a new one (or we'll insist on it, after what I've learned here), we'll pay for it out of pocket, and submit the receipt for reimbursement from my extended medical plan.
I too think the mouth/nasal dryness were caused by mouth breathing. The DME supplier said the first machine didn't have a "powerful enough" humidifier, which is why they gave him the CPAP machine. Not enough humidity seems ironic since we have a DEhumidifier working constantly in the basement where we all sleep (technically "ground floor"), otherwise mildew grows in the carpets.
He slept without the machine last night (our son had come into our bed and my husband didn't have the heart to move him), and he realized he feels no better or worse whether he uses his machine or not
He's going to dig up his prescription and sleep study results (same thing?), maybe that might give me some insights.
I don't seem to "catch" him mouth breathing any more, and he's now using the nasal pillows, which seem to have a good seal, and most mornings, his water level hasn't gone down too much (when it does, we know he's been mouth breathing). Maybe something like a hybrid might work better for him.
I just don't know what it is that's not working, why he isn't feeling better.
Theresa
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, humidifier, DME, seal, Nasal Pillows, Prescription
I too think the mouth/nasal dryness were caused by mouth breathing. The DME supplier said the first machine didn't have a "powerful enough" humidifier, which is why they gave him the CPAP machine. Not enough humidity seems ironic since we have a DEhumidifier working constantly in the basement where we all sleep (technically "ground floor"), otherwise mildew grows in the carpets.
He slept without the machine last night (our son had come into our bed and my husband didn't have the heart to move him), and he realized he feels no better or worse whether he uses his machine or not
He's going to dig up his prescription and sleep study results (same thing?), maybe that might give me some insights.
I don't seem to "catch" him mouth breathing any more, and he's now using the nasal pillows, which seem to have a good seal, and most mornings, his water level hasn't gone down too much (when it does, we know he's been mouth breathing). Maybe something like a hybrid might work better for him.
I just don't know what it is that's not working, why he isn't feeling better.
Theresa
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, humidifier, DME, seal, Nasal Pillows, Prescription
Last edited by TheWife on Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
It could be many things, from mouthbreathing to incorrect pressure, or not using the treatment for the full sleep time everynight. Also for most of us, it took a long time to get as ran down as we are the repair can take even longer, stick with it. It sounds like you are going to have to be the driving force in his treatment, good luck and stick to it. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
Even with a "slight" mouth leak you will get dry mouth from the air passing through it regardless of a humidifier. With my Bipap Auto, I use the whole container each night and can still wake with dry mouth. It is usually because I get a small leak through my mouth. Sometimes you can get one and hardly notice it. I can see it with the Encore software. It makes my Bipap settings go up. A big reason you need the machine with software so you can monitor it. My AHI with the Auto Bipap is consistently below 2 and most of the time even lower than 1. Open mouth breathing can cause it to shoot way up along with my AHI, which is rare. My Rx is 12 Ipap and 8 Epap. On average, the Bipap averages the 12/8. If my mouth is closed it stays at the 10/8 setting that is preset by the Epap setting. I can't speak for how he feels but when I put my nasal mask on, I toss and turn for 5 minutes usually before I fall asleep. It knocks me out fast. I sleep solid for 6 hours and then it may be touch and go or bathroom runs. You have to figure into the equation, sometimes not feeling good is caused from other reasons too. If sleeping good and still feeling bad, maybe look for other reasons too. What is a stronger humidifier? Seems it would just cause rainout. Seems mine is set at 2 out of 3 settings. They can only blow so much moisture and then it will condensate and cause rainout. A machine should work with any humidifier. Mine is intergrated but I see no reason it couldn't be connected with an 18" hose as my other humidifier is and used with any machine.
If you can get any machine and just turn it into the insurance for payment, I would surely order from the internet and get what I wanted (auto).
If you can get any machine and just turn it into the insurance for payment, I would surely order from the internet and get what I wanted (auto).
Not the same. A sleep study produces all the readings from the test including the titration and apneas and hypoapneas. A respiratory therapist or MD looks at the titrated setting and comes up with the best Rx setting to reduce the apneas/hypoapneas by keeping the airway open at the lowest setting. This produces the "prescription" for each individual.He's going to dig up his prescription and sleep study results (same thing?)
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Bi-Pap for 17 years now. Rx 12/8 and using a Resmed AirCurve 10 SAuto Bipap Auto.
I just visited the Fisher & Paykel web site (as I don't know much about their products. It doesn't show any Auto titrating machines. But the 600 series they are showing models 604 and 608 both have "titration maximizer" software. Is you machine one of these? Can the DME or doc look at your husband's sleep data?
http://www.fphcare.com/osa/products.asp
I also don't have any knowledge about the strength of the humidifier vs. the other popular brands. I have seen while researching that they are the only one (that I can find) that have a heated hose (unless you buy the one from Australia).
Whatever works best for him. Seems strange to me that the other machine didn't humidify enough. I have mine at 2 most of the time (and at three it is way too humid, at least this time of the year and I think it goes higher yet. I would just say that you want to make sure that the APAP that you had before had a humidifier that was actually FUNCTIONING as opposed to it being weaker than the F and P machine. Otherwise you can't make a good comparison.
Given the way you are going about it (used machine trial) you may want to ask to try another APAP before you make a final decision and make sure the humidifier is all the way up and the heater is actually getting warm so you can make the best decision possible.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the machine you have now, just that I personally like the flexibility of APAP and would want to make sure that the unit I tried was fully functional so I could really know which worked better for me. Since the trial units are used, should be a non issue to retry another APAP when you have had a decent trial of this one. Don't make the decision on too few nights on either machine.
Yes, I agree with your dehumidifier/mildew comments. Doesn't make sense. If I don't tape my mouth, I mouthbreath and I almost have to peel my tongue off the inside of my mouth it is do dry. Not very pleasent. Of course there are varying degrees of mouthbreathing. I used to sleep (pre-cpap) with my mouth hanging wide open so I am not surprised I have to tape and strap to use a nasal interface. In fact I thought I couldn't until I tried the pillows (swift) and the air blowing up my nose was great. Solved my congestion problem.
Prescription and sleep study results are not the same thing. The prescription is like a prescription for medications (antibiotics etc). The sleep study should be a multi page report with numbers and text. There are others on this site much more knowledgable than I on interpreting the numbers.
Hard to tell what is working and not working if he doesn't feel better. For some the feeling better comes quickly for others it takes time. Without the software and being able to read the output (and feeling the same) it is hard to tell. Back to the question I asked earlier Is your machine (rental) equipt with software and can the DME reae it and compare it to your sleep study? Should tell you something doc should help here too.
I wouldn't make any quick decisions until either he is feeling better or you have some data from the machine.
http://www.fphcare.com/osa/products.asp
I also don't have any knowledge about the strength of the humidifier vs. the other popular brands. I have seen while researching that they are the only one (that I can find) that have a heated hose (unless you buy the one from Australia).
Whatever works best for him. Seems strange to me that the other machine didn't humidify enough. I have mine at 2 most of the time (and at three it is way too humid, at least this time of the year and I think it goes higher yet. I would just say that you want to make sure that the APAP that you had before had a humidifier that was actually FUNCTIONING as opposed to it being weaker than the F and P machine. Otherwise you can't make a good comparison.
Given the way you are going about it (used machine trial) you may want to ask to try another APAP before you make a final decision and make sure the humidifier is all the way up and the heater is actually getting warm so you can make the best decision possible.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the machine you have now, just that I personally like the flexibility of APAP and would want to make sure that the unit I tried was fully functional so I could really know which worked better for me. Since the trial units are used, should be a non issue to retry another APAP when you have had a decent trial of this one. Don't make the decision on too few nights on either machine.
Yes, I agree with your dehumidifier/mildew comments. Doesn't make sense. If I don't tape my mouth, I mouthbreath and I almost have to peel my tongue off the inside of my mouth it is do dry. Not very pleasent. Of course there are varying degrees of mouthbreathing. I used to sleep (pre-cpap) with my mouth hanging wide open so I am not surprised I have to tape and strap to use a nasal interface. In fact I thought I couldn't until I tried the pillows (swift) and the air blowing up my nose was great. Solved my congestion problem.
Prescription and sleep study results are not the same thing. The prescription is like a prescription for medications (antibiotics etc). The sleep study should be a multi page report with numbers and text. There are others on this site much more knowledgable than I on interpreting the numbers.
Hard to tell what is working and not working if he doesn't feel better. For some the feeling better comes quickly for others it takes time. Without the software and being able to read the output (and feeling the same) it is hard to tell. Back to the question I asked earlier Is your machine (rental) equipt with software and can the DME reae it and compare it to your sleep study? Should tell you something doc should help here too.
I wouldn't make any quick decisions until either he is feeling better or you have some data from the machine.