REMstar C-Flex settings

[Wulfman]

Chris,

If you change your setting from CPAP to CFLE, you'll be able to change the C-Flex setting. You might try a C-Flex setting of 3 to see how that feels.
One of our members "Handgunner45" does have a full beard and wears the Ultra Mirage FF mask......but having had beards at times, I can relate to the potential leaking you experienced.

You might also experiment with the "Ramp" feature.....starting at a lower setting (maybe 8, 9 or 10?) and a time of however long it may take you to get to sleep....it goes in 5 minute intervals (if it isn't already set up for Ramp). That wouldn't be anything that would conflict with the prescription.

Den

[Sleepy-eyes]

Okay, I'll try setting it on 3. My ramp is 7.5 for 20 minutes..........which is just fine. But as soon as I drift closer to sleep, my tongue falls from a sealing position and my mouth blows open with a loud pop and roar. Needless to say, I'm startled back from the brink and am once again awake. It can go on like that for hours. It's so much fun!!!!!

[TXKajun]

sleepy-eyes (aka Chris), great move in deciding to contact the VA for adjustments!! It may take more time, but it will probably be worth it in the end.

In the meantime, keep reading, giving information and asking questions here! It's a great place to share info and there's some very experienced, knowledgeable folks here. It wouldn't surprise me if you got the solutions to your problems before you are able to get back to the VA. But, read, read, read!

Most of the folks here, IMO, want to be "informed patients" and that's why we share the info. Also, a goodly number of folks here have software that helps them monitor their treatment so we can "tweak" it for maximum benefit.

Welcome to the world of hoseheads!

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!!

[Wulfman]

Try taping your lips shut.....or getting some Polident adhesive strips. (tape might be a little funky with your facial hair)

Den

[Sleepy-eyes]

My girlfriend also wears a C-Pap machine. I'll have to share the "hose-head" label with her. She'll get a kick out of it.

Wulfman, I looked up that full faced mask you mentioned and it's the same one I've used.

[Sleepy-eyes]

Polident adheasive strips? Never thought of that. I'll look into it. Thanks.

[snoregirl]

One of your last posts gave me more insight into your problem. You mention the mouth popping open...

You have to keep the mouth shut.

I tape (I use the swift). Bend edges of tape over to make a tab for easy, quick removal. I also use an ace bandage under the chin to top rear of the head. This stableizes the headgear more and also acts as a little pressure to keep the mouth shut (not too tight), and don't clench your teeth or you will move into a new set of problems. Looks a bit silly but who cares.

But if you can try a chinstrap or ace bandage or something similar homemade from stretchy material with the tape you might find you can keep the mask on.

I know you say the VA only authorizes that machine, most insurances do that to start, but if you are having issues and with a high pressure of 15 I can certainly see why you might, you are really a potential candidate for Auto CPAP or BiPAP a couple cm most of the night can really make a difference (but you already know that). Many insurance companies require you to fail at the basic machine before they will change it for a more sophisticated model. Will they let you upgrade for a fee, hate to do this but sometimes it is the thing to do? Did you get it from a Brick and mortor DME? IF so, I am willing to bet you are in the same basic situtation the rest of us are in. Billing code. E061 is CPAP. My guess is that the VA won't care or know the difference if the DME provides AUTO. But since you are dealing with a VA doctor you may have issues getting the doc to write for AUTO. Most DME's won't provide anything that the doc didn't order... I can't see why they wouldn't write for Bi Pap if necessary as they are supposed to provide appropriate care.

My advice (non medical of course, and not knowing too much about the VA system) is this. Try to stabilize what you have with strapand tape.

Get an appt as soon as you can (and I know that is not soon). Complain, go in with knowledge and suggest the Auto (which would run lower until you need 15 and help you tollerate the mask. See what you can do.

If all else fails, is it possible for you to afford to pay cash? Keep all the other supplies (including humidifier as it will fit the new one (your picture shows a Pro2 so you get the older AUTO) and even keep the machine if you can manage to pass compliance if it is requrired and it doesn't cost you $$. Then buy just the Auto for cash $609 from cpap.com. Your current CPAP script is good for AUTO (get it and a copy of your sleep studies too). Then sell the Pro2 to recoop some money from the AUTO. Or keep the Pro2 if you like if money isn't that tight.

Good luck. Keep us informed.

[Snoredog]

[quote="Sleepy-eyes"]Okay, Wulfman. I updated my profile. I have no idea what type software I have in the machine.

When I got into the setup program, the machine was set on C-Pap and not C-Flex. So there is no number selection possible. On C-Flex it is set at 1. I am using a Nasal-Aire II canula type mask and am using the 3rd from the smallest canula. It is the largest canula I can insert into my nostrils. I originally used a full-face mask, but with the pressure so high, it leaked everywhere. (I wear a full beard.) When I'd get it tight enough to "sort of" seal, it would cut so hard into the back of my neck that I'd end up with a headache within the hour.

[Sleepy-eyes]

Okay, here's a "follow-up":

Last night I made it about 4 hours. I was wearing a ComfortFull-2, full-face mask. Pressure was set on 14, C-Flex at 3, and Ramp at 7 for 30 minutes. The leaking was what finally made me take it off. I couldn't sleep with air in my eyes and my cheeks making fart noises. (don't mean to offend, just making my point) I would roll around to eleviate one problem only to have another arise. WHEW! What a process this is.

There's one thing I can't quite figure out, though. Does anyone remember how, as kids, we used to "swallow" air to be able to belch? (I know, I know, it's a "guy thing") At night, wearing the C-Pap machine, I get that same accumulation of air in the upper middle of my chest and have to belch all night. I can actually feel when it's happening. It's being forced there by the pressure of the machine and is really irritating. Has anyone else experienced that?

[Guest]

By all means, listen to WulfMan and configure your machine by yourself! These folks on here are all doctors and know exactly how to treat you.

Thanks WulfMan for letting yet someone else know how to play with their health.

[Sleepy-eyes]

By all means, listen to WulfMan and configure your machine by yourself! These folks on here are all doctors and know exactly how to treat you.

Thanks WulfMan for letting yet someone else know how to play with their health.

While I understand your comments, I do sincerely appreciate people (like WulfMan) who will take the time to try and educate me about my machine. I was supplied the machine by the VA and all they do is hand it to you and tell you how to turn it on!!!!!! At least I'm learning some things here. I contacted my VA Primary Care Physician this morning and she is going to check with the Sleep Disorder Doctor about what perameters I have to work with. (even my PCP doesn't know anything about the illness or the equipment to deal with it!)

So thanks, WulfMan.........and all the others who have tried to help me.

[oldgearhead]

SleepyEyes, Wulfman, and Guests,

I think this post brings up a very interesting question:

When one is starting out on xPAP, which is more important compliance or blind following of a titration? How can SleepyEyes tolerate 15 cm/H2O, when the mask he has now does not work at 15 cm/H2O.

I think Wulfman had to address that question, some time ago, and he has tried to convey to SleepyEyes, how he was able to do it. As I recall, Wulfman purchased the software (Encore Pro) and the card reader, then with lots of data at hand, adjusted his pressure until he was satisfied with the results.

I think if SleepEyes has a Pro 2 (not a plain Pro), the same approach should work for him. Furthermore, I would suggest trying a good nasal pillow mask and mouth taping or Polydent strips, because it works for a lot of people here. You see, SleepyEyes, nasal pillow masks seal inside the nose, therefore they are able to seal with the higher pressures.

I see nothing wrong in 'working your way up" to your titrated pressure. However, you won't know when you hit the "sweet spot" unless you use the software, just like Wulfman did.

I think compliance is the first goal.

[Sleepy-eyes]

I agree. Compliance with my Doctor's RX is important. But I'm still waiting on a call back to see if I have any leeway in the settings. If I could afford to pay for all this equipment, i.e. to try different masks, machines, and software, I'd not be going to the VA. There's no way I can afford all this equipment. So I'll just have to do with what I have, for the most part. With the VA, patience is the key word.

I'll try the NaselAire II tonight with a taped mouth. Maybe that'll work.

[Wulfman]

By all means, listen to WulfMan and configure your machine by yourself! These folks on here are all doctors and know exactly how to treat you.

Thanks WulfMan for letting yet someone else know how to play with their health.

Oh, Johnny (and Theo).....I just LOVE this new feature!!! It answers a LOT of questions.
THANK-YOU!!!

Also Posted As:
(ajp33)
(crystalhelix)
(Jimmy_CPAPed_Corn)
(REMmaster)
(Research_Guy)
(SleepNapnia)
(thedean)

Reminds me of "The Wizard of Oz"......."Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain".

At least I'm not standing behind a curtain!
In many cases, the reason we're here is because the medical community or some other part of our therapy has failed.....and we have to rely on the experiences of others.
We don't PREscribe.....we DEscribe.

Den

[Goofproof]

It sounds like Guest is so well treated by his Dr. (Shrink?). He can't even remember his own name, I want his advice, NOT! Jim