New to using Cpap (a bit lost...)

[LeonieX]

32 GB will work fine. I know because I have one.
It's got to the point that lower GB storage cards cost a lot more than the bigger cards.

I played it safe and got a 2 pack of 16GB. Found a good deal, and can keep one as a backup. I don't plan to let data accumulate for long anyways, will probably micromanage my sleep report once I figure it out.

I will be back when I have some data to analyze!

[Janknitz]

Kaiser is different than most sleep clinics in monitoring and assisting. They do have the capability to monitor your compliance and tweak the settings over the air, but they will mostly do this in the early stages. Once things are set, they may just check in with you occasionally.

If you are on Kaiser plan where they are charging you for all these services (some plans) then you may ask them to leave you on your own once your settings are dialed in and compliance is met. You can also put your machine in airplane mode and just turn that mode off if they are asking for compliance data. Or you could continue to let them support and help you if you think it's helpful to you and especially if it's not costing you a lot.

If you are on Kaiser Advantage, since you are paying monthly anyway, and they don't charge for there services, you may want to continue. They will also let you try out new masks whenever you feel like it would help.

[BuckarooBanzai]

I was going to buy a 32GB, Leonie, for the same reason, but then I found a 16 GB on Amazon that was actually cheaper. So I was able to avoid the bright line and get the best deal, LOL.

My understanding is that, as Pugsy said, those who buy the 32GB usually do just fine but, like I said, 32GB is the magic line. I like to play things safe, so I went with 16 GB.

[LeonieX]

I was going to buy a 32GB, Leonie, for the same reason, but then I found a 16 GB on Amazon that was actually cheaper. So I was able to avoid the bright line and get the best deal, LOL.

My understanding is that, as Pugsy said, those who buy the 32GB usually do just fine but, like I said, 32GB is the magic line. I like to play things safe, so I went with 16 GB.

I was very curious so I finished setting up Oscar and imported the data on that card from the two nights I've used it and it seemed to work without any extra steps. I couldn't tell you if all the data is there and if it's good but maybe it would work after all. I'm still going to use the 16 GB one to be safe.

[LeonieX]

Thanks, I have United Healthcare and no idea what to expect. I just checked out your link regarding dealing with DMEs and feeling quite concerned... mine ranges so far from indifferent to negligent.

[GrumpyHere]

32GB is the magic line.

Bigger SD cards can be used if you cannot get the smaller cards.

One just have to go through the effort of creating a 32GB or smaller partition on the bigger cards.

It helps if you have a relative who's a computer geek on call. Or just spend some effort reading the many simple online tutorials.

[BuckarooBanzai]

Kudos, Leonie! You're rolling!

[LeonieX]

Kudos, Leonie! You're rolling!

Baby steps lol
I am off to produce more data now...
Have a great night!

[BuckarooBanzai]

Hey! Baby steps count!

Sleep well.

[Janknitz]

Thanks, I have United Healthcare and no idea what to expect. I just checked out your link regarding dealing with DMEs and feeling quite concerned... mine ranges so far from indifferent to negligent.

That's par for the course and that's why we are here to help people be proactive in their CPAP therapy. Nobody cares more for your health than you do. The DME's are profit-driven companies out to make a buck, they don't care about you except to the extent they have to in order to be reimbursed (sometimes, like finding a 4-leaf clover, there's a good one). So your best defense is to educate yourself about machines and accessories, about insurance coverage and out of pocket expenses, about making your treatment optimal and how to get what you need to accomplish this. Some people have good doctors that work with them to optimize the treatment, many (most) do not. But most people, with some tools and help, can figure out how to be their own advocates and optimize their treatment.

[LeonieX]

I want to try a full face mask or hybrid because I have a deviated septum and constant sinus issues.

Since I am not yet under the care of a DME and using a loaner machine I'm kind of on my own to get a replacement. I noticed there are many online suppliers, some require prescriptions, some don't, and there is a wide range of prices.

I'm very attracted to the really low prices of course
Any advice on making sure I got a good deal but also order from a trustworthy site?

My doctor would give me a prescription, I'm just really confused why some require it and some don't

[chunkyfrog]

My first machine (S9 elite, not autoset) came with a 1G sd card.
When I donated the machine, I kept the card.

[LeonieX]

My apologies, I've realized I broke a rule and started a new thread SORRY!

This is the imgur link for 3 recent reports.
https://imgur.com/a/bvxDlOp

I have yet to experience any improvement so I'm hoping someone can suggest adjustments that might move me in the right direction. I am winging it with a borrowed machine until I can get my own machine and my PCP is not experienced with this.

[Pugsy]

Your reports actually look really good on paper.

Let's back up a bit..
can you explain what symptoms you are having now you wish you didn't have and were hoping cpap would resolve?

Also..some questions
How many hours of sleep are you averaging? I see a couple of nights with around 8 hours of machine use and 1 night with around 6 hours.
Those hours....did you sleep soundly or was the sleep broken and fragmented with a lot of wake ups...if so, why?
Do you take any medications of any kind? If so, what.
Do you have any other physical or mental health issues going on that might impact how you feel during the day or your sleep quality?

I can bring that other thread over to this thread if you wish...combine them but it's not the end of the world to have a separate thread.

[LeonieX]

Your reports actually look really good on paper.

Let's back up a bit..
can you explain what symptoms you are having now you wish you didn't have and were hoping cpap would resolve?

I haven't had any improvement in waking refreshed or with energy nor any decrease in brain fog...which my doctor sort of promised would happen if I use this machine. From reading others experiences I know now that was a bit of a fib! I'm still willing to continue for the health benefits and have the hope that with time that rest will come. My limited understanding though is that you start with a broad pressure range and then fine-tune, which hasn't been done in almost a month since my doctor is not available to help me.

There is another contributing factor which I explain further down, so I do realize CPAP alone is not going to fix everything... I am hoping for just a little bit of a win

How many hours of sleep are you averaging? I see a couple of nights with around 8 hours of machine use and 1 night with around 6 hours.

I used to sleep for 8 to 9 hours. The one problem I'm having is that I have a natural awakening at a certain time towards the end of my sleep hours, where I would go back to sleep for another cycle. Now I become aware of how it feels to have had the mask on my face for 6 to 8 hours and I just cannot do it. I will lay there for a very long time trying to, but the desire to rip the mask off my face eventually overpowers me.

Those hours....did you sleep soundly or was the sleep broken and fragmented with a lot of wake ups...if so, why?

I am actually having less waking up! I have had a zero trips to the bathroom at night since I started CPAP. I used to have bad dreams every night which would disturb my mind throughout the night when I would wake up, and make it harder to resume sleeping. That has also stopped. I would hope less waking up would balance out the fewer hours of sleep but maybe not...

Do you take any medications of any kind? If so, what.
Do you have any other physical or mental health issues going on that might impact how you feel during the day or your sleep quality?

I do have (cause undiagnosed) chronic pain and inflammation which has been ongoing for years. No meds though, I am not able to take even NSAIDs due to adverse reactions. I am managing it during waking hours with heat treatment and tens. I take a high dose of turmeric and also CBD under doctor's care. I just consulted a new specialist last week who noticed I have hypermobile joints but an actual diagnosis is still being determined. Before this finding my primary doctor had hoped improving my sleep quality would improve my symptoms, but it is definitely possible that the root of those symptoms affects my sleep and energy, aside from the obstruction issues and the deviated septum.

I can bring that other thread over to this thread if you wish...combine them but it's not the end of the world to have a separate thread.

It's fine it was just my inquiry about how many reports to post. I'll try to keep everything here for now which is more organized. I will keep reading and learning and hopefully get to a point where I can understand my own reports . Thank you so much for your help! 🤍 Leonie