New CPAP User With Questions

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:43 pm

Hi all, I used my cpap for the first time last night. I am using a Remstar Plus M series machine and a Comfort Classic mask that covers my nose only.

My machine is set to 11.

It was certainly difficult to sleep and especially change positions but I made it through the night. I have no idea if I went into apnea or not. When I first put the mask on the pressure was too high so I pushed that button that decreases the pressure in half and then gradually increases back to 11. By the morning I didn't feel the 11 pressure was too much so that is a good thing I guess.

The thing is though, that I didn't feel rested and had to take a nap (without cpap machine). I still have a headache and don't feel energetic today. Will this change over time? How long does it take for this machine to "change my life" as many others have described

OSAGuy · Post by **OSAGuy** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 3:39 pm

When I started with therapy it took me a couple of weeks to adjust to it, mainly becoming accustomed to wearing the full face mask. I did, however, notice a change in the way I fealt beginning with the first night. Hang in there and give it some time, but if you don't notice improvement it would be a good idea to get checked out.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:01 pm

When you nap try to use the xpap. Everyone is different. Some see results right away, and some need weeks,even months to see results. The important part is to stick with it!! Each night it will get a little easier. Each day you will feel a little better. If you have trouble with leaks or mouth breathing, you are not getting proper treatment. Are you sure you aren't mouth breathing? If you think you might be you either need a full face mask or you can tape your mouth shut(many of us do!).

Brenda

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:35 pm

I'm pretty sure I'm not mouth breathing because I do not feel the need to AND it makes my ears block.

I hope this mask works because I would think that a full face would feel more claustraphobic

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:49 pm

Unfortunately, your equipment provider (DME) supplied you with a machine that doesn't store "good" data. The smart card only stores compliance.

Many of us here on the forum have machines that stores much more information that what yours does.

I would go back to the DME and tell him you want a Remstar M Pro, or a Remstar M Auto. Both of those machines stores important data on the smart card which can be downloaded with software.

Also, with one of those machines, you would be able to access on the machine LCD some important numbers from your previous night's sleep -- even if you don't get the software.

The only way you would know if you are mouth breathing, or if air is leaking from your mouth is with a better machine, or a bed partner who stays awake to watch, or a mini-cam to video tape you.

Since you just got your machine, your DME should have no problems switching it out. He billed your insurance company and will be paid the same about of money for the cheap one as he will for a better one.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:57 pm

I agree with Linda on getting a better machine. No data, so you can't tell what is happening in the night.

By the way, the little button (I believe you meant the ramp button) doesn't cut the pressure in half, it cuts it down to whatever it is programmed to do and gradually brings it back up to your set (titrated pressure).

The point is the ramp can be changed.

It may take you a while to get comfortable with the mask. You may want to try the nasal pillows too. Might want to try taping your mouth to make sure that you are not leaking. But I really think you should get a machine that collects data and as Linda said, even if you don't buy the software, the dme or doc can read the card and see what is going on.

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:25 pm

Thanks Linda and Snoregirl, why do you think they would ahve given me that particular machine when there are others that collect data. I had no idea. Perhaps this is the machine they give to newbies?

So in your opinion, do you think the fact that I didn't feel well today means something (ie, mouth breathing, leaks etc) or does it simply just take time to get used to and "un-do" all the damage of apenea for the past several years

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:37 pm

Both, as to why you don't feel well. It does take some people months to start feeling better. And you have only used your machine one night. See how you feel in a week or a month. But if you are mouth breathing, or leaking air from your mask, then you basically are not getting therapy.

Why did they give you a low end machine? Because it costs them less money, and they make more money. Very simple arithmetic. Remember, no matter what machine they give you, they get paid the same amount of money from your insurance (unless it is a Bi-Pap).

Now would be the time to address getting a better machine.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:39 pm

bethlori wrote:Perhaps this is the machine they give to newbies?

More like it is the machine they give people who haven't found this forum and don't know any better. Fight for your rights -- they are serving you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 8:54 pm

Ok I will talk to them on Tuesday

MikeRobert · Post by **MikeRobert** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:55 am

Linda 3032,
I recently was put on a BiPap Auto w/Bi-Flex. Does it have the ability to check previous nights numbers via the LCD? Nothing about this is in the manual that came with it. I want to see how I progress with this unit before investing in software/reader.
TIA for your help.
Mike

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:38 am

MikeRobert, it looks like you have the Classic Remstar Bi-pap, (not the M series), so NO. It doesn't display the data.

You can use the Encore Pro software, card reader, and the free programs with your machine to obtain excellent data.

I'm sending you a PM. check your messages.

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