Ramp Questions

[rozenbob]

I am using a Remstar Auto M Series APAP.

In the manual, it states that when using the Ramp function it will Increase to the Prescription level from the ramp level set.

When in Auto and selecting the Ramp function, does it ramp up to the maximum setting?
(What is the Prescription level in APAP when a Range is set and Not a specific pressure.)

What is a good time setting for the Ramp Function?

Thanks Bob

[Wulfman]

I am using a Remstar Auto M Series APAP.

In the manual, it states that when using the Ramp function it will Increase to the Prescription level from the ramp level set.

When in Auto and selecting the Ramp function, does it ramp up to the maximum setting?
(What is the Prescription level in APAP when a Range is set and Not a specific pressure.)

What is a good time setting for the Ramp Function?

Thanks Bob

First of all, you've got the wrong machine in your profile. You have the older "Legacy" model Auto w/C-Flex.

Have you gone into your machine setup? How is your machine configured?
It would Ramp up from the starting Ramp setting to the minimum pressure over the time you set for the Ramp time.

Hopefully, your machine's pressure range isn't set 4 - 20. If you were to set your Ramp time to 45 min. and minimum pressure to 4, you'd be starving for air for way too long.

Den


Hold down the <- -> buttons while plugging in the little power cord in the back, wait for 2 beeps release buttons. Then press the + key to enter setup mode, use the <- -> buttons to move to the next field, use the -/+ keys to decrease/increase values, when set press the On/Off button to exit Setup.

Therapy Mode = CPAP/AUTO (If Auto is selected, there will be A-Flex or C-Flex options)
CPAP Pressure = NN (only appears in CPAP mode).
AutoMax = 20 cm (default)
AutoMin = 4.0cm (default)
C-Flex Setting = Off, 1, 2 or 3
Ramp Time = (0:05 to 0:45)
Ramp Start Pressure = 4.0cm (can be from 4cm to AutoMin pressure).
Mask Alert = On/Off (beeps on large leak, mask removal).
Auto Off = Off (turns off machine on large leak/mask removal) Suggest leaving it "Off"
Split Night Time = Off (options are Off, 120, 180, 240) Should be "Off"
Show AHI/Leak = On (enables logging to display) Suggest leaving it "On"
Patient Reminder = Off (days to remind you that you get a new mask w/Insurance).
returns to Therapy Mode
Pressing On/Off exits Setup



==========Resetting LCD Display Data====================

To reset LCD Therapy data (does NOT erase any data from SmartCard):

1. Hold down the (<-) (->) buttons while plugging in the power on the back,
wait for 2 beeps or 5 seconds, release buttons.
2. Press the (->) key and navigate to Therapy screen.
3. Press and HOLD down the (-) minus key for 5 seconds and/or until therapy data is reset to Zero.
4. Press the (->) key to scroll back to main menu, press (+) key to enter Setup or
On/Off button to exit.

[rozenbob]

Den,

My present setting is 6.5 to 11 with 45 min Ramp C-flex at 2.

It seems that when I hit ramp in the middle of the night, within 45 mins it is at Max pressure (11).

Beacause of this, i thought maybe it ramped from 6.5 to 11 in 45 minutes with NO stops during the ramping process.

Bob

p.s. unable to change the CPAP choice in my description

[Wulfman]

Den,

My present setting is 6.5 to 11 with 45 min Ramp C-flex at 2.

It seems that when I hit ramp in the middle of the night, within 45 mins it is at Max pressure (11).

Beacause of this, i thought maybe it ramped from 6.5 to 11 in 45 minutes with NO stops during the ramping process.

Bob

p.s. unable to change the CPAP choice in my description

Your post is confusing.
What mode is your machine in? Auto or CPAP?
Is 6.5 your Ramp starting pressure or your minimum Auto range pressure?
If your machine is in CPAP mode and your pressure is 11, after the 45 minutes, your Ramp time would be up and it would have reached the pressure that's programmed in your machine.
If your machine is in Auto mode, and your starting pressure is 6.5, your machine is probably going to the pressure that's needed.

Are you SURE you have an Auto? Look on the top of it and see exactly what it says.
Then, using the instructions I listed, go into the setup and SEE what the settings are.
From your description, I'm inclined to believe that it's in CPAP mode with a single pressure.


Den

[Hawthorne]

Or- if he has an auto and it is set in auto mode with a minimum pressure set at 6.5 cm and a maximum set an 11 cm then, if the pressure jumps from 6.5 right up to 11 cm after 45 min, then the minimum pressure should be changed to 10 or 11 cm and the maximum set at maybe 15 cm.

The ramp pressure then would be better set at something like 8 cm. It could still be left at 45 if it takes you a while to get to sleep or the time in ramp could be changed to maybe 15 minutes.

If it is in cpap mode then it is as Wulfman said.

I am also confused. We need to know what machine you actually have ( you said an M Series Auto). Does it say that on the top of the machine? Do you know if it is set in auto or straight cpap mode?

[rozenbob]

Yes, my CPAP says Remstar Auto M Series right on Top!!

I was under the impression that CPAP was ONE pressure (i.e. 9), while APAP was a a RANGE (i.e. 6.5 to 11)...

If this is True, I do not understand the confusion I created... but do APOLOGISE!

Yes, I believe I am in Auto since I set a range of 6.5 (min) to 11(max).
When I select Ramp, the machine Automatically reads the minimum number in the set range and cannot be set any lower!
C-Flex is set at 2.
My 90% is usually around 10.
I am using a Full Face Mask (alternate between a Quatro and Flexfit 432)
Have been on CPAP 2 years using Encore Pro to check readings.

When on Auto without using Ramp, I usaually stabilize around 9.5 to 10.
When using Ramp, I noticed a HIGHER pressure..and that was why I was asking about the Ramp system .

Your Replies were Appreciated..

Bob

[Wulfman]

Yes, my CPAP says Remstar Auto M Series right on Top!!

I was under the impression that CPAP was ONE pressure (i.e. 9), while APAP was a a RANGE (i.e. 6.5 to 11)...

If this is True, I do not understand the confusion I created... but do APOLOGISE!

Yes, I believe I am in Auto since I set a range of 6.5 (min) to 11(max).
When I select Ramp, the machine Automatically reads the minimum number in the set range and cannot be set any lower!
C-Flex is set at 2.
My 90% is usually around 10.
I am using a Full Face Mask (alternate between a Quatro and Flexfit 432)
Have been on CPAP 2 years using Encore Pro to check readings.

When on Auto without using Ramp, I usaually stabilize around 9.5 to 10.
When using Ramp, I noticed a HIGHER pressure..and that was why I was asking about the Ramp system .

Your Replies were Appreciated..

Bob

Some people confuse the starting Ramp pressure with Auto minimum pressure and THINK they have an Auto machine.
I didn't know if that was the case in your situation, but apparently not.
If your minimum (Auto) pressure is set at 6.5, I'd suggest turning off the Ramp entirely. That pressure is pretty low to start anyway. If your 90% pressure is around 10, then (in my opinion) that should be about where your minimum pressure should be set. You're probably having too many events below that and you would probably see better AHI numbers. (you didn't mention what they've been)


Den

[Goofproof]

I don't and wouldn't use a ramp, after two years I can't see a reason you haven't dropped it. Also the machine won't work in auto unless you are sleeping with it, it is made to work with your sleeping breathing patterns. When you are awake your breathing patterns are different. I started at 14 cm without the ramp and never looked back. I don't want to be hooked up to my machine without it being allowed to work. Jim

[rozenbob]

Thanks Den,

I will disable ramp, but am leary of increasing pressure above ten because I need to really tighten my mask to prevent additional leaks.
I am presently averaging 5 AHI.

Bob

[Wulfman]

Thanks Den,

I will disable ramp, but am leary of increasing pressure above ten because I need to really tighten my mask to prevent additional leaks.
I am presently averaging 5 AHI.

Bob

Have you done the "Teflon tape fix" to that mask?

You shouldn't have to tighten that mask down all that tight for a pressure of 10. Sometimes, looser is better. But, if your mask is adjusted for the lower pressures, when it gets higher, it COULD cause more leaking.

I'll bet you could cut your AHI in half or better by going to a straight pressure of 10 in CPAP mode.

Den

[rozenbob]

Den

Yes I did the teflon fix to the attaching port.

When my masks leak (both of them), the leak is by my chin and I am now using the large size with both styles with some improvement..

It has been a few weeks since using the CPAP at level 9, maybe I will increase to 9.5 or 10 next time around.

Thanks Again

Bob