Introduction and a couple questions

[Disneymama]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for a few weeks now and thought it was time to introduce myself and ask a couple of questions. I'm Jenny, 35 years old, married, no kids. For the past 5 years or so, I've been dealing with pain and exhaustion that's been diagnosed as fibromyalgia, depression, TMJD or a combination of all three on multiple occasions. A couple months ago I was diagnosed with OSA and I just started treatment. The road from diagnosis to treatment has been a long one. The reason: I'm a Kaiser member.

I had my PSG at Kaiser in October. During that time, the tech told me that she'd be coming in around 1:00 AM to put a mask on me if it looked like I was having events, but she never did. I just assumed that everything was fine. About 3 weeks later, I received a call from the sleep lab that said that my doctor wanted me to have "the second part of the sleep study" where I'd take home a machine for the night and return it the next day. During the associated class (about a month later) the tech kept saying things like "when you get your own machine" and "when you pick out your own mask..." It was then that I asked, "Um, what if our doctor says that we don't need a machine?" She looked at me and said, "Oh, honey, if you're in this class, you're getting the machine." Of course, I know now that the "second part of the study" was titration. And that was how I was informed of my OSA diagnosis. In fact, I informed my doctor of my OSA. When my machine never showed up because no order was placed, I sent my dr and email asking for the results of the sleep study and if I'd be getting a machine. She said "Oh! You have sleep apnea. Thank you for letting me know." Did I mention that I'm a Kaiser member?

The machine I was sent is the Respironics M Series Plus with C-Flex. My doctor has also ordered a heated humidifier that I’ll be receiving in the next day or so. My mask… well, I haven’t actually received a mask to call my own yet. Right now, I’m borrowing a mask from the titration testing machines. I believe it’s an Ultra Mirage II Nasal mask. It’s been working for me, I guess because so far, I feel like I have energy that I didn’t have before, especially in the afternoon where I always dragged.

So, after all that, here’s my question… I know my machine isn’t fully data capable, but I don’t know what data is does or doesn’t display. What kind of useful data can I get from this machine and how do I get it?

[harry33]

welcome disney,

your problems with slow diagnosis sadly are common
some users think data matters, some dont, I have been using CPAP since 1995 and have never had any interest in data, or humidifiers

have positive thoughts re your CPAP and be patient

stay with us and read the other posts

[BleepingBeauty]

So, after all that, here’s my question… I know my machine isn’t fully data capable, but I don’t know what data is does or doesn’t display. What kind of useful data can I get from this machine and how do I get it?

Welcome to the forum (and the hosehead club), Disneymama.

The info your machine will display is:

Hours of use (useless to everyone except your insurance company and maybe your doctor, to prove that you're being "compliant" with therapy), and your nighly AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index) and Leak Rate. If you don't reset the machine every day, the info displayed will be AVERAGES (for both the past 7 and 30 days).

If my memory serves (the M-Series Plus w/C-Flex was my first machine), to reset the machine each day (so you see data displayed for just the past night):

1. Unplug the power cord from the back of the machine.
2. Hold down both arrow keys on top of the machine as you plug the power cord back in, and wait til you hear two quick beeps. Now you're in the Setup menu (on the screen, you'll see a little padlock that's now open) and can scroll through the settings on the machine. (It's a good idea to write down what each original setting is, just in case you accidentally change something.)
3. Push either arrow key til you see the Therapy screen. Hold down the MINUS key for about five seconds, until the data displayed resets to zero.
4. Push the on/off button to exit the menu.

Hope that helps.

[Wulfman]

The M Series Plus will ONLY give the hours used. PERIOD! No AHI, no LEAK data, no SNORE index......nothing but hours used.

If you want/need data capability, you would need the "M Series Pro" model.

If there's a snowball's chance in Hell that you can twist their arms to get one, it'll be worth it.


Den

[Snorkler]

I started with a "Plus" and with a $100 co-pay they allowed me to upgrade to an "Auto". I am not with Kaiser. I think you can usually return equipment within 30 days and I did the swap within 30 days of getting the Plus.

[BleepingBeauty]

The M Series Plus will ONLY give the hours used. PERIOD! No AHI, no LEAK data, no SNORE index......nothing but hours used.

If you want/need data capability, you would need the "M Series Pro" model.

If there's a snowball's chance in Hell that you can twist their arms to get one, it'll be worth it.


Den

Wow, I really am tired...

Sorry for the misinformation in my earlier post, Disney. Den's right - compliance (usage) info only.

[Wulfman]

The M Series Plus will ONLY give the hours used. PERIOD! No AHI, no LEAK data, no SNORE index......nothing but hours used.

If you want/need data capability, you would need the "M Series Pro" model.

If there's a snowball's chance in Hell that you can twist their arms to get one, it'll be worth it.


Den

Wow, I really am tired...

Sorry for the misinformation in my earlier post, Disney. Den's right - compliance (usage) info only.

Could be your pressure isn't quite right yet........


Den

[DreamOn]

Welcome to the forum, DisneyMama! Perhaps other Kaiser members here can advise you how they were able to switch their compliance-only machine for one that's capable of reporting full data.

There's a lot of information available by searching this forum. The "CPAP Wiki" at the top of the page is a good place to start. There are a lot of helpful people here, so don't hesitate to ask any questions!

I wish you the best with your therapy. It sounds like you're getting good results so far, since your energy is improved.

~ DreamOn

[BleepingBeauty]

Wow, I really am tired...

Sorry for the misinformation in my earlier post, Disney. Den's right - compliance (usage) info only.

Could be your pressure isn't quite right yet........


Den

[Disneymama]

Thanks for the info. I was afraid that I wouldn't get any truly useful info off of it. As for asking the DME to switch it out, I've had the machine in my possession for over 30 days now. I had instructions from Kaiser to not open the box until my appointment with the RT (which was supposed to be 3 weeks later.) Unfortunately, that appointment was postponed by over a week. I'll call Apria and see what they say, but I have a gut feeling that I might be stuck with this one.