HELP!!!HELP!!!!HELP!!! PLEASE

[buffettlover]

If anybody can help me, I sure would appreciate it very much!!!!! For about 2 month I wore a RESMED not sure of anything else because they took all of that info. away when they sold me my new one (so far which I hate). I one I had for 2 months took a little while as usual to get use to but I finally did. it was automatically ramped as I slept. The one they sold me is a RESMED S8 Elite II (It has been ramped to 14). I have the Ultra M Nasal Mask -- RESMED H4i Heated Humidifier. I have had my new one about 2 weeks now & how not slept not one night with it yet. I feel like I am honestly going to choke to death. When I put the mask on I can take the rush of air for a while & then I feel like a blow fish & my mouth opens & then all of the air comes out. I am going back tomorrow to see the lady who gave me this unit & see if she can reset the ramp. It is way too high. I was use to it being about 6 & then going to auto on the loaned out machine I had at first. I feel like this whole thing has been a bait & switch thing. The machine that they first loaned to me I did great with. I did feel great rewards with it. They say they cannot sell those machines because Blue Cross want pay for them because they are too high. Can anyone offer me any suggestions? I will check the board tomorrow morning. Please help all you can. Thanks you so much. Thanks

[Babette]

What's your pressure setting?

If you're getting blowfish, sounds like you need to use a chinstrap and/or tape your mouth shut, until you can learn to get used to the pressure, and keep your mouth shut on your own.

Many of us who tape like the 3M Gentle Release Blue Painters tape. I use two strips, criss-crossed across my mouth. One strip doesn't work so good for me. Fold the ends over a bit to create handles for ripping off your face.

You are not alone. Many of us have felt the same way in the early days. You did good to find us. We'll help all we can.

Best of luck,
Barbara

[PST]

Did your first machine look like the S8 Elite II? What you have now is a good piece of equipment many people are happy with, but it is not a variable pressure machine. Maybe that was a feature of the original unit that you liked. The "APAP" version of the Elite II is called the Auto II and looks the same. On the other hand, maybe it is just a matter of settings. Some people like the "ramp" to full pressure to be slow, so that the pressure reaches full strength after they are asleep. In that case, it may just be a matter of getting the settings right. Don't worry that your DME has fobbed off a piece of junk on you, but if you need variable pressure, it is the wrong machine. See if your doctor already prescribed a variable pressure unit (APAP or VPAP), or if not, whether the doctor can be persuaded to do so, if that's what you liked the first time around.

[KatieW]

Sorry you're having this difficulty. If you had a ResMed that ran on automatic, it sounds like the S8 AutoSet II. I suggest you call your insurance company and find out exactly what they do cover, and if there really an extra charge for a S8 AutoSet II. And, talk to your doctor about writing a prescription for that specific machine because you were doing so well on it. Also ask for a copy of your sleep study and prescription in case you want to go elsewhere to buy a cpap.

Good luck on getting what you need.

[rosacer]

I have a Resmed S8 Elite II. At the beginig (not long ago)the ramp was setted at 15minutes (my pressure is very low, 7) and I was quite confortable with it. But now if I put the ramp at 15minutes (presure starts at 5) I feel I'm shocking. I lowered the time at 5 minutes and sometimes I put it off. I have a friend who told me he is not able to stand the ramp anymore because he feels he is shocking, his presure is 12 and he is very well used to cpap, he uses it event on day time. He too has an Elite II.

I agree you neeed to go back to your provider and ask them to check it all. On my point of view you can feel shocking if the starting preasure is too low compared to your needed presure and your body is already used to that level.

[kteague]

Hi. Do you know if your machine is using the exhalation relief feature?

[buffettlover]

Thanks gang so very much for your input on my CPAP problems. For the one that asked the pressure at first was 14 & thanks for joking around, we can't be serious all the time we only come this way once.

My husband & I went back to the place where we got the machine & talked extensively with the lady that issued the machine, to make a long story short she ended up replacing my with the automatic, the very one that she said insurance would not pay for, imagine that. Overall though she was very nice.

So wish me luck guys it's been a long time since I have had a good night's rest. I am looking so forward to tonight. Again thank all of you so much.

I will be back because I know this forum will be very helpful to me.

[KatieW]

My husband & I went back to the place where we got the machine & talked extensively with the lady that issued the machine, to make a long story short she ended up replacing my with the automatic, the very one that she said insurance would not pay for, imagine that.

Yes, imagine that!!! Good for you, for getting what you need. Let us know how you're doing.

[DreamOn]

Hi buffettlover,

Welcome! Good to hear that you were able to get the machine that you wanted! Depending on which specific model you have now, you may be able to read the therapy results data on the machine's LCD screen, including AHI (apnea/hypopnea index) and leaks. If you need any help with that, fill in your equipment profile (via the User Control Panel at the top of this screen) and we can assist you. We can also teach you about any comfort features that may be available on your machine. Ramp starting pressure and length of time can be adjusted. On the ResMed machines, there are two other features that can be helpful: EPR (expiratory pressure relief) and Inhale (medium or fast). There are lots of tips and tricks on the forum, so be sure to search past threads and the CPAP Wiki (at the top of the screen).

I hope your therapy goes well. We're here if you need us!

~ DreamOn

[hyperjma]

I am so proud of you for sticking up for what you want! When I first stated CPAP, I had a machine that didnt work, i didnt like it... etc. The first medical company i worked for, basically said 'You do your job, let me do mine, and stop complaining". If you are going to make sleep-therapy a lifestyle, i believe you need to be an advocate for yourself. Learn about your machine, learn what is available to you and NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! After looking around and talking to many managers, I have changed medical supply companies to someone who supports me. So, bravo for you! Taking a giant step into making sleep - therapy a life style!
Jess

[buffettlover]

Well guys,again thanks for your responses. For one of you that ask, my machine as far as I can tell right now says Auto Set II. Last night I slept OK. I find I'm having to get use to the mask again. I know that will come in time though. I just hope soon.

[DreamOn]

It sounds like you're off to a good start. Best wishes with your therapy!

~ DreamOn