dme takes its s9 machine back

[Kevin G.]

On the subject of the pressure range to use I propose a more open setting based on personal experience.

It is a lot more comfortable to start at a lower pressure. Individuals have expressed a concern that if the pressure is too low that it will take too long to get to the right pressure but I have not seen that as a problem. I suggest that you try it at a lower pressure and if there are problems you can easily increase the lower pressure. If 4 cm is to low for you try 6 cm. My prescription pressure was 9 cm but I spend a lot of time at 6-7 cm.

Regarding the upper pressure I see less need for setting a low upper pressure. If you need the higher pressure then let the machine provide it. Remember that we are all different and the pressure that you need may vary over time. Apparently on some machines centrals apneas will confuse the machine and cause much higher pressures than you need but it is my understanding that the S9 identifies this situation and does not increase the pressure.

Again we are all different so do not take as gospel what others say. Experiment and find what works for you. What you risk is a nights bad sleep but what you potentially gain is many more nights of good sleep. One night of bad sleep will not have any long term consequences.

[jonquiljo]

Splinky,

I would suggest not to set the upper limit too high. I don't know about Resmed, but Respironics APAPs chase snores and will raise pressure if snores are detected and not apnea events so that you can snore a bit and find your pressure going way up. This can be uncomfortable. So if you have any vibratory snore detection at all, I find that many of my pressure increases are due to that - not actual events.

I titrated up (leaving upper limit at 20) with the lower limit to my optimal setting. In my case I went up to 9 but found I easily developed mask leaks at 9, but not 8. I eventually settled at 8.5 and leaks were under control. My AHI was optimal at that point. I then lowered my upper pressure (slowly) a couple of days at a time, to 12 or 13. Looking at the reports I found what the machine responded to when I had an apnea or hypopnea - and even gave it a bit of room to chase snores - but not too much room. You are probably best to judge. With good software, you can see what is going on all night and adjust accordingly.

I now average an AHI of 0.0 to 0.5 - varies by day. Good luck and be glad you are rid of that silly DME and their excessive charges. Just because insurance pays for part of it doesn't mean it's cheaper to you. Sometime it is cheaper to just buy the machine from a good online dealer and let the DMEs and insurers play with someone else.

[Slinky]

Yes, you will usually see it recommended that you set your auto pressures at 1-2 cms BELOW your titrated pressure and 2-3 cms ABOVE your titrated pressure. Many do say that you can leave the upper pressure at the maximum tho. I always found that leaks caused my PAPs to chase the leaks and the response in dropping pressure back to the more accurate need much too slow causing more leaks.

[splinky]

so last night, i managed 3.5 hours and i think slept well during that time. starting coughing badly due to dust and dry air after that and will fiddle with the room humidifier today and see if i can get the room more comfortable. i set the range for 9-12. i did do a 20 minute ramp up from 4cm. i haven't run the card through the software yet but the mask fit was good and my ahi was 1.1

[splinky]

so, the dme has still not come to pick up its machine. they have missed 3 pick up appts in the last 2 weeks. that's 9 hours of waiting time for me. i should start billing them for my wasted time for the missed 3 hour pick up windows they've scheduled. and before you say anything sleepycarol, we already know that you don't believe any of this is not part of some evil plot to defraud innocent dmes.

[gregIN]

This is a big concern of mine as well. I have been batlling breathing issues for weeks which is keeping me from using the machine at night. I do try to do 1-2 hours (or more if possible) of desenitizing every day to try to get used to the mask. Some days I do ok, some not so much.

I'm at the point where I'm ready to turn the machine in before it's "repossessed" and whatever happens, happens.

I've tried to get the breathing issues resolved with my dr. but he just prescribed a nasal spray that doesn't work.

[splinky]

that's a huge problem, i was using the machine regularly but often could not manage more than 1-3 hours a night and minimum for compliance with my insurer is 4 hours a night/daily. i was close but missed the required number of days at 4 or more hours by a few days. i'm happier and less stressed having paid cash for an autoset machine. i do think the extra stress of fretting over being an hour short was hurting my sleep and general well being. i'm more relaxed now and have actually managed more 4 hour nights.

This is a big concern of mine as well. I have been batlling breathing issues for weeks which is keeping me from using the machine at night. I do try to do 1-2 hours (or more if possible) of desenitizing every day to try to get used to the mask. Some days I do ok, some not so much.

I'm at the point where I'm ready to turn the machine in before it's "repossessed" and whatever happens, happens.

I've tried to get the breathing issues resolved with my dr. but he just prescribed a nasal spray that doesn't work.

[Janknitz]

Greg, sounds like you are not being adequately treated for your "breathing issues" by your doctor if all he is offering is a nasal spray. Sounds like you need another doctor who will listen and help you figure this out.

[splinky]

dme finally picked up the cpap machine. they wanted me to sign a paper saying that i was returning the machine against doctor's advice, which of course is not true. i crossed out all references to disobeying doctor's orders and left a general release of liability for them accepting return of the machine. i suspect i will be billed for the month long period that it took for them to pick up the machine but it's a small price to pay to be rid of them. most unprofessional outfit ever. the technician came in and immediately asked to pet my cat and use the bathroom, she seemed to forget that she was supposed to pick up the cpap. but unlike the tech who originally brought the machine she did bother to wash her after using the facilities.

[Hose_Head]

dme finally picked up the cpap machine. they wanted me to sign a paper saying that i was returning the machine against doctor's advice, which of course is not true. i crossed out all references to disobeying doctor's orders and left a general release of liability for them accepting return of the machine. i suspect i will be billed for the month long period that it took for them to pick up the machine but it's a small price to pay to be rid of them. most unprofessional outfit ever. the technician came in and immediately asked to pet my cat and use the bathroom, she seemed to forget that she was supposed to pick up the cpap. but unlike the tech who originally brought the machine she did bother to wash her after using the facilities.

Personally, I wouldn't have waited this long for them to pick it up. However, it may work out for you. Good on ya for not signing that release! However, I'd fight them about any charges for the month's rent. After all, if you pay for this month, then they might think it's ok for you to pay for next month, and the next, and the next, .... (don't ask me how I know about that)

[splinky]

dme finally picked up the cpap machine. they wanted me to sign a paper saying that i was returning the machine against doctor's advice, which of course is not true. i crossed out all references to disobeying doctor's orders and left a general release of liability for them accepting return of the machine. i suspect i will be billed for the month long period that it took for them to pick up the machine but it's a small price to pay to be rid of them. most unprofessional outfit ever. the technician came in and immediately asked to pet my cat and use the bathroom, she seemed to forget that she was supposed to pick up the cpap. but unlike the tech who originally brought the machine she did bother to wash her after using the facilities.

Personally, I wouldn't have waited this long for them to pick it up. However, it may work out for you. Good on ya for not signing that release! However, I'd fight them about any charges for the month's rent. After all, if you pay for this month, then they might think it's ok for you to pay for next month, and the next, and the next, .... (don't ask me how I know about that)

nothing these folks could do would surprise me. the proffer of the release sort of annoyed me because they are the ones that asked me to return the machine, not the other way around. why would i take responsibility and protect them from their decision to take back the machine and interrupt my treatment? if i hadn't inquired about possibly purchasing the machine, that's exactly the situation.
i haven't gotten the settings just right, yet but i do think i like the autoset s9 much better