Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

derek70 · Post by **derek70** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:13 am

Firstly, sorry about my bad english as it is not my native idiom.
I was recently diagnosed withe severe sleep apneas (IAH=40,6 SpO2 78% and 238,8 heartbeats per minute in my first study).

It scared me to death and make wondering why this things is happening while I'm sleeping and I never figured out this situation.

My doctor asked for a new study, now with the use of a CPAP.
Using the machine I have almost no one apnea and normal heart frequency, but the number os RERAs and arousals increased (156 using CPAP).
Also my total REM sleep didn't increased much (11%=34min to 13%=43min).
Maybe it's for the fact that it was the first night in my life that I was sleeping with the mask in my face (it was a Comfort Classic).

Here, where I live, there's only the Resmeds and Respironics to choose from.

I would like to know if the S8 model Autoset II still is a good buy since S9 is not available in my country.
Should I go with Respironics A-Flex?

For the maks I'm thinking about the Mirage Quattro (since I have rinitis and ocasional nose obstruction) and the Swift FX.

I'm glad to find this forum.
Wait for your kindly support.
Thanks.

dtsm · Post by **dtsm** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:33 am

S8 Autoset II is excellent machine. I have two of these units; one for home use, the other for backup unit and travel. I would highly recommend it to anyone. The only downside is you need a proprietary card reader to download and access from the ResScan data card.

Masks - everyone is different, some prefer nasal pillow, others nasal masks. Don't be surprised [or discouraged] if you need to try a few before finding the one best suited for you.

Welcome and good luck!

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:38 am

If it's a Phillips Respironics... it's a newer model than the S8

Potentially you'll have an easier time getting data off the card from it.

2 B Sleeping Soundly · Post by **2 B Sleeping Soundly** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:15 am

Derek70,

Welcome to the forum! You are in the right place to get help, information and to learn all you may want to know about OSA/Sleep Disorders.

I use a Respironics A-Flex and it is a great machine. From my observation, this forum seems to dominate with Resmed and Respironics users even though there are other great machines out there that some here use. When you find out the exact machine you will be getting there are many here that can give you a lot of information about the machines from Resmed and Respironics.

For my mask I use a Respironics Easylife Nasal mask, but I don't have any other issues (except for my usual 1 or 2 colds a year) to make a Nasal mask difficult to use. As DTSM said, finding the right mask is usually the main challenge, but you may get lucky like me and find one that works great from the beginning.

Most important is to get your machine and start your therapy. OSA is not something to play around with. You may have to be very proactive and be more assertive when dealing with your Doctor or the supplier (DME) of your equipment. It seems that a lot of those we go to for help in the medical community lose sight of the severe nature of our sleep disorder. They often make it into what becomes just mindless, heartless financial transactions and not the life changing, life saving miracle that CPAP is for many of us.

I wish you good luck in your journey! Please keep come back here often for we have all been where you are now and are here to help however we can!

John

robysue · Post by **robysue** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:54 am

derek70 wrote: Here, where I live, there's only the Resmeds and Respironics to choose from.

I would like to know if the S8 model Autoset II still is a good buy since S9 is not available in my country.
Should I go with Respironics A-Flex?

As others have hinted at, it is important to know exactly which Respironics A-Flex you are talking about.

If the Respironics A-Flex looks like this:

then I'd go with the A-Flex. It's newer technology and does not require a special card reader for downloading the data into a computer program like Encore Viewer ($$) or SleepyHead (free, but st ill under development)

On the other hand, if the Respironics A-Flex looks like this:

then both the S8 and the A-Flex are both one model than the current models being made by PR and Resmed. Both are fine machines, but in this case I'd give the edge to the S8 because both machines require special card readers, BUT the S8 has substantially more data available from its on-board LCD. Indeed, the S8 has enough on-board data available t0 decently monitor effectiveness of your therapy on a daily even if you can't get hold of one of the card readers; the M-series on-board data lacks meaningful leak data and only reports 7 and 30 day AHI numbers.

derek70 · Post by **derek70** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:44 am

Now I'm sure that I asked for help in the right place.
In a few hour there are a lot of valuable help.
Thank you all.

Regarding data, my local supplier told me that they can read and send me a report for free, for S8 or Respironics, either.
At first I thought that I can read the Respironics card myself, but as robysue wrote, it uses other card than a SD? Is it right?
cflame1, how easy is the PR card easier to read?

Anyway I can't wait to start my therapy, since the day I discovered I'm suffering from severe apnea I'm afraid to fall asleep.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:37 am

The PR System One SD card is very easy to read and use the software with. Check my signature for information on SleepyHead software that will work with the PR System One SD card. This machine is the latest technology in the Respironics line..comparable to the technology of the ResMed S9. This replaced the M Series machines.
Software options are explained here along with some examples. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64906&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... re+options

The M Series Respironics machine does use a different data card. It is called a Smart card and is still readily available. The only card reader that will work is the DT3500 Infineer it is still readily available. $40 US. The only software that you can use is either Encore Viewer or Encore Pro. I can help with this software if you end up needing it. No need to purchase.

Both models of Respironic machine's on screen data is sorely limited so software is really needed if you want to monitor therapy yourself.

The S8 Machine does have more on screen data. Software is easily available but it also uses a smart card reader and it is not easily available and very pricey when found.

If you can get the PR System One machine with the SD card that would be your best option if you can get it done. Extremely easy to use the SD card data and software.

derek70 · Post by **derek70** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:54 am

robysue, Pugsy, unfortunately only the older respironics model is available in the country where I live.
I googled for the smartcard it uses, since I use smartcard identification system in my work, but unfortunately an average smartcard reader can't handle respironics card.
It's a shame, since you can buy one for $5 at ebay.

In the other hand, my vendor oferred to read and print report in a monthly basis for free if I choose S8 Autoset.
For now, I think it is the best choice.

Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.

Re: Starting my CPAP Therapy. Need some help.