3 Plagueing Problems for the Vets Here, Thanks

[DavidCarolina]

Several questions for the veterans here. You've saved my life before with good advice. Need a bit more. Thanks

1. My main system is a philips Respironics Apap automatic Remstar System One with humidifier and a full face Fisher Paykell full-face mask softgel. The problem is I dont really have a sleep doctor right now (wont explain why, but will try to pursue another in a larger city closeby). Issues:

A. My data card stopped working, apparently they were defective and there were recalls. I called philips but they said to buy it through my provider! and started asking annoying legal questions to see if I wanted to sue them. Really I just wanted a replaced card. How can I get one other than craigslist? Do I need a prescription from sleep doctor at this point (its been over a year)

B. I dont use the humidifier temperature knob much, but do fill the tank with water. Is this ok? I cant stand the HEAT from the humidification but get dry mouth without it.

C. I seem to be coughing more in the morning. Is this more likely the hose needs cleaning (and how to clean it?) or humidification coming from the hose? Might it be better to eliminate the humidifier altogether and live with the other problems???

D. Where can i purchase the software to run on a laptop once I get the chip replaced for this system?

E. I need a new mask liner, whats the cheapest place to get it, and do I need a scrip?

F. I bought a backup system on Craigs list inexpensively ( my insurance doesnt cover CPAP). Its a Goodknight 420S Puritan Bennett system, older obviously, with quite a few hours. The PROBLEM with it is that it turns on just fine, blows right up to 12.5, and then reprograms itself down to 1.0 pressure every time. INfuriating. Im willing to pay to have a technician fix/adjust it, but I cant afford to pay these sleep doctors right now for all these consultations. Ive had 3 sleep studies total and when I told them the second time that I needed more pressure they virtually laughed but eventually another study proved I was correct.

This "YOU CAN ADJUST THE PRESSURE ON YOUR GOODKNIGHT MACHINE YOURSELF" http://www.cpap-supply.com/Articles.asp?ID=130 has helped, i found the secret button, but I cant get the machine to stop starting up, going to 12.5 (my correct pressure) and then back down to 1. How can I approach a technician or get this solved without involving the doctor again? I dont have the time or resources to go to the nearest megacity and spend hundreds to correct a simple problem. Im finally taking charge of my own issues but I need some direction.

[archangle]

Buy a 2 GB SD data card anywhere. You can find them at many places that sell cameras or electronics. Walmart or Walgreens.

Only use distilled water in your tank. It won't hurt anything to not turn the knob to heat, but you will get less humidity. You'll get a little humidification with no heat.

Humidity usually helps reduce coughing, but not always. You can remove the humidifier, or simply not put any water into the tank and don't turn on the heat.

I like the free SleepyHead program. See the link in my signature line.

Does it really drop to a pressure of 1? It shouldn't go below 4. Just a stab in the dark, but try changing the ramp pressure to 12.5.

I hook the hose up to the faucet and run hot water through it. There are hose cleaning brushes, but new hoses aren't that expensive. I just bought 3 for $15 from an ebay seller. I keep several around, wash one each week, dry it out on an old machine and then let it sit dry for a week to help keep the germs down. The hose can't add humidity, and I doubt there's any bugs in there, but keep it clean anyway.

[David Carolina]

THANKS. All good advice i will follow.

Ive been lazy about learning how to get the overnight data myself on a software program going. Procrstination and intimidation are the culprits.

Time to get moving.