Tonights the first night with cpap machine, question though

PadreTN · Post by **PadreTN** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:12 pm

I brought the machine home today and set it up. I will have to use the ramp (pressure is 20, starts at 4).

I tried it without the ramp (my god) after it builds up to 20 it dumps all pressure after about 2 seconds then builds back up. Is that "C-flex" or is something wrong. When the pressure is lower, I feel a difference in the exhale (i'm guessing c-flex) but at 20 its different.

I also have to have the mask on tight or it blows off my face

Anyway, I'll let you guys know how the night went. Thanks for the advice.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:31 pm

I'm new at this too. What I do know is almsot nobdy using a setting of only 4 and nobody uses the full 20. This is the factory preset and not any good. There are many here who will help guide you through setting up the machine. You should have a prescribed setting.

Are you using an auto machine? If so, you will want to use in the auto mode. To make internal settings, you hold down the two arrow buttons while plugging the machine in. When it beeps twice you are inside the user menu. Read the directions, it is essiental. Don't learn the hard way like i did.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:31 pm

PadreTN,

I run at 19
I haven't noticed the problems with the c-flex that you described but then again I have a different brand of machine so it might be different.
your right about the mask having to be tight with the high pressure just be careful you don't bruise the bridge of your nose like i did my first couple of nights
also give your body a chance to get used to the pressure, my ramp starts at nine which now seems to be too low for me.If i wake up during the nite I can fall back asleep no problem at 19 must be a mental thing that I don't need the ramp while half asleep.
Good luck and don't get discouraged it's worth it!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:33 pm

PadreTN,

Good Luck on your first night!

Your profile shows that you have a Puritan Bennett machine. If so, it does not have C-flex.

I hope all goes well... give yourself some time to get used to the 20cm.

laurel · Post by **laurel** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:53 pm

As I understand it (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong), C-Flex is kindof a reduction of pressure when you exhale so it's easier to exhale. Maybe what you're experiencing is that. So long as you've got the nice high pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open.

When I was at higher pressures, I really liked the ramp feature-- though I take a while to fall asleep so I'd often have to set it to the longest period possible (and still sometimes have to hit it again).

Are you on straight CPAP and you're titrated at 20? Sounds like it, but want to be sure.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:37 pm

What was your 90% pressure on the sleep study. The machine will only treat at pressures of 4 to 20 cm, that's the limit of the machine. If you are supposed to use treatment at 20 cm you have the wrong type of machine, you would need a Bi-PAP, they can go to the higher pressures.

even using a APAP, only someone with no idea would use it at the 4 to 20 cm setting. The work much better at a range of 3 below and 3 above your 90% rate. Jim

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:06 pm

PadreTN, please check your Private Messages. The link to that is at the upper right corner of this page.

jeninAZ · Post by **jeninAZ** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:32 pm

I just want to say good luck. I just started using my APAP and the first night was horrible because I wasnt used to it, the 2nd night a little better, and the 3rd night, I slept like a baby and wouldnt give it up for all the money in the world. Just stick with it and I hope it works for you the first night and you wake up tomorrow feeling like a champion on the wheaties box. If you dont though, dont give up. It will work! And always check the board for answers, chances are, lots of other people have had any problems you might have and alot of great suggestions are here!

reval · Post by **reval** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 2:06 am

Using a pressure of 20cm on a "ordinary" CPAP is very unusual and probably very inconvenient. For pressures that high a BI-PAP is usually the machine of choice.

PadreTN · Post by **PadreTN** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 5:45 am

When I went to the DME I asked her about C-FLEX, she told me that this machine did the same thing, but wasnt called C-FLEX due to patent issues. I dont know if she lied to me or not. I went in with a little knowledge I got from here and I dont think they appreciate it

The night was "ok" had a problem going to sleep, had to reset the ramp twice before I fell asleep. It did not dump pressure during the night so that is ok I guess. I did have some bad "stomach" issues this morning though, I wonder if that came from swallowing air.

I guess I was a little confusing about the ramp settings, it starts off at 4 then gradually (20 mins) goes to 20. My lowest 90% during the sleep study was 40%.

[quote="wading thru the muck!"]PadreTN,

Good Luck on your first night!

Your profile shows that you have a Puritan Bennett machine. If so, it does not have C-flex.

I hope all goes well... give yourself some time to get used to the 20cm.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 6:32 am

PadreTN wrote:When I went to the DME I asked her about C-FLEX, she told me that this machine did the same thing, but wasnt called C-FLEX due to patent issues. I don't know if she lied to me or not.

Sorry to say... she LIED! ...Really makes you trust the care you are getting.

If you have more trouble with swallowing air talk to your Doc about getting a BiPAP (as others have suggested).

Sounds like you are doing OK so far... that's a good thing!

Mask

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