The Newbie question

[snorebeard]

Sorry to ask the same question, but I'm overwhelmed on my first few days with the machine, System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine DS560, and struggling with the mask. Severe SA and low night oxygen.

I want to know if its helping and how much, since I'm using it, waking up a lot, and not feeling better, with headache, and wife says I still snore some. Looks like I need the latest software, hopefully free, and simple instructions to see main metrics that matter.

There is so much information here, and not a good way I see to separate the wheat, but I'm reading a lot here, mostly about masks, nasal pillows or similar, since I have a moustache and beard to work around, and the chin straps, since I'm a mouth breather and wear a dental splint/niteguard to prevent teeth grinding.

Many thanks in advance. I want to learn now and share my learnings with the next generation.

[kaiasgram]

snorebeard, welcome to the forum.

The software is free. SleepyHead can be downloaded from here: http://sleepfiles.com/SH/ . SleepyHead is the only software that has a Mac version. If you're not a Mac user you might also be able to use ResScan (I don't have a link handy but someone will if you're interested).

You have a good machine so when you download the software you should be able to take a closer look at your data to see what's going on throughout the night. Let us know if you need help along the way with the software.

What mask are you currently using?

[FromOZ]

Hi there. Everyone is different and has unique responses to CPAP treatment and feeling 'better' can take some time. I'm still waiting to feel significantly better, but in my case bad back pain from sleeping only on my back now makes things difficult. So you'll find many people struggling here — don't worry you're not alone

Anyway, as you identify, it is important to get started obtaining quantitative data to see what is happening. I don't use the Philips machine myself so don't know what software they have, most people here (I believe) are, like myself, using the free OpenSource SleepyHead software which runs on Mac OS X and Windows.

You can download the latest version (beta, but works fine) here — http://sleepfiles.com/SH/ The author prefers users to get from this site as the Sourceforge site sometimes has fake download buttons which may go to undesirable websites. (Edit: I see kaiasgram has already given you the link )

You can then download data from your CPAP device — it will show a lot of information including key metrics (AHI index, events, flow rate etc. etc.) which you (and fellow users on the forum) can review to understand how your treatment is going.

It is also a good idea to edit your CPAP Talk forum profile to put your equipment and mask in. Go to 'User Control Panel' (top left of screen), choose 'Profile' main tab, then 'Edit equipment' sub tab. You can then pick your machine and mask etc. from the drop-down lists.

[library lady]

I'll change direction a bit here, since the others have mentioned sleepyhead. I've been on CPAP for just over 6 months now, and still snore, though I've noticed through the software that I do not have as many snore events now compared to a few months ago.. I am hopeful that trend will continue.

You don't say what your mask issues are, only that you are struggling with it. Mask liners may help with that, especially if you are having leaks or facial irritation.

[snorebeard]

Thanks to those responding to my newbie questions. I will download the Sleepyhead software for my PC, and no doubt be back with questions on its interpretation. . I put in my equipment, and the mask, which is killing my nose, you asked about, is nasal pillow (which concept I embrace) AIRFIT P-10. I am going to try another, such as Pilairo Q, which looks hopeful.

Do people recommend the creams for the nose, or is generic non-perfumed lotion okay?

Thanks to all.

[palerider]

Thanks to those responding to my newbie questions. I will download the Sleepyhead software for my PC, and no doubt be back with questions on its interpretation. . I put in my equipment, and the mask, which is killing my nose, you asked about, is nasal pillow (which concept I embrace) AIRFIT P-10. I am going to try another, such as Pilairo Q, which looks hopeful.

Do people recommend the creams for the nose, or is generic non-perfumed lotion okay?

Thanks to all.

for sleepyhead, see that very first stickied post on the main forum page.

for your nose, titty cream! lanolin cream for nursing mothers, works a treat, I tried the lansinoh brand... the the smallest tube you can, it doesn't take much

[Pugsy]

You have chosen the wrong machine in your equipment profile if you have the model 560 machine.
Current choice you show is the PR System One 60 Series Plus CPAP...that's model 260 and it doesn't collect any useful data beyond hours of use.
If you have a 560 model then the correct choice for machine would be PR System One 60 Series Auto CPAP.
When you have time could you confirm which model you are using and correct your profile ......this will help avoid confusion later.

[michelle679]

I started out with the nasal pillows because I thought that it would be so much more comfortable and they had trouble during my sleep study with my face being "small" as the tech said lol BUT it was actually worse. I had to switch within the 1st week. I just have a regular nasal mask now and find it so much easier to breath naturally with it. But I also dont have a mustache.. or at least most of the time

[snorebeard]

Thanks Pugsy,

Trying to see which machine. Apria invoice ( which calls it a rent) doesn't say, and turning over machine ( without water part ) doesn't have a model number. Manuel is generic. I guess they don't want you to know.There is a 650P REF number, which is encouraging, and a recent date, on the bottom.

[palerider]

Thanks Pugsy,

Trying to see which machine. Apria invoice ( which calls it a rent) doesn't say, and turning over machine ( without water part ) doesn't have a model number. Manuel is generic. I guess they don't want you to know.There is a 650P REF number, which is encouraging, and a recent date, on the bottom.

REF is the model number, I think it's a medical parlance thing, becuase I see REF on masks, o2 tubing, etc.

is it a 650 or a 560? there's a BIG difference.

[snorebeard]

The REF no is 560P, but otherwise cant see a model number on the machine. So I assume its PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine that I have. Since invoice and machine doesn't have a model number, is there a way to tell for sure, and then I can get it right and right software, etc.

[palerider]

The REF no is 560P, but otherwise cant see a model number on the machine. So I assume its PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine that I have. Since invoice and machine doesn't have a model number, is there a way to tell for sure, and then I can get it right and right software, etc.

that *is* the model number, they just call it "REF" for medical standardization reasons.

just like the ref 25 foot o2 tubing from westmed is 0025 and a 7 foot one is 0007 and an airfit p10 is a 62900.

the proper machine listing for a 560 is the system one 60 series AUTO.

the plus is the crappy bargain basement pinto model.

[Pugsy]

SleepyHead software will work with the model 560 machine and if you see 560 on that little sticker that is the model number.
You can also use Encore but I suggest starting with SleepyHead. Links in my signature line