What to ask?

My DME's RT is coming tomorrow at 3:00 to set up my first CPAP (M Series Pro). Please list the questions I should be asking. My mind is so foggy, I forget things and I want to have a printed list so I don't miss anything I am so looking forward to starting therapy tomorrow night! Thanks for any help!

Make sure you see the person sets up the machine with the correct pressure setting.

Make sure you tell them the length of ramp time YOU want and they put it in correctly.

Make sure you tell them what CFLEX number YOU want to start on (usually manual recommends 2) Mine never asked. Put in what he wanted.

Make sure you tell them what to set the humidifier on. Same here, put in what he wanted.


Some of this can be changed by the patient using the manual they will leave but if they are doing it, might as well have it done all at once so you can concentrate on sleeping not fooling the first night.

Other stuff like pressure changing they will most likely not leave the manual for. That info can be found here. Or if you want to try to get them to leave BOTH manuals... But they usually won't.


Make sure there is a smart card in the machine. It comes with one.

Make sure both filters are in there and in correctly. White fine filter goes closest to the machine (fuzzy size to towards the room). Grey foam filter on top of that.

Make sure they leave filters for you to change.

Bag comes with the machine.

Manual says not to run the machine without at least the hose attached. My DME started it up with nothing attached. I asked him to shut it down as the manual says not to do that. Had to ask twice. It will eventually be my machine, if there is any chance of damage due to running without the hose I don't want to do that.

Make sure you know how to put the mask on and start the machine. Also how to turn it off.

That is about all I can think of.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, hose, cflex, DME, Ramp, Smart Card

Make sure that you get a new machine... not a used one

Just ask questions about things like cleaning the humidifier, cleaning your mask. Mine had me take everything apart and then put it back together while they watched.

They may or may not ask you about settings for things like ramp time, heat setting for the humidifier (if you are getting a heated humidifier. Some do and some don't) and there is another setting... I don't remember what. Anyways, if they ask you you really won't have much frame of reference so just leave them set how it comes out of the box. I've never touched mine and a lot of folks I've spoken to haven't either - so don't stress over it!

Other than that there really isn't much to it. Just turn the machine on and go. Heck many of them you don't even have to turn on anymore - they come on when they sense you breathing!

make sure you get:

1. Owners Manual and instructional setup card.
2. Remstar SmartCard (all machines come with the card).
3. Make sure you get the integrated Humdifier (don't accept one that isn't integrated with the machine).
4. Make sure there is a ramp starting pressure set up (suggest 5cm to start).
5. Ramp timer should be set to 30-minutes (you can push it again if it expires).
6. Ask for the original box the machine came in, if no box it is probably a used machine.

Good advice all around except the box part. Both companies I've dealt with do not have boxes and I understand it's the norm. They have to take the machines out of the boxes to put serial numbers on them and company stickers and to test them.

Thanks! Keep it coming. I will check this again before she comes tomorrow so that I make sure I cover everything!

Question, does the Remstar come with one card or two?

Mine came with one. I got my second one when I ordered the software.

Ask that the RT bring several different masks for you to try on. Mine brought 3 and then I got to pick the one I thought would be best for me. Of course, many of us have purchased several to see if something is more comfortable, or has a better fit, or leaks less. If you are a side sleeper, ask for one that is known to be more successful in that position. Also if you choose a nasal mask, ask about mouth leaks and the use of chin straps. Ask about having a spare full face mask for when you get that dreaded cold and your nasal passages are all stuffed up.
Also, make sure they give you time to do return demonstrations, so that you know how to take things apart and put them back together.
Good Luck and remember that many of us would agree, that the first few weeks are difficult...but don't give up. Compliance is extremely important.
May the force be with you...ha ha!

bairdbeth wrote:My DME's RT is coming tomorrow at 3:00 to set up my first CPAP (M Series Pro). Please list the questions I should be asking. My mind is so foggy, I forget things and I want to have a printed list so I don't miss anything I am so looking forward to starting therapy tomorrow night! Thanks for any help!

I would very much like to see some "Things to Ask" articles that are kept up on the Forum for those who can print it off immediately.

There are many subjects: What to ask BEFORE your sleep lab study.
What to ask of your Sleep doctor.
What to ask of your insurance company, and where are those answers in writing?
What to ask/demand if necessary of the DME? And know that you can usually CHOOSE one.
What to TELL your doctor during treatment.
What to Tell/report to your DME.

etc.

anyone game to start this?
JOHNNY - If you agree, this would need to be a permanent posting that 'wouldn't get lost'. Of course, you'll have "final editorial rights" due to your position.

Any other thoughts on this????

We could begin with a 'strawman' and go from there, or experienced users could draw up the infrastructure, to which others could add if necessary.

I do believe it is necessary, for reasons of expedience, and also to ensure that everyone gets the same information.
..........just my (random) thoughts..........

Great idea, Offer!