newbie questions

I have read the light bulb topics and done some searches thanks already for the info on machines and such. As many have experienced my DME tried to force a Remstar M "plus" on me claiming it was fully data capable. I wouldnt have know to ask...Battles fought and on my way to getting Rmestar M auto with C-flex.

I didnt have a clinic study i was forced to do one of those at home things crappy group health HMO, The results were 29 episodes per hour I guess this is moderate to severe. I do not have the data but have requested it. I currently have a Remstar M auto and am trying to do the tetration test. I have not been able to because I cannot sleep because my mask leaks like crazy. Mostly leaks from the corners of my mouth and then I adjust and it leaks out the top...Argh I was only given this mask as a choice and I dont feel the person doing the fitting did a good job as I used the templates on the bag and I think i should be a medium not small. The DME is going to give me a medium and if that is not comfortable they will have me in to try more masks. Not sure why I wasnt given the option to start. Sleep has been tough till I take the thing off and sleep with out it. enough of my whines and on to my questions.

I dont think much of the person who set me up so...for the Titration test does the machine need to be on auto? I pushed a couple of buttons and came to a screen that says Auto -OFF. That doesnt seem right? How do I know I am getting the info I need to have the proper treatment. In other words is there a set up for the machine?

I know this isnt easy but is it ok to give it a try for a few hours and if you dont sleep take it off and get some rest? I also have epilepsy and am concerned if I spend days on end trying to sleep and it not sleeping I will get overly tired and spark a seizure. Keep in mind my only Apnea sympton was snoring. I tried melatonin last noght and got to sleep mask on but it started blowing out the mouth and woke me up. I dont want to take sleeping pills because I am already on anti convulsants which do a good job making me sleep any way.

now i'm babling...sorry 2 days on this whole thing and nothing is working shouldnt I have slept for a few hours?

sorry so long thanks for the input

sacnvr2l8 wrote:
crappy group health HMO

well this says it all doesn't it?


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auto off is a feature where the machine will shut off if it detects the mask is off -- it is in the clinical menu -

question is what do you want? if you want real treatment you will have to take control and that might need going outside the HMO

Welcome, sacnvr2l8,

Getting used to CPAP therapy can be very daunting. It took me at least a month to be able to sleep all night with the thing on. I wouldn't beat yourself up too much, just try to get in the four hours each night needed for "compliance."

Auto-OFF means that the blower will turn off after a couple minutes if you take the mask off without turning the machine off. In order to change it from APAP to CPAP, you would have to get into the clinician menu and I'm sure someone here can give you that info.

Please fill out your profile with the equipment you have and please do it in text. The picture icons are difficult to differentiate between models because things often look alike. Once you're posted the mask you are using, other users of that mask can tell you how they've gotten them to work for them.

Hang in there!

Before you change anything, get a notebook and write down each setting. I think the OFF you are talking about is for something else. But yes it should be in auto for titration. You should get the software too but writing the results in your notebook daily will help track your progess. There would be NO way to titrate with the M Plus.

As for sleeping all nite with it - it takes time. Do not be disappointed if you can't. Take it off, get some sleep but try it again each nite, you should be able to last a bit longer. Like marathon training.

If you had other Q?'s post them again.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

Thanks for the quick responses. My DME gave me a Medium mask today I hope this helps.