Time to take the big step

I've been on cpap for about 4 weeks now, and continually improving. Not as fast as I'd like, but every step is in the right direction at the moment. Here in Australia we have to fund our own equipment, so I've been hiring a machine. Tomorrow i need to choose a machine and hand over the bucks.

I've been reading my data for 3 weeks, and it's helped me enormously, along with trawling this forum for the vast experience that's on offer. When I went to see the doctor this week, she suggested a couple of things. Firstly, she suggested that i increase pressure (currently prescribed at 10, but seems to be averaging a bit under 9) She also suggested that I consider an apap machine.

I'm using a Resmed spirit auto, currently set to bpap, but I thought I'd change it to auto tonight. Question is, what settings should I use. I like the Resmed, and I've got the software so I'm inclined to stick with Resmed, especially since its an Australian product. However I'm not sure about the humidifier. It's performance is erratic, which I've heard from elsewhere on this forum.

Is the Fisher and Paykel stand alone humidifier a good choice?

Choices Choices - any suggestions will be greatfully accepted.

K

kopoloff wrote:I've been reading my data for 3 weeks, and it's helped me enormously, along with trawling this forum for the vast experience that's on offer.

Good job!

kopoloff wrote: When I went to see the doctor this week, she suggested a couple of things. Firstly, she suggested that i increase pressure (currently prescribed at 10, but seems to be averaging a bit under 9) She also suggested that I consider an apap machine.

And what a good doctor it sounds like you have! You really are off to a very good start, kopoloff.

kopoloff wrote:I'm using a Resmed spirit auto, currently set to bpap, but I thought I'd change it to auto tonight. Question is, what settings should I use.

I'd probably set it for 9 - 20, but I'm not a doctor. Since you can monitor your results, you'd know soon enough if you wanted to change anything about that range.

kopoloff wrote:Is the Fisher and Paykel stand alone humidifier a good choice?

That's an excellent standalone humidifier, imho. I've used one of those with many different brands and models of machines. Works great for me.

Good luck, kopoloff. Welcome to the board, and do please keep us posted how it goes.



K[/quote]

I also use the Fisher & Paykel stand alone humdifier. It is so easy to fill and clean and does hold a good amount of distilled water. The settings are numerous! I use mine with an M Series auto A-Flex. Works great!

kopoloff wrote:Is the Fisher and Paykel stand alone humidifier a good choice?

K, if I hadn't got a good deal with my combined BiPAP / heated humidifier, I'd have gone with the Fisher & Paykel HC150, as others have suggested.

My plan, too, was to use the included chamber for a while, but also order an HC300--the heavy-duty chamber with thicker plastic and stainless steel. It should last a lot longer than the chamber that comes with the HC150, saving money in the long run.

Good luck with your new machine!

Nath

I went to my provider yesterday - decided to extend the rental/trial period for another month (the deal is we get two months, then the rental amount is credited agains the machine purchase price)

Apparently there's a new version of the Resmed humidifier, H4i, which is supposed to address the issues with the H3i. Remains to be seen, and I'll ask that question in another post.

You mention using a heavy duty unit. Question I have is this. These things hold water, no moving parts; what can go wrong, why do you need a heavy duty unit.

Sweet dreams

K