Respironics - using 18 months..what now?

I have been using the Respironics M-series Pro with Swift 2 nasal pillows for 18 months now (since my sleep study).
Its set on Auto from 4-12.
The insurance company has not asked for "data" or contacted me in a year, and my doctor
has not either. So im using it every night and have "forgotten" about it.

But i lost 70 pounds in the last 6 months, and sometimes when i look at the machine in the morning it reads
pressure somewhere between 4 - 8. Iast week i called my supplier to find out when i can get a new chin strap,
and they told me i was entitled to new mask, hoses , water chamber and strap every 6 months! Ok so they sent
that to me, but they also asked me to insert a card into the back of the machine, leave it in - and send it back in 3 months.

I called my Doctor and was told that i should come in for a consult and to bring the card to them also - so they can
see whats going on.

I know people talk about 'data' here, but ive never checked it before - im not sure there is much on my machine to check.

QUESTION: I live alone, feel pretty good, and really dont know how im doing all this time. I know i do better when im NOT
sleeping on my back, but rather on my side.
Will this 3 month card reading tell the Doctor what they need to know? Am i ready for a new sleep study?

Your doctor should let you know if you should have a new sleep study because of losing all that weight.

The card data should tell him what is happening in your sleep.

You said you have an M Series PRO but that your pressure is set on AUTO from 4 to 12. If it is a PRO that is not possible. It would be just a straight pressure setting not a range (like 4 - 12).

Whichever machine you have though (a PRO or an AUTO), the doctor will get data from the card, to tell him how many events you are having each night and what your AHI is. That MAY suggest, to him, that a new sleep study would be a good thing.

It's too bad that your DME did not get you set up right in the beginning, telling you when you were able to get a new mask and other things but this happens a lot!

Given what has happened (18 months passing and all that weight lose), I think 3 months is too long to wait for a consultation and, possibly, a new sleep study. A month's data should tell the doctor what he needs to know but then---he may be very busy.

Thanks for the reply. You are correct - my machine is: Respironics m-series Remstar Auto A-flex.

I was not aware that the data card can provide so much useful information to my doctor.
the little screen only seems to provide an average of the prior nights pressure.

I think i am at a point where when i nap without the machine, i do so on my stomach (something i couldnt do before
i lost the weight) and since my tongue drops forward when i sleep on my stomach there arent any blockages of air.
BUT - i often seem to roll onto my back in my sleep. If i could stay on my stomach or side, i wonder if i would need
a machine at all. When your 'all wired' up during a sleep study, you HAVE to sleep on your back, so it kinda defeats the purpose.

I may call my DME/Doctor and ask for an earlier appt.

If you continue to need cpap (and even now while you are waiting for an appointment) you should wear use your machine every time you sleep - even for naps.

Many members of this forum buy the software and card reader so that they can see all that detailed data themselves. It is unlikely that your or DME would sell it to you since they, generally, don't like patients to have it. You would have to buy it online. With it you can see what is happening in your sleep and, with an auto machine, you can make helpful changes without having to wait to see the doctor. People on this forum can help with interpreting that data.

A sleep study is usually done while you are sleeping on your back so that things can be set up for "worst case scenerio". If there was a reason that you had to sleep on you back (injury, surgery, pain - even for a short period of time) you would have the pressure setting(s) that would work for you on your back which is supposed to be the worst sleeping position for people with sleep apnea. Many people wothout those issues, often roll on their backs while they are asleep. You said you have done that yourself. For many, there are ways to keep you from sleeping on your back. You could search the forum for ideas.

I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and, on my back is the only pain free position. Because I was titrated on my back, my pressure is high enough to "do the job well" even on my back.

I agree with Hawthorne, in that you need to use the machine for any effort to sleep.

Since the first of the year I have dropped 50 pounds (still working at it) and my doctor mentioned having another sleep study because of the weight loss and some other issues I'm having with my mouth opening during sleep. That never happened at the higher weight.

When I told her that I'm monitoring my progress with the software and how my AHI is very low, she didn't press the issue of a sleep study. Thankfully, she didn't recommend that I go back to the original sleep clinic/doctor who did the study. Like you, they did their study and ignored me unless I called with a problem. They seem like an incompetent bunch and I'm happy that my PCP seems to be stepping in to take their place.

If you can afford the software and have a computer, it's a great help. CPAP.com matches prices and they are terrific to work with.

Good luck!
Lynne