confused with questions

almarsh wrote:I've used a cPAP for approximately 10 years. I took the machine, mask, and water chamber that I was told would be the best for me. Never questioned or did any research on what options were available. I now need to upgrade/replace my equipment and decided I need to make a more informed decision and did a search and found this site.

How do I make an informed decision? How do I pick out the "right" machine?

I need to get the equipment through Apria Healthcare, but beyond that I have no idea where or how to start this process. Any step-by-step help would be greatly appreciated.

You have come to the right place. I think it would be helpful to everyone if you told us a bit about your condition and the equipment you have been using as well as the settings of your equipment (pressure and such)

The cpap wiki is probably your best place to start. You can find it here: wiki/

I think most people here will recommend that you seek out an auto machine. Two of the more popular machines are the "Phillips Respironics PR System One Auto" and the "Resmed S9 Auto" They both have their own perks and weaknesses but both machines are great.

Anyway, tell us a bit about yourself. I hope you find your journey to enlightenment and better treatment to be a good experience.

Hi, welcome! For starters, you can go to the lightbulb at the top of the home page and start reading - I know you already know what apnea's about, but there have been a lot of changes, new information and technology over your 10 yrs and you might find some of the links interesting. I would strongly suggest you also go to Cpap.com (who sponsor this forum) and look around because they are the largest, and least expensive place to look for all equipment. I'm NOT related in any way except as a member here and a 'patient', but the website is so comprehensive and helpful, with all kinds of great pix, reviews on every mask and machine, comparisons, etc. that you might appreciate it. Not knowing your pressure settings or what equipment you are using now, it's a bit hard to jump off somewhere right now with ideas, except for suggesting which machines are the latest and most popular (though of course the right mask, fitted properly, is very important!). Then, you may have questions, so please come back here with them and everyone here will help. BTW, did you really mean to use that light green color to post? It literally is next to impossible to read, so maybe use something else next time (a lot of us are old and crotchety and have trouble with fancy colors ).

Julie"
It literally is next to impossible to read, so maybe use something else next time (a lot of us are old and crotchety and have trouble with fancy colors ).

Welcome to the forum almarch!

Although I'm not as old and crotchety as Julie I agree the color you chose makes your post very hard to read. I'm only joking, Julie is not so crotchety only a bit Hi Julie

What? What's that? I can't hear you, you fool! Why are you bothering me? Ehh!

Thanks for all the info. I'll start reading the "light bulb" later today and before I post again.

I was asked what settings and equipment I currently use - here is the info:

REMstar lite by Respironics - Model #10126
Set at 9

Fisher & Paykel water chamber/HC150/ambient tracking
Set at 2.75

Comfortgel cushion and flap, small by Respironics

Because I was diagnosed so long ago I don't remember what the sleep study numbers were. I have a call in to the neurologist requesting the info and should have it Monday afternoon.

Again, thanks for taking the time to respond.