Not sure what to do

Are you using insurance to get a new machine? You want full efficacy data...and you need to learn the models that offer that data and the ones that don't. Where are you getting the new machine from?

I just want to clarify for you what "full efficacy data" means. It means that the data will show AHI with a breakdown of type of AHI, pressure, and leak rates.

This is important because lying scumbag DME's will tell you that all machines are "data capable" which is true, but some machines (cheaper, and therefore more profit for the DME) only have "compliance data"--that is hours of use. That is of NO use to you, it's only for the purpose of proving to your insurance company that you use the machine enough to make it worthwhile for them to pay for it. EFFICACY data shows how EFFECTIVE your therapy is, and that will allow you to make adjustments that may make you feel better.

BTW, the DME will also argue that there is no data that you can access on your own. Not true--we have software that WILL allow you to access your data. But don't bother arguing with the DME about this point--they will tell you it is not permitted to access your own data. They are wrong.

Janknitz wrote:lying scumbag DME's

heehee

Well I'm a week and a half out before I see my new doctor. But it is still another month before a new sleep study. So I don't know if the new doctor will look at my old sleep study(2 years ago) and might see something so I don't have to have another study done. I really think the correct machine will help. Till then I was wondering? I have this vpap machine but have been using it in cpap mode only. Have never tried it in the vpap mode. Do you think it would make any difference? Thanks.

Why not try VPAP (bilevel) mode and see?
I don't know if it will make any difference or not but why not at least try?
You have the VPAP S if I remember right...so fixed bilevel...try whatever you are using now in cpap mode (is it still 4 cm) and add 3 or 4 cm to that so that EPAP is 4 and IPAP is 7 or 8 and see how it feels.

Kim A wrote:I have this vpap machine but have been using it in cpap mode only. Have never tried it in the vpap mode. Do you think it would make any difference?

Tried the vpap mode last night and what a difference. I was more relaxed and so much easier to breath. I know the doctor will end up prescribing what kind of machine I need but is there a way to know if I need a apap machine or a more expensive vpap? Read the difference between the two and still not sure. Thanks for your help. Trying to be more educated about this than when I started.

Kim A wrote: I know the doctor will end up prescribing what kind of machine I need

If your pressure needs are low it's going to be a tougher sell to get bilevel but if you get another ResMed machine like the AutoSet it has EPR available and even though it will only go to 3 cm difference between inhale and exhale it is for all practical purposes functioning like the VPAP bilevel but without being able to go higher than the 3 cm difference.
So it will feel very close to what you are feeling now. I have played with EPR of 3 in CPAP mode and used PS of 3 on the VPAP and it feels almost identical. The difference is very small and most likely if I wasn't paying special attention I wouldn't even notice.

Now 3 cm differences is nice....but I personally like 4 cm better.
If you want to see what 3 cm difference feels like just drop that 4 cm difference down to 3 and give it a try.

Thanks Pugsy The old doctor prescribed a pressure 6-10. I couldn't stand exhaling at 6 so he put it at 4. Don't know why he didn't try the vpap setting instead of just lower the pressure. I took everyones advice about raising pressure slowly so I am at inhale 8 exhale 4. Thanks

Hi Kim A,

I'm new on cpap (only about 6-7 weeks) and I haven't been feeling a lot more rested yet--have an awful time falling asleep. My masks and I hate one another to boot.

I do have experience with Ambien--no matter how many hours of sleep I get using it, I am always draggy the next day. Also, on cpap my events per hour are about ,2-3, BUT with Ambien go up to around 6.

Also, my early Ambien experience taught me quickly that tapering off is critical. After only taking it for a couple of weeks, I stopped abruptly and could not sleep at all for two nights. Though I drowsed, I also felt completely aware all night.

Good luck with your doc, and your equipment. All the best.

Hi Blackspinner I've been on Ambien for 7 yrs. and like you don't sleep good at all without one. I'm going to slowly get off of them as soon as I get a new machine because The one I have isn't working for me. Good luck on your adventure thru this madness.

Saw my new doctor the other day and think he may work out a lot better. Seems like he will do whatever I want. Now my problem is I don't know which machine I need . I have a sleep study set up in 3 weeks and the doctor said if I could try out an auto cpap machine for 2 weeks and it worked out then I would not need the study done. If not then will need the study done to check for centrals. So I looked into renting one for a month but I have not met my deduction so it would cost me 574.00 plus 74.00 a month to rent one. Right now I have turned up the pressure to 8 on the machine I have to see if I can get any different results but nothing new. Any one have any suggestions? Thanks

I guess what I was asking is there someone that rents them?

I would look on craigslist and buy a used auto machine with full data. I think there were a couple machines posted here for $250 each. I think they were both autos. It will be cheaper than going through the DME, and you get to keep the machine.

That's what I would do, buy one of the machines "metsfan302" has for under $200 - they are well worth that price and should do whatever you need.

Been a while since I posted. Went to the doctor today and he said my numbers looked good and said he didn't think I needed another sleep study. But said he thought my oxygen was low and wants to do a test to see if my body is getting enough oxygen. Anyone else having this problem? Never known anyone to go threw this so what can I expect? Is there a certain machine for this or do you use a cpap and oxygen or what? Thanks for everyone's help.