I think I may need a better machine...

I have been treated for sleep apnea for about 2 years. I use a BiPap Pro 2 machine with a heated humidifier(setting of 3) and a FlexiFit HC431 Full Face Mask. My initial sleep number was 79 a couple of years ago. I initially did not tolerate the CPAP machine very well so my doctor put me on a BiPap machine with a inhalation setting of 17.

I never have really gone thru an extended period of success (waking up refreshed) since beginning treatment. In Feb 06 I went to the emergency room short of breath, etc. Wound up having a stent angioplasty for the artery that goes across the front of the heart, which was 95% blocked, the next morning.

Since then I have gone from 217 pounds to 192 pounds (I'm 5'8") so I had a 2nd sleep study where they switched me to a setting of 11/7. I feel like the Bipap Pro 2 is just not keeping my airway open long enough.

When I wake up, I just want to go back to sleep. My sleep cycle is way off. I go to bed too late, 2 or 3 pm, and get up too late, 11 am or 12 noon most days (after getting up 2 or 3 times due to an enlarged prostrate). I work mostly from home so I can get away with this but it needs to be corrected.

My doctor said I don't have any significant central apnea only OSA but it doesn't feel that way.

I think I should invest in a new machine and just pay for it myself. What machine (and mask) would you guys recommend? My doctor wants to do another sleep study but I feel like I'm just not getting the best from my machine. I'm mostly a side sleeper and possible mouth breather. Is there some kind of CPAP machine, rather than BiPap machine I could tolerate now that I've quit smoking for almost a year and my lungs are stronger? Also, if the machine did not solve the problem but another type of machine that cpap.com carries might can I exchange them?

I like the idea of the auto adjusting cpap or something that would increase pressure when necessary but decrease pressure as I'm exhaling.

Looking forward to your response. In need of a good night's sleep.

Thank you
Sleepjeep

A couple thoughts although I am not a BiPap expert.

Are you comfortable with the titration study? If not either software to look at what is going on, or an Auto machine would be good. Sounds to me like your new settings may not be correct.

If you truly are down in the 11 range you could get an APAP for around $600.

The Auto machine would adjust to your needs. I love that in a CPAP, maybe other Auto Bipap users would tell you how the auto version of the Bipap helps.

I think you have a very good machine, and as it's a bi-level it should manage your needs.

I would recommend you getting the software and card reader. You can download data from your card to see if you are having apneas and at what pressures.

Is your machine the Remstar Pro 2 (the original), or is it the M series Pro?

Others who are more knowledgeable about Bi-levels can chime in here, but I think you machine could even be set as a straight cpap machine. In other words, as a straight 11 pressure.

That's a big jump from 17 down to 11. It may have been too high at 17, but too low at 11.

And finally, if you have major mask leaks, your therapy is nonexistent. It's blowing right out the mask. Software would also show major leaks.

If you PM me, I might be able to give you more information and help regarding software. Just hit the PM button below my post.

sleepjeep wrote:I think I should invest in a new machine and just pay for it myself. What machine (and mask) would you guys recommend?
. . .
Is there some kind of CPAP machine, rather than BiPap machine I could tolerate now that I've quit smoking for almost a year and my lungs are stronger?

Since your pressure is so much lower now, you might want to consider an Auto-PAP or APAP. Many of us don't need anywhere near our maximum pressure all night. An APAP lets me sleep with very low pressures for much of the night and only goes up when I need the higher pressure, for instance, if I'm sleeping on my back. I use the Remstar APAP and software for monitoring my therapy. I highly recommend using software for monitoring your therapy.

As for masks, well . . ., afraid masks are highly personal preference items. A few types stand out as being quite usable though. Bear in mind that many folks here have gone through more than a few masks looking for a better one. The quest can seemingly go on for years until you find one that suits you well.

sleepjeep wrote:Also, if the machine did not solve the problem but another type of machine that cpap.com carries might can I exchange them?

Sorry, that's not the way the online CPAP business works.

Regards,
Bill

If you have the BiPAP Pro 2, the software and reader should let you know what's going on. You may not need better equiptment. If you do the Remstar Auto B-PAP, is the one to get, that way you have everything covered, and the same software works for both. Jim

Goofproof wrote:

If you do the Remstar Auto B-PAP, is the one to get,

Sure, it is the one to get IF the algorithm is right for you. While the RemStar machines are really good, it is worth bearing in mind that there is no guarantee that RemStar will be right for you. This can be said for any of the machines.

The only way to know for sure is to trial the RemStar, and some other bi-paps BEFORE you commit your hard-earned dollars to a purchase. If at all possible, even if it costs you some money in rental, trail machines from a couple of different manufacturers. This is a really effective way to know for sure that the machine you buy is right for you.