Newbie has questions about CPAP software

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:24 pm

I've had Respironics REMStar Plus M Series w/CFLEX, HH, and Encore Pro smart card for 6 days, w/Respironics ComfortGel nose mask, chin strap (and last night taped my lips). My CPAP is set on 17 (w/CFLEX drop to 14). I had to read many postings on this list before realizing the above info may be important. In other words...I'm lost. I don't know about various...anythings.

I have read postings that refer to software. Is the above information sufficient for someone (everyone) to tell me if there is software to support my equipment, how do I get it, where do I get it. The local American HomePatient told me that they had never heard of software for CPAP equipment, and that I was the first person that ever asked them about this unknown, to them, software.

The ahom folks also told me that no one could change the pressure setting on my equipment except them, after their receiving doctors orders to do so. Implied unauthorized changes being against the law. True or untrue??? They said I am allowed to change the HH from 0 thru 5. They also failed to give me the Owner's Manual on everything...CPAP, HH, nose mask. I had to go back and ask them for the manuals.

If I had the software, how would it help me if I am not allowed to change my CPAP setting?

Thank you...anyone, everyone.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:34 pm

Unfortunately, your machine doesn't support software. Your card will only record compliance - the number of hours and days you use your machine.

The M series machines that do support software are the M Pro and the M auto.

Unless you had the software to download data and see your apneas, etc., then it's probably NOT wise for you to be changing pressure yourself.

Many of us change our pressure - it's not really against the law (depending on who you ask), but we have the software which shows apneas vs pressure, etc. So we are not "blindly" changing pressure.

Also, cflex is set up as 1 to 3. There is no way that cflex is set up at 14. Are you sure you don't have a Bi-level machine?

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:45 pm

Linda, my machine is REMStar Plus w/CFLEX, but the card says Encore Pro. Do I have the correct card for my CPAP?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:50 pm

Yes, you have the correct card. But it will only record compliance. Sorry.

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:51 pm

Linda, you are correct about the CFLEX 1, 2 3. I was told that if the CFLEX is set on 3, the exhale pressure would drop to the equivalent of 14. I don't know if that explanation is valid or not.

jules · Post by **jules** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:54 pm

Linda is right - that machine will only give compliance data even though you have a card. It will only record the hours you use the machine.

Also if you were told your cflex at 3 dropped you to a 14 on exhale (from the 17 for inhale) that is probably a bunch of hog wash. A cflex at 3 is the max drop for cflex option but it is not the same as a drop of 3 cm H2O pressure. For EPR (ResMed) I understand one unit is really 1 cm drop but not for cflex.

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:54 pm

Linda, Thank you very much. At least I clearly know where I am on that subject. You sure know alot about OSA, CPAP, various equipment, etc. Smart lady!!!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:57 pm

That is quite a high pressure for a regular cpap machine. Alot of people who have a pressure of over 15 (and some even lower), do much better with a bi-level. One that would be set at 17 intake/14 exhale.

If you have problems, and if you need a different machine, then would be a good time to get one that records data. Like a Remstar Auto Bi-pap.

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:59 pm

On the subject of the Respironex M Series w/CFLEX, the pulmonologist emphasized that he did not prescribe and AUTO machine. Is there a valid reason for his position, or is it his way of controlling me.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:57 pm

1snuggs wrote:On the subject of the Respironex M Series w/CFLEX, the pulmonologist emphasized that he did not prescribe and AUTO machine. Is there a valid reason for his position, or is it his way of controlling me.

You pretty much came up with the answer on your own, If you had a APAP and software, you could better make your car payments, instead of making his. With your CPAP prescription, you can buy a APAP at CPAP.COM & the software, you might find out you can get by just as good on less pressure. Jim

At the least you will be able to tell if the treatment is correct.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com, CPAP, Prescription, auto, APAP

1snuggs · Post by **1snuggs** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 8:12 pm

Thank you, Linda, Jules, and Jim for your responses. You have been very helpful, and answered my questions, indeed.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:35 pm

Either your doc wants to control you or he is truly ignorant on the APAP question. Really hard to tell.

As someone said. If you want APAP you can buy with your prescription online cash.

Make sure if you don't have your preseciption and copies of your sleep studies that you get them soon.

Put them in your file as the prescription is good for another machine and another (cash online).

You never know when you might want or need it.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Prescription, APAP

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:12 pm

Some would caution that an APAP which elevated the pressure excessively might set off central apnea events. However, with a CPAP pressure of 17 to start with, it would be less likely that an APAP would cause much harm - unless it went to 18, 19, or 20 cm, which could conceivably cause some trouble.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:10 pm

Jim,

I did not suggest setting the upper limit past the titration number. There are so many advantages of APAP where the machine can run LOWER (reduced air swallowing, reduced mask leakage etc...)

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:36 pm

snoregirl wrote:Jim,

I did not suggest setting the upper limit past the titration number. There are so many advantages of APAP where the machine can run LOWER (reduced air swallowing, reduced mask leakage etc...)

Agreed.