CPAPtalk.com

I was recently diagnosed with mild sleep apnea (AHI 11). My brother had his old F&P Icon+ CPAP machine kicking around so offered it to me since my benefits won't cover mine unless it's 15 or higher. Although mild, I feel like crap every morning and tired throughout the day so figured this would be worth a try.

Few questions:

1. My sleep clinic charges like $350 for a consult and set up for a used machine. Is it worth the cost or is it pretty straightforward given that it's an auto CPAP? There's a great 3 part YouTube series from the channel "CPAP Reviews" about all the settings on this model so curious if that would be good enough.
2. Is there anything other than standard cleaning (machine wipe down, hose and tank cleaning) that would be needed to get started?
3. How can I perform a factory reset on this unit?
4. I regularly have nasal congestion. Just wondering if the humidifier might open up the airways and I could get away with a nasal mask or if I should stick with a full face. I know everyone is different but curious if the humidifer has helped anyone in this respect.

Thanks!

cowtown wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:26 pm

3. How can I perform a factory reset on this unit?

How to do that should be explained in the clinical/provider manual which you can request from this site
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap- ... tup-manual

Get the manual and read it. Setting these machines up is actually pretty straight forward and easy once you learn the secret handshake (combination of button pushing) to get to the clinical setup menu.
I think you will quickly realize that $350 is pretty steep for what they do (and you can do easily).

cowtown wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:26 pm

4. I regularly have nasal congestion. Just wondering if the humidifier might open up the airways and I could get away with a nasal mask or if I should stick with a full face. I know everyone is different but curious if the humidifer has helped anyone in this respect.

Thanks!

Time will tell - you will have to play with humidity and temp (if possible on that machine) to find out which is best for you. Some benefit from higher humidity, some don't.

Have you seen an ENT for the congestion? Tried nasal lavage? Do you ever breathe freely through your nose?
If not, I would stick to a FFM for the starters (is that what they used in sleep study)?

See if you can get hypoallergenic filters for your machine. Breathing cleaner air through the night may really help your congestion.

Welcome to the forum and good luck.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:38 pm

How to do that should be explained in the clinical/provider manual which you can request from this site
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap- ... tup-manual

Get the manual and read it. Setting these machines up is actually pretty straight forward and easy once you learn the secret handshake (combination of button pushing) to get to the clinical setup menu.
I think you will quickly realize that $350 is pretty steep for what they do (and you can do easily).

Thanks very much!

ozij wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:22 pm

Time will tell - you will have to play with humidity and temp (if possible on that machine) to find out which is best for you. Some benefit from higher humidity, some don't.

Have you seen an ENT for the congestion? Tried nasal lavage? Do you ever breathe freely through your nose?
If not, I would stick to a FFM for the starters (is that what they used in sleep study)?

See if you can get hypoallergenic filters for your machine. Breathing cleaner air through the night may really help your congestion.

Welcome to the forum and good luck.

Yeah I suppose it will be trial and error. Maybe better to sink my money into trying a couple of masks if needed then to pay for the consultation (mask extra)!

Yup, I have. I had a deviated septum which was corrected with a septoplasty surgery about 9 years ago, didn't make a difference. Seems that it's more like an allergy type of reaction but haven't been able to figure out the cause. Allergy pills have no effect, neither to steroid nasal sprays. I use a sinus rinse daily which doesn't help to open things up but sure cleans out the gunk! Breathing is relatively clear during the day, more of an issue when my head hits the pillow. Sometimes the left side, sometimes the right, sometimes neither.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!