Got my BiPAP . . . Yay

Hello All;

I picked up my BiPAP on yesterday. It was a little overwhelming with all of the plugs and mask parts to clean, etc. But on the whole, I am optimistic. My prescribed pressure is 17/13 (or is it 13/17)? Either way, that's high and when the machine first started, I didn't think I'd make it. But, my DME swore that was the prescribed pressure, and if it's the pressure they used my last night at the sleep center, I'll trust it for now, because I know I breathed okay then and my results showed my events went from 61 to 4 and oxygen desaturation went from 66% to no lower than 91%.

I will start using it tonight . . . I figure I'd make that leap going into a weekend just in case my first nights are difficult and I'm not in a panic to get to work in the morning. I do have a question. I heard some of you talk about adjusting the pressure setting on your machines. While I've decided to dedicate at least a month to the current settings to see how well I adjust before complaining to the DME, can anyone tell me how to adjust it on my own (if I just can't handle the high pressure, I want to be able to try adjusting it by one point so I'll be less inclined to get discouraged or give up. I have a BiPAP Pro 2 w. Ultra Mirage FF Mask.

Other than that I'm kind of excited to see what differences I experience. We'll see how I handle my first cleaning (Vinegar . . . ughh!!). I'll definitely keep you posted on how it's going and how the cat adjusts to this "thing" on my face as well.

I'm also on a Bi-PAP Pro2, at a pressure of 16/12. The Pro 2 has a ramp feature. Did your DME set this up for you? Ramping allows you to have a lower pressure while you're trying to go to sleep, and it gradually ramps up to your prescribed pressure. Using the ramp feature is much preferable to deviating from your prescribed pressure! On the Pro2 the user can set the ramp starting pressure, but the DME sets the duration of the ramp. I started with a 45-minute ramp, but it was much too long, as I found my insomnia going away once on Bi-PAP. I now ramp for 5 minutes only, from a starting pressure of 7. You really want to be at your prescribed pressure while you're asleep, but it's not necessary while you're awake.

Got it. Thanks so much for the reply. My ramp is set at 45 minutes to start at 3 if I remember correctly. I don't really know how long it needs to be because both times I was on the PAP at the sleep center I didn't realize I had gone to sleep, I thought I was still awake and concentrating on each breath, but apparently I had been asleep for a couple of hours. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but I'm open to the learning experience and it looks like this whole thing will be a BIG one.

I have the same machine, different mask.

I have about 3 months on it, and love it compared to the CPAP I used for 3 months.

I believe the Dr. upped the pressure on mine to cover the insurance requirements for moving me from a CPAP. I went from 8 on CPAP, up to 13/9 on the BiPAP. I wake up and can't even tell it is on. (unless I open my mouth)

I don't even use the ramp at all. Never even once.

I have a passover humidifier and it works fine for me. When I wake, my nose seems open and clear, and haven't had a problem with stuffiness since I started using the BiPap.

Good Luck....................

MartiniLover wrote:I have the same machine, different mask.

I have about 3 months on it, and love it compared to the CPAP I used for 3 months. ........ I don't even use the ramp at all. Never even once.

I have a passover humidifier and it works fine for me. When I wake, my nose seems open and clear, and haven't had a problem with stuffiness since I started using the BiPap.

MartiniLover, gosh, wish I were you! I still struggle with my bipap (18/13). I wake up once the pressure is at its max. At first I thought it was the mask (and it is some), but I tightened it, and that seems to work. I desparately need my ramp. I'm on the ramp more than I'm at my top pressure!!

Strange (thinking of the humidifier), but since starting this in November, I haven't had one cold, not a one! (oh now, I've probably jinxed it) I usually have some sort of cold or flu around these months. Don't know if it's only a coincidence or if the humidifier and bipap are responsible for some cold relief.


Linda

Glad you have your BiPap, however DO NOT CLEAN ANYTHING WITH STRAIGHT VINEGAR. Use a weak vinegar solution in your bathroom sink, about one spoonful of vinegar to the sinkful to run back and forth through your hose. Rinse with just water and hang to dry. Use mild soap and warm water to clean your mask and if you have oily skin be sure to wash your face before going to bed. All stuff should airdry so it is best to do this first thing in the morning to give them all day to dry.

It is not necessary to clean the stuff everyday or to take the mask apart. Doing this (taking it apart) seems to make them leak (more) and it really isn't necessary to clean them everyday either. You don't need to clean the machine at all, other than to wipe it with maye a damp cloth every so often and dust as needed. Check and replace or clean the filter as needed.