Is it normal start like this?

I entered this message again AFTER logging in. Sorry for the duplication as a "guest".

After the titration study, I purchased a REMstar auto w/a-flex and heated humidifer. I also purchased a Respironics nasal mask (medium) because the small used in the titration study hurt the bridge of my nose. I set the auto range from 6-20 until I heard the results of the titration study from the MD.

The autopap would run as high as 12-13 with a 90% of 9.5. I was feeling better and sleeping better for a few nights.

Then the DME set me up with a REMstarPLUS with heated humidifier set at a cpap of 11 per the MD prescription. The DME nasal mask looked cheap and uncomfortable, so I got the Bravo nasal pillows instead. I found them to be very stiff at night and painful at the nasal openings.

To date, I still have not heard from my sleep MD. The constant cpap is not as nice as the auto and I have returned to the Respironics nasal mask. I would like to go back to the REMstar auto or at least change the PLUS setting from CPAP to auto.

Position changes during sleep cause mask leaking. I've also noticed lately I wake up with air rushing out of my mouth. Very frustrated. Can't seem to find the right mask that won't leak out my mouth, hurt my nose or wake me up. I still have heard nothing from the sleep MD and the DME has my machine set to cpap only.

Just having a rough couple of days..

I'm a little confused. If you purchased an Auto with A-flex and you still own it, why fool around with an M-Series Plus which doesn't even give any therapy data, only basic compliance stats? If you own the Aflex machine, have that set up to run in Auto mode unless there's some other very good reason why they won't do that for you. I got an Auto with Aflex several weeka ago, and I've settled in on 10-18 cm as being most comfortable, and giving me the lowest AHI. My 90% pressure is around 11-12 cm. I was previously using the M-Series Plus at 14 cm.

So, help us understand... if you bought an APAP machine why are they fooling around with a Plus now?

You will need to do some reading about mouth leaks. It is a very common problem. I tape my mouth shut with 3M paper tape. Others have developed other ideas to deal with it. A full face mask is the best choice if you can tolerate using one.

You will need to make an appt to see your doctor again and at that time tell him your experience and ask him to prescribe the auto at a tight range around your prescribed pressure to give you the relief and comfort you deserve. You may not have much luck getting it from your DME without support from the doctor.

Is your experience typical? In some ways yes. Poor sleep deprived folks have to fight for the proper treatment. However, I haven't heard of too many getting an auto between their psg and getting their results and their prescription. In that respect you are atypical and very lucky. Imagine knowing you have apnea and being forced to wait 3 weeks or more before getting a machine? That really sucks.

Jen

You've got the Auto. It records your compliance as well as therapy data. The Plus provides good therapy if the settings are right for you. BUT it is a bare bones, bottom of the barrel CPAP in terms of any useful information. Who the h*ll wants one if they can get a better one? The Plus is better than no CPAP at all but that is ALL it is better than. That goes for any CPAP that is not fully data capable.

At the very least insist on a Respironics M Series Pro from the DME. (Imply that your Auto is a loaner from a friend and must be returned to your friend). The Auto can help you find your "sweet spot" of pressure for you and then run in straight CPAP mode, kept as your back up - or the Pro could be kept for your back up and travel machine and the Auto as your primary machine.

schnertling wrote:I entered this message again AFTER logging in. Sorry for the duplication as a "guest".

After the titration study, I purchased a REMstar auto w/a-flex and heated humidifer. I also purchased a Respironics nasal mask (medium) because the small used in the titration study hurt the bridge of my nose. I set the auto range from 6-20 until I heard the results of the titration study from the MD.

The autopap would run as high as 12-13 with a 90% of 9.5. I was feeling better and sleeping better for a few nights.

Then the DME set me up with a REMstarPLUS with heated humidifier set at a cpap of 11 per the MD prescription. The DME nasal mask looked cheap and uncomfortable, so I got the Bravo nasal pillows instead. I found them to be very stiff at night and painful at the nasal openings.

To date, I still have not heard from my sleep MD. The constant cpap is not as nice as the auto and I have returned to the Respironics nasal mask. I would like to go back to the REMstar auto or at least change the PLUS setting from CPAP to auto.

Position changes during sleep cause mask leaking. I've also noticed lately I wake up with air rushing out of my mouth. Very frustrated. Can't seem to find the right mask that won't leak out my mouth, hurt my nose or wake me up. I still have heard nothing from the sleep MD and the DME has my machine set to cpap only.

Just having a rough couple of days..

Your post is contradictory. WHAT did you "BUY"?

An Auto can be made to run in straight pressure LIKE a "Plus", but a "Plus" cannot be made to run in a range of pressures like an Auto.

Den

.

I'm sorry to be so confusing...here's the nuts & bolts...

Due to long delays with my sleep center, sleep MD, etc, I was able to purchase a Respironics M series auto with A-flex with a script from a personal friend (not my sleep doc).

When the sleep doc finally got his script to the DME, I was given the Remstar Plus set at a cpap of 11.

I would rather use the APAP I purchased and keep the DME machine as a backup. I am wondering what to set the APAP range for if my CPAP from the DME was set at 11.

I hope this is less confusing.....

With an initial prescription of 11 cm H2O for straight cpap, I'd try a 10 - 20 range for starters with an autopap.

AND I'd still push for the M Series Pro from the DME paid for by insurance. Might just as well have a fully data capable backup machine. Don't let them get away w/providing that compliance data only rubbish!