Newbie

Ok, so I went to the doc to follow up after my sleep study. (A split study, which I didn't really feel like gave enough time to get titration right). I got the diag of OSA, and got setup with an appointment a couple hours later with a DME. I had an RT basically read a script to me, held a piece of cardboard up to my face and tell me my mask size and had me try it on. I didn't really get it fit well, but I was assured it would be better laying down.

On the good side, they I ended up with a resmed s8 elite II, and a FF mask. The cpap it's self is a rent to own for 11 months, with After doing a lot of reading, I wish I would have had asked/pushed for an apap, and tried a few different masks.

I would like to get the software, and cable, as well as learn a bit more about how to understand the results screen. (I found the clinicians menu) I'm also confused as to why they left the EPR disabled. I've considered turning it on from the clinical menu, but the DME wants to do a data download after a week, and I'm pretty sure that might tick them off.

My first night was ok, the pressure doesn't really bother me, but I did have a lot of issues with leaks, and mask adjustment, so we'll see how it works long term. It eventually woke me up, after about 5 hours when a leak near the top of my nose started spraying air in to my eye, I shut it off then, and didnt put it back on for about the next hour I slept.

mike911 wrote: I've considered turning it on from the clinical menu, but the DME wants to do a data download after a week, and I'm pretty sure that might tick them off.

Seriously? Engineered breath relief? Holy crap, turn it on!!! If it makes you feel any better, call the DME and let them know you're doing it...

Or, and I like this better, play dumb? I doubt they say a word but if they do, just say that's the way it came and you wouldn't know how to change it if it's even possible...

Mike, welcome!

It's YOUR therapy. Take control.
Get yourself educated as quickly as you can. Knowledge is power.
Be flexible. This therapy is totally subjective for each person.
Be inventive. Think about what is happening, and how you can make it work for you.
Be patient. You are not going to find what works, for you, in one night.
Be come your own best therapist. (see education suggestion above)

So much help here.
ASK!

It's your life.
It's my life.

All the best as you journey to a new life begins.

Welcome to our group, hope everything goes well for you

Day 2 was a bit better. I left EBR off for now, and adjusted the mask fit. I will probably turn it on eventually, but I want to limit my changes so I can till the difference. I made it 8.14 hours last night, the data from the machine's lcd said my leak was at 0.1, AHI was 3.5, AI was 0, and HI was 3.5. I've read that it's best to keep AHI below 3, so I guess I still have a little bit to go, but I can definitely feel a difference.

mike911 wrote:Day 2 was a bit better. I left EBR off for now, and adjusted the mask fit. I will probably turn it on eventually, but I want to limit my changes so I can till the difference. I made it 8.14 hours last night, the data from the machine's lcd said my leak was at 0.1, AHI was 3.5, AI was 0, and HI was 3.5. I've read that it's best to keep AHI below 3, so I guess I still have a little bit to go, but I can definitely feel a difference.

An AHI of 3.5, especially with an AI of 0 is absolute success!!!

Turn your exhale relief on...

Welcome, Newbie!

Your numbers look great and I am glad your second night went better. Mask leaks are something most newbies (and sometimes veterans) fight from time to time. It gets better as you get more experience and get more comfortable with your equipment.

I've been on CPAP for two years and just switched to APAP. I'm kind of glad I spent the original time getting comfortable with the mask and machine before I went to APAP. I also just started EPR after two years and what a difference it has made in comfort!! I would encourage you to discuss your issues with your RT and ask them to turn it on. I understand the DME's reluctance to start a bunch of stuff right off the bat without reviewing your data for a couple of weeks, but I also understand the forum's aggravation with members putting up with less than helpful information and equipment from substandard DME's.

I am very fortunate to have a great RT at my DME place. He takes his time, explains things, calls me to try out new products for free and goes over backwards to be available and open to my requests for help and answers. From reading the forum here, he is a rarity!

Hang in there; it will get better over time!