New Hoser

Just a quick note of thanks. I started my CPAP journey on 10-16-09. While my machine has information, I have to call Apria to get them to fax me each week's daily results. The area where the data card usually resides is occupied by a modem. The Apria people have been pretty good about sending me the information after I call and request it. Anyone have any idea how long before they give up on the modem and I can use my own software to monitor?

My latest readings show a new record for a 7 day average of usage of 7.24, and a 30 day average of 6.42. The 7 day/30 day numbers for System Leak are 35.2/36.3.

The Apn-Hyp Index is 1.2/1.4.

I am feeling much better than before starting the CPAP treatment. I am starting to get back some patience and other parts of my personality that seemed to have disappeared. It would appear that the events are somewhat under control. What about my leaks? Should I be concerned, or does the low event number mean that I shouldn't sweat the leaks.

I have already had dreams. I couldn't remember the last time I had a dream...

Thanks for your help. Your community has helped educate me and make me aware of many things my Neurologist never communicated. Thanks again.

glad you are feeling better

13thOwl wrote:I am feeling much better than before starting the CPAP treatment. I am starting to get back some patience and other parts of my personality that seemed to have disappeared. It would appear that the events are somewhat under control. What about my leaks? Should I be concerned, or does the low event number mean that I shouldn't sweat the leaks.

Hi,

I have the same mask, and the same brand of machine. My leak numbers are just about exactly the same as yours. Most of the leak comes from the exhaust port. The big thing to watch for is time spent in "large leak". That would be bad. I find I can get the leak line to be really flat if I use a little Lansinoh on the pillows, and the leak rate goes up as the pillows wear out (when they get about 8 weeks old). I was able to find factory sealed pillows from an E-bay vendor for $10 each, so I keep spares on hand.

-john-

jweeks wrote:
Hi,

I have the same mask, and the same brand of machine. My leak numbers are just about exactly the same as yours. Most of the leak comes from the exhaust port. The big thing to watch for is time spent in "large leak". That would be bad. I find I can get the leak line to be really flat if I use a little Lansinoh on the pillows, and the leak rate goes up as the pillows wear out (when they get about 8 weeks old). I was able to find factory sealed pillows from an E-bay vendor for $10 each, so I keep spares on hand.

-john-

Thanks. This is information that I couldn't find anywhere else. To get replacement pillows, do I need a Rx? I didn't realize I needed a copy of it and my original sleep study until reading it on this message board. I requested it last week, but so far, it has not arrived via mail. I am not scheduled to see the sleep doc again until after the new year.

Congratulations on your early success. Be sure you ultimately end up with a machine that will provide you detailed data so you can monitor your therapy.

Georgio

Georgio wrote:Congratulations on your early success. Be sure you ultimately end up with a machine that will provide you detailed data so you can monitor your therapy.

Georgio

Any ideas on me just requesting the modem being removed and the smart card inserted? From the three weeks I have been on the machine, they can tell I have been 100% compliant. If they are actually using the data in the sleep center to see just how effective their original settings were, then I don't want to mess up their feedback. However, it is my body that we are trying to get well here. The software would be a lot easier than having to rely on a callback/fax from the DME...

13thOwl wrote:To get replacement pillows, do I need a Rx?

No.

Regarding the modem. You would just need to check with the DME but I suspect that they are only using it for compliance requirements.

You're doing very well as a new hoser. The AHI index looks great, especially for a new user. Leaks need to be worked on a little bit, but I am so glad you are going well with therapy!