My failing career

giantred · Post by **giantred** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:01 pm

Wulfman,

I will also make sure if it's a Remstar C Auto Flex. I'm sure it is, but I will check tonight. Something is not working right with these settings. I need your help. Can you locate those instructions you gave me back in July? Please thanks.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:36 pm

Wulfman wrote:

REMstar Pro 2 Setup

When in the Setup Menu, the humidifier ^ and ramp v buttons operate as up and down keys to change the settings, the left/right user buttons < > allow you to go to the previous/next question or setting, and the pressure start/stop button is used to exit the Setup Menu. Holding the humidifier or ramp buttons down will cause the values to change more quickly.

To enter the Therapy Setup Menu, hold the two top user buttons < > down while plugging in the power cord.
Continue holding the buttons down until the REMstar Pro 2 with C-Flex beeps twice. (about 5 seconds)

Note: The word "setup" will appear on all of the screens indicating that you are in the Therapy Setup Menu.
If you press the Pressure start/stop button, you will exit the Setup Menu.

a. Compliance hours: (recommend leaving alone)
Select next setting with >

b. Therapy mode: (CPAP or CFLE) select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

c. CPAP pressure setting: Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

d. C-Flex mode (if you chose CFLE mode): Select setting 1, 2 or 3 with ^
Select next setting with >

e: Ramp time setting: Select with ^ or v
(ramp time will be turned off with a setting of 0)
Select next setting with >

f. Ramp pressure setting: Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

g. Patient disconnect setting: 1 = on 0 = off Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

h. Buttons lights setting: 1 = on 0 = off Select with ^ or v
(Last setting. Use On/Off button to exit Setup)

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:38 pm

giantred wrote:Wulfman,

I will also make sure if it's a Remstar C Auto Flex. I'm sure it is, but I will check tonight. Something is not working right with these settings. I need your help. Can you locate those instructions you gave me back in July? Please thanks.

That part makes a difference in the instructions......especially once you get into the setup.

You can find them in this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43162&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

However, this is what you will find in what I posted in that thread.
I would suggest copying them and pasting into a document (like Wordpad) to save on your computer.
Please write down ALL of the options and settings you see in the menu as you go through it.
If it turns out to be a different machine, let us know.

Den

.

REMstar Auto w/C-Flex Setup

When in the Setup Menu, the humidifier ^ and ramp v buttons operate as up and down keys to change the settings, the left/right user buttons < > allow you to go to the previous/next question or setting, and the pressure start/stop button is used to exit the Setup Menu. Holding the humidifier or ramp buttons down will cause the values to change more quickly.

To enter the Therapy Setup Menu, hold the two top user buttons < > down while plugging in the power cord.
Continue holding the buttons down until the REMstar Auto w/C-Flex beeps twice.

Note: The word "setup" will appear on all of the screens indicating that you are in the Therapy Setup Menu.
(If you press the Pressure start/stop button, you will exit the Setup Menu.)

A. Compliance hours/nights: (recommend leaving alone, but CAN be cleared at this point)
Select next setting with >

B. Therapy mode: (CPAP/CFLE/APAP/AFLE) select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

B1. If CPAP or CFLE select pressure setting: Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

B1a. C-Flex mode (if you chose CFLE mode): Select setting 1, 2 or 3 with ^
Select next setting with >

B2. If APAP or AFLE, select minimum pressure setting: Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

B2a. If APAP or AFLE, select maximum pressure setting: Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

B2b. C-Flex mode (if you chose AFLE mode): Select setting 1, 2 or 3 with ^
Select next setting with >

C: Ramp time setting: Select with ^ or v
(ramp time will be turned off with a setting of 0:00)
(if using APAP or AFLE mode, Ramp setting MUST be set to 0:00)
Select next setting with >

D. Ramp pressure setting: Select with ^ or v (use only in CPAP or CFLE mode)
Select next setting with >

E. Patient disconnect setting: 1 = on 0 = off Select with ^ or v
Select next setting with >

F. Buttons lights setting: 1 = on 0 = off Select with ^ or v

(Last setting. Use On/Off button to exit Setup)

.

Sleeprider · Post by **Sleeprider** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:23 pm

I'm a bit confused. Your profile shows you have a Remstar Pro 2, but in your post you indicate you have an Auto. If you have the pro, this is the standard users manual to your machine http://www.respironics.com/UserGuides/U ... tarPro.pdf
Access to the full clinician menu is done by unplugging the power cord and holding down the two top arrow keys on the menu pad while plugging the unit back in. You can then run through the menu to view the settings as described by wulfman.

Still, you are kind of flying blind if you don't have the smart card and take a look at the apnea index, leak rates and similar data. You need to get a smart card and Mako DT3500 card reader. If you can do that much I can turn you on to free software if you download a 674 mb Encore Pro iso torrent file.

Personally, I would set the ramp pressure higher. I don't use ramp and have a minimum pressure of 9 cm-H2O on an auto PAP. My guess is if you're not feeling relief, your pressures are too low, or you are leaking air and its not doing you any good.

DoriC · Post by **DoriC** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:34 pm

giantred wrote:Wulfman,

I lost the instructions, did you gave me a while ago, I can't seem to locate them. I'm in a total fog and I can't seem to remember anything right now. Can you let me know where they are. I will check the settings of my machine. I know it's an Autoflex, so it starts at 4 and changes as the night goes on. Also, I have to use the humidifier or my nose will bleed. So I'm not sure what to do about that./

Giantred, you've got some of our best experts here wanting to help you so just take a deep breath and give them as much information as you can. The questions they're asking are important if you want their help. I'm not one of the experts but just off the top of my head, at a pressure starting at 4cms it would probably be difficult for you to breathe and if it's set wide open to 20cms the constant pressure changes may be disturbing you or causing leaks. All these and other problems can be fixed, it just takes patience and following the suggestions here and the payoff will be that you'll get your life back again, I promise.

Muse-Inc · Post by **Muse-Inc** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:42 pm

giantred wrote:...it's an Autoflex, so it starts at 4...

Well, here's a BIG problem...4...almost none of us here can breathe successfully with a pressure of 4!

Do you have a copy of your sleep study? Get a copy, you're legally entitled to a copy if the doc or lab protests. There's a lot of useful data in it that can help get your therapy working.

If you're leaking air, then your therapy air which is supposed to stent open your airways isn't where it's supposed to be, which is inside you. If that's the case, you likely need a different mask. I was losing therapy air and had to switch from my beloved pillow mask to the RespCare Hybrid full face mask:

The key to successfully getting your therapy going is first the right pressure for you at this time. Second, a machine that reports data which you apparently have. Third, a mask comfortable enough for you to wear it every single time you go to sleep. Fourth, getting leaks to a minimum. Fifth, getting some restful sleep and enough of it. All the while, logging your overnight data every morning to track trends and identify leaks. Oh yeah, coming here and asking for help for things that aren't working well. We all wanna help GRed...getting CPAP therapy working is a snap for some and a huge challenge for others...coming here can make the journey easier.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:51 pm

giantred wrote:Wulfman,

I lost the instructions, did you gave me a while ago, I can't seem to locate them. I'm in a total fog and I can't seem to remember anything right now. Can you let me know where they are. I will check the settings of my machine. I know it's an Autoflex, so it starts at 4 and changes as the night goes on. Also, I have to use the humidifier or my nose will bleed. So I'm not sure what to do about that./

I just noticed this in DoriC's post. If the "Ramp" is configured to start at 4 cm. and work up to the normal operating pressure, that in itself doesn't mean that it's an "Auto". Most single-pressure CPAPs have that Ramp feature.

But, if it IS an Auto and the starting pressure is 4 cm., that's too low for any effective therapy.

That's why it's important to tell us EXACTLY what is printed on the top of the machine in the Gray AND Red letters.

Den

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 1:54 am

giantred wrote:... I'm having serious problems with the neck and back from the headgear of the machine. ...

Well, as others have noted, there are differnet headsets. It can make life much easier. Many of the newer masks do not have to be tightened down as much as older masks. Some have hardly any headgear at all.

giantred wrote:... My goal for 2010 is this: I want to correct this problem the best I can. I don't even care about my career now, it's soon to be over anyway. If I can fix the sleep apnea, I'll fix the career later. ...

And as you know that's what it takes. One thing at a time. And your health and ability to work is at the top of the list.

giantred wrote:... I feel like crap all the time and I can't function and can't get anything done. ...

Been there. Know the feeling all too well.

giantred wrote:... I'm losing clients left and right and it's all because of this apnea thing, I know it is. I'm just not myself. ...

Yup. Unable to focus, remember, etc. It's all too common.

giantred wrote:... Do you think the dental appliances might be a solution. The doctors said that the dental appliances might help me. Do you think that's possible. Does anyone know much about the dental appliances?

It might not be the answer by itself. I would try one of those over the counter dental appliances. It would be a cheap way to see if it help. It might allow you to use a lower pressure, which would allow the headgear to be much looser. It's worth a shot at it.

DoriC · Post by **DoriC** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:02 am

Wulfman wrote:
giantred wrote:Wulfman,

I lost the instructions, did you gave me a while ago, I can't seem to locate them. I'm in a total fog and I can't seem to remember anything right now. Can you let me know where they are. I will check the settings of my machine. I know it's an Autoflex, so it starts at 4 and changes as the night goes on. Also, I have to use the humidifier or my nose will bleed. So I'm not sure what to do about that./
I just noticed this in DoriC's post. If the "Ramp" is configured to start at 4 cm. and work up to the normal operating pressure, that in itself doesn't mean that it's an "Auto". Most single-pressure CPAPs have that Ramp feature.

But, if it IS an Auto and the starting pressure is 4 cm., that's too low for any effective therapy.

That's why it's important to tell us EXACTLY what is printed on the top of the machine in the Gray AND Red letters.

Den

GRed, Den's right, I just looked at the machine you're showing, should have done that before, and it shows a Pro2 which is a straight cpap machine,not auto, so you're probably referring to ramp=4cms. You might want to increase that to 7 or 8 for 20 or 30mins and see if that helps you fall asleep more comfortably. Most of us turn ramp off and start at the full pressure setting once we've adjusted.

giantred · Post by **giantred** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:01 pm

Thank you everyone for your input. I forgot to get the information on the top of my machine this morning. I slept a few hours with my headgear and that nerve in the neck is pinched again. I will get the information and thank you Wulfman, good idea about cutting and pasting the information to my computer. Anyway, the goal is to make sure I have the right machine and a new headgear, pillow, etc. I will work on getting all the information, including the latest sleep study and get back to everyone. I really appreciate the concern and information that everyone has provided. Have a Happy New Year.

giantred · Post by **giantred** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:13 pm

I changed my profile so it shows the Remstar C-Auto Flex. Thank you for pointing that out. I'm fairly certain that it's the correct machine, but I will check when I go home.

giantred · Post by **giantred** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:19 pm

I have a prescripiton for this machine from the doctor that did my latest sleep study. It's for a Resmed S8 auto with Humidifier. He also put on the prescription that I can purchase and auto machine. However, I hope the one I currently have is sufficient for my problem because my insurance doesn't cover these machines. The DR. said he thinks the Resmed S8 auto is good? Any comments?

BleepingBeauty · Post by **BleepingBeauty** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:32 pm

giantred wrote:I have a prescripiton for this machine from the doctor that did my latest sleep study. It's for a Resmed S8 auto with Humidifier. He also put on the prescription that I can purchase and auto machine. However, I hope the one I currently have is sufficient for my problem because my insurance doesn't cover these machines. The DR. said he thinks the Resmed S8 auto is good? Any comments?

I can't speak to ResMed machines, as I have a Respironics. Many people here like (or even prefer) ResMed, and yes, the Autoset is reportedly a very good machine.

Straight-pressure (CPAP) and auto-titrating (APAP) machines have the same insurance code (EO601, I believe), so your insurance company will pay the same amount for either type of machine. They don't care which one you get. The DME does care, and will try to pawn off the cheaper of the two machine types (CPAP) to a new user because they make more profit.

You get more bang for the buck with an APAP, because it can run in auto-mode or as a straight CPAP with one fixed pressure. By contrast, a CPAP machine can only run in fixed-pressure mode. (But many people do get effective therapy with CPAP.)

Lee Lee · Post by **Lee Lee** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:36 pm

I have the ResMed S8 and it's a very good machine. I use straight CPAP, because the auto setting was causing me to wake up when the pressure changed. But it's nice to know I have it if I need it.

Muse-Inc · Post by **Muse-Inc** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:21 pm

Love my ResMed AutoSet Series II!!! I'm one of the ones who gets much better sleep using an APAP machine which I finally got the first wk of this past Nov. Hadda buy it myself, insurance denied my doc's medically necessary request for the APAP . My pressure needs change from night to night and throughout each night, likely from my allergy-chronic sinusitis-congestion issues so my APAP range is pretty wide compared to what most have. I'm biased toward the ResMed machines, my former CPAP was from ResMed. Each mfg builds slightly different flow generator responses in their APAP machines which is why some of like one mfg's APAPs over another; they all work, it's which one most closely matches your own breathing pattern. Several here have used machines from several mfg, maybe they'll chime with their experiences.

What pressure range is set in your APAP? If you need some help getting those numbers, let us know so someone can send you a copy of the manual. Can you get to the data and post some numbers for us?

My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Re: My failing career

Machine	Mask	Humidifier