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Re: First Night report and some questions
Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:48 pm
by Corvis
I too an new at this, although I have been 35 nights with the CPAP machine, it is a love....toss and turn relationship.
I just got a survery letter from the office of the Sleep Professionals asking compliance questions for the insurance company.
I am a bit of a data geek but the only data I am permitted to see is the Total Hours used and the days of use 35/35.
Is there any way I too can learn how to get the numbers of of my CPAP so I might know if there are ways in which I can improve.
I have a Resmed Escape 8 II.
This is an awesome site, thanks to all who post to it and help out the questioning ones.
Corvis
Re: First Night report and some questions
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 5:28 am
by Hawthorne
Corvis - the Escape only gives compliance data. It will not show any other data. You would need to upgrade your machine to get more detailed data.
You MAY be able to exchange it for an Elite 11. That would give you detailed data. It would be worth talking to your DME or your Doctor about upgrading.
Re: First Night report and some questions
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 6:58 am
by ozij
frazzled-snoozer wrote:So all you great helpers...here's my next question. Is it to be expected that the pressure seems lower as you get used to it? Last night it seemed like it wasn't nearly as strong as before. I wondered if the machine was malfunctioning or I was having leaking (another reason data would be helpful).
Yes, the pressure does seem less as we get used to it.
Re: First Night report and some questions
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 6:39 pm
by DreamStalker
frazzled-snoozer wrote:DreamStalker, don't fret about calling me names. I tried to get back to that thread to expand on my thoughts and address your response but the message I typed got too long and I was just too swamped to get it put on there. I knew since I didn't get back to it I probably appeared like one of those drive-by posters. (I just hate those btw.) And I'm sure we can be friends even with your skewed view of healthcare!
Now that I've been working with the machine for a few days and can really identify the weaknesses I've decided to get in gear on Monday to exchange it. I was thinking the exact things you were suggesting DreamStalker. I'm going to contact the insurance co and get them on board with my plan. I'd like to make my plan work with this DME if I can. I like the idea that in my first year getting used to all this I can have their support. But if that's not going to work I'm going to do as you suggest with the on-line vendors.
The mask the DME gave me is probably my best choice to start. When I read about the different masks on this and other sites I was already leaning toward this one before they even picked it. My rep told me that I can exchange and test out new masks as many times as I want. But he did tell me that only one was covered at a time. If I wanted a 2nd one (like a back-up or alternate one) I'd pay $99. I meet with the RT this week. Due to the time crunch to beat the end of the year they sent it to me before my RT meeting. I guess they usually have the RT go over all the equipment with you first. I'm planning to use that opportunity to swap out the machine.
Brazospeal, I think I've figured out the suffocating thing. It's because the air the machine is blowing into your nose goes out your mouth causing a vacuum effect.
So all you great helpers...here's my next question. Is it to be expected that the pressure seems lower as you get used to it? Last night it seemed like it wasn't nearly as strong as before. I wondered if the machine was malfunctioning or I was having leaking (another reason data would be helpful).
Thanks
Cool. I like your attitude.
After a while you do get used to the pressure. You will also get used to controlling the muscles in your soft palate as well and that may help with mouth leaks ... when you can talk with your mask on and under pressure, you will know what I mean. Then coughing and sneezing becomes a lot easier while under CPAP pressure too.
Another phase you will likely go through is where your back and/or ribs may being to ache (may be a few days or a few weeks before you begin to experience these aches) ... feels like muscles aches after over-exercising, except on muscles you never knew you had. Don't give up. Work through it and your body will adapt ... the dull pain should not last more than 2 to 4 weeks.
Good luck getting the data capable equipment ... go for an APAP if at all possible even if in the end you end up using CPAP mode (APAPs work in both modes) as your best therapy, as many do. An APAP will help you find your sweet spot more quickly. And if you gain or lose weight, it will help you find the optimal pressure due to weight changes.
Later.
Re: First Night report and some questions
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:07 pm
by rested gal
Welcome to the board, frazzled, brazos, and Corvis!!
Looks like you all are getting great advice already in this thread. Hope every one of you can get a machine that shows more data than just "hours of use." You all sound like you intend to be very proactive about your therapy. That's the way to be!
You may have already seen this link, but if not, it's good reading:
LINK to Mile High Sleeper's great information resource for cpap users.
http://www.smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com
And here's a link to:
My list of machines that record "full data" and those that don't -- as of October 2008:
Oct 24, 2008 New user, saying hello...with some questions...
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168