newbie finally got my cpap

Finally got my cpap from the VA respironics Remsar auto A-flex pressure set at 4-10 and they gave me a mirage quattro mask.
I am excited but kindof nurvice to start my new sleep life.The nurse at the Va told me that there is no software that i can get for this machine, Is this true? and does anyone have the program.


And if anyone can give me any pointers or advice i would really apreciate it. I have read and read and learned so much from this forum. and i thank all of you for it.

The software for that machine IS available at cpap.com for $99.00. They also have a package deal with a card reader and the software. Having the software is a huge help in managing your own therapy.

Any memory card reader will do though. I use the card reader that's built into my printer. It works fine so no need to pay the extra $40, I think it is, for a card reader if you have one.


Did you have a titration study (sleep study with mask and machine)? If so what was your titrated pressure? A minimum setting of 4 cm is a low for most people. They feel like they are not getting enough air. Can't really make any suggestions without your titrated pressure, if you have one and we know what happens tonight.

The only advice I have is to try and relax when you get settled into bed tonight. Getting used to it all will take time. You may not have as good a night as you are hoping for but hang in there! It will get better!

Let us know how your first night goes.

As Hawthorne said, there IS patient software available and it is INTENDED for patient use.

Also ditto on what Hawthorne said that you may feel like you are not getting enough air when your pressure is starting out at 4. If that makes you feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic, call the VA and let them know after your first night and they may decide that needs to be changed. Hopefully you won't have to wait long periods of time to see someone to get this adjusted.

I hope you have a good night tonight. It's hard to get used to sleeping with all of this apparatus, so don't give up if it's a tough night. We've all been through it, and we all think it's worth it to get to a better type of sleep in the end.

They said i had mild sleep apnea i think she said i stopped breathing 16 times but i am not sure. no i didn't have a tirated study. when i got the machine i tested it out and i told her it was hard to breath she did ajust it then. but i dont really know what she did. thank for the insite so far.

Lets see tips?

Sometimes it helps to adjust your mask in front of the mirror..

Its good to watch tv or read and practice with it on a little bit each day before you go to bed..

The pressure might feel pretty scarey at first, but take a few deep slow breaths so you dont panic when you put it on.

To make the mask for comfy you can order plush straps from padacheek.com
or strapsofties.com or cpap.com has some too.. THAT is important, making the mask fit right.. these help a lot...

Dont put the mask on too tight, that actually makes it leak worse, it hurts, and leaves red marks..

Try to see if you can make it thru the first night, if not, wear it a little bit each day for longer periods and
try it again at night.. Insurance companies expect you to wear it a minimum of four hours a night, but if you can
get a good seven or eight in, good for you!

Hi! My first night too! I share your excitement, with a tad of nervousness. Good luck!

How was your night, sierra? Love to hear about it.

My first night, not so bad! Woke up from time to time to adjust the nasal pillow position a bit, once big leakage woke me up but easy to fix in my half-sleep. Can't say how well it worked yet...don't feel like killing anyone this morning so that's good. 2-3pm will be my gauge.

Hubby said he didn't hear a thing. Well I woke up twice to his snoring, and was tempted to roll over and throw my mask on him.

Alll in all, not bad at all, I think it'll be easy enough to get used to.

My first night not so bad iwoke up two times at 3 and 5. i went to arround 1130 fell asleep around 12ish. I kinda still feel tired but i dont. My wife came home and i usaaly go back to sleep with her but i couldn't so i guess that is a sign i got a good night sleep. From what i got off the Machine it said my ahi was 3.5 but that was a 7 day result. and it said i didn't have any major leaks. I am kinda thinking this will be ok to get used to.

sierra21 wrote:From what i got off the Machine it said my ahi was 3.5 but that was a 7 day result. and it said i didn't have any major leaks. I am kinda thinking this will be ok to get used to.

How can you get a 7 day Avg from one nite? Is this a used machine?

no it is a new machine that info was just off the screen it said 7 day 3.5 and 30 day but i dont remember what that said

sierra21 wrote:no it is a new machine that info was just off the screen it said 7 day 3.5 and 30 day but i dont remember what that said

So 1 out-of 7 nites relates to you and how you slept last nite. Actually that number won't even show up until noon today.

So that data did/does not pertain to you. Is this a loaner machine?

no not that i know of it is from the va it was new in rapping when they gave it to me unless i am reeding it wrong

sierra21 wrote:no not that i know of it is from the va it was new in rapping when they gave it to me unless i am reeding it wrong

Ok so I read your post wrong. Back to the beginning.

To me there is no way to get a 7day avg. from one nite.

Glad it went okay for you!
I think my day was better too. I was chipper this morning but knew my test would be after 2 in the afternoon. I was driving then and again at 4, longish distance, and did not experience the usual fatigue, headaches and burning eyes at that time. THAT is a good thing!
Here's hoping for you each night is better and better!