random q's.

Hi,

How long is my prescription good for on a cpap machine? I did buy one (repironics M Series) but was wondering [if] I needed another machine if I had to go get another prescription from the doc. *I got my first machine in March '10 but my doctor/hopspital visit cost me a bundle.

My eyes seem really irritated when I awake in the morning. Seems like air is finding its way into the corner of my eyes. Very red eyes when I wake in the morning. * I use a nasal comfort gel nose piece.
Suggestions?

Is it normal to belch/burp all the time when you first awake? huge burp. I think the machine is also pumping my stomache full of air. Thoughts?

Jim

Your prescription should be good forever, unless it specifically says otherwise.

Can you tell if you are having leaks from your software? I was thinking maybe you had air blowing into your eyes while you were sleeping.

Belching is normal for me. Not everyone has a problem with that, but I'm three years into it and I still blow up every night and have huge belches when I first sit up. You didn't say what your pressure is, but I'm guessing 15 or higher. The higher pressures tend to push air past the lower esophageal sphincter.

Do you have a copy of the original Rx? If not, you are entitled to have one so ask the prescribing Dr.'s office for a copy. Even if there is a limit, it stands to reason it would be good for at least a year and you haven't hit a year yet. My first Rx was limited so I asked the doc to write me a generic Rx for machine/mask so I could have it to upload to online vendors like our host, cpap.com. He was very accommodating.

The belching is called aerophagia, and sometimes can be alleviated by just turning down your pressure by 1-2 notches, though you'll have to judge whether or not you'll lose effective treatment that way.

carojae wrote: My eyes seem really irritated when I awake in the morning. Seems like air is finding its way into the corner of my eyes. Very red eyes when I wake in the morning. * I use a nasal comfort gel nose piece.
Suggestions?

Try wearing a sleep mask to protect your eyes. If they are still red you need to find an ophthalmologist who knows about and understands cpap treatment. There is a connection between your nasal passages and your eyes via the tear ducts (why you get a runny nose when you cry) and the air might be being pumped up through. Some people find eye drops helpful. Most people at your DME will fervently deny that this is possible so don't bother talking to them.

Your profile says you have an M Series Bipap "PLUS" and that you have software.

I am not aware that any "PLUS" model machines by (Philips)Respironics are detailed data capable.

Without the data you can't see what is going on in your sleep. It's hard to know if your pressure setting is causing the leak or if it is a mask leak without detailed data.

Is a Bipap "PLUS" that you have?

Someone I hope will correct me if the Bipap Plus does give detailed data, making software useful and making it possible to see what is going on to cause the issues you are having.

Hawthorne wrote:Your profile says you have an M Series Bipap "PLUS" and that you have software.

I am not aware that any "PLUS" model machines by (Philips)Respironics are detailed data capable.

Without the data you can't see what is going on in your sleep. It's hard to know if your pressure setting is causing the leak or if it is a mask leak without detailed data."

Is a Bipap "PLUS" that you have?

Someone I hope will correct me if the Bipap Plus does give detailed data, making software useful and making it possible to see what is going on to cause the issues you are having.

VERY observant Hawthorne.

You are indeed right lol. Cpap.com sent me this setup saying it was the right machine and that I could use data software with this machine. Even sold me the software packet, reader and card (After I bought the machine first). I was made to do this by order of the USCG (united states coast guard) and since then this whole ordeal is just that, an ordeal. $$$
When I told them there wasn't even a slot for a recording card, they then sent me a "insert" so that my machine would accept this card and writer. When it still wouldn't work they advised me to contact Respironics. I did and they said the same you said - it WILL NOT WORK with my machine. Cpap.com promised to correct this but to date I have not heard from them since late May of this year.
One other person told me what you just did and it is surprising that the professionals did not catch this. I guess the $1200.00 meant more. Lol. Well, I will say cpap.com has otherwise been pretty good to me. but.........

OutaSync wrote:Your prescription should be good forever, unless it specifically says otherwise.

Can you tell if you are having leaks from your software? I was thinking maybe you had air blowing into your eyes while you were sleeping.

Belching is normal for me. Not everyone has a problem with that, but I'm three years into it and I still blow up every night and have huge belches when I first sit up. You didn't say what your pressure is, but I'm guessing 15 or higher. The higher pressures tend to push air past the lower esophageal sphincter.

I think you have a good point about the pressure too high. I think the doctor said, 11-14. The respirtory therapist said 12. This stuff is all somewhat of a mystery to me so I don't know. I do have the original prescription at home and I'll look at it the next time I am there.
Anyway, I know that I absolutely have to use the ramp arrow to start or the pressure is blowing air all over my face.