New to Everything

Hello, my name is Chris and I'm Brand new here and to CPAP and all it involves, so please excuse me if I sound uninformed - it's only because I am! After having some strange heart issues starting in November, my doctor sent me for a sleep test - I had one 10 years ago at which time I was told I was "borderline" - but my doctor showed apnea in my chart and thought I was wearing a mask all this time. Fast forward to 2am sleep test night, when they woke me up to put a mask on. My AHI was 50.6 and I had 44 events (I don't even know the depth of what that means) Didn't know I was claustrophobic until then. Asked for a different mask a little while later and ended up with a Quattro? FFM. That was what was prescribed for me when I got authorization for my supplies, so this past Monday was CPAP machine/class/fitting day. Came home with all I needed and warnings about red marks, because I have the kind of nose that apparently gets them. So, of course I did - with a bit of a rashy patch down the left side of it. Conversations with my Resp. Therapist and suggestions to adjust the mask led to less red marks the second night, more panic and leaks. Trip back to the DME yesterday resulting in a pile of masks that she just didn't want me to chance wearing all the the FFM we tried just made immediate red marks on the bridge of my nose. I really liked the little whisper mask, but that left the quickest, biggest mark. Then she came in with the Airfit P10....what a miracle. I even tried the Liberty hybrid (I requested that as it seemed to be the best of both) and nothing came close to the Airfit comfort. I was a little scared because I felt my exhalation was restricted but since it was the most comfort I felt in three days (which I know is not a lot of time with all the reading I'm doing here) I felt I found something I could at least try to get used to. Had some moments of panic before bed last night (this is just more overwhelming than I thought it would be) and geared up. Chin strap then Airsoft. Settled in and instead of the hour and half it's been taking me to relax enough to fall asleep, I can't remember when I did fall asleep so it must have been fast! Had a little trouble being to aware of my breathing at first, but that must have passed very quickly - my respironics machine is set for a longer ramp time now, and that certainly helped. Even though I woke up a few times last night to use the bathroom, I slept so well. No snoring. A few mouth blubbers this morning but heck, I can handle that. I don't know how long it's been since I've gotten good sleep, but I feel so good this morning. I will do as much reading as I can here - what a great resource! But I would welcome any hints, tips, etc. that come my way. I'm so thankful for finding such a great community! I have so much to learn about my OSA.

Welcome to the forum.

When you have time let's try to figure out your equipment profile. Your machine points to a discontinued 2years ago brick (no data) and your humidifier points to a machine that was discontinued in 2007.

Look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit number which may have DS or REF in front of it.
That's the model number.

Your current machine choices is pointing to the PR System One Plus CPAP machine mode 250....that's a brick...no useful data available. There is also a model 260 which is the same thing but with a heated hose option.

To have useful efficacy data a model 450 or higher is needed.
If you have the latest model it would be a 60 series machine and 60 will be the last 2 digits in the model name...heated hose option is the main difference between 50 and 50 series.

If you do have a brick no data model 250 or 260 machine..you might want to read this
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Especially the part at the bottom of the blog about what your options are when you realize you have been given a brick.

If you have a model 450 or higher machine you can use SleepyHead software to see how things are going. I have links for it in my signature line.

Having a full data machine is very important...you need to be able to evaluate leaks especially in your situation to make sure that you don't mouth breathe/leak enough to negatively impact therapy since you seem to prefer the nasal pillow mask (and yes, the P10 is awesome mask) and the mouth is uncovered.

Hi Scootergirl and welcome. I'm only on my first week on cpap, so I have no tips to offer you. I just wanted to welcome you and say I'm glad you're feeling better already.

Welcome Scootergirl!

First, do as Pugsy says, she has given you the 'how to' on necessary info. Second, your experience with the AirFit P10 seems to say you found your mask. I'm using that one now & it is a great mask. Glad you were able to find one so early into therapy. Third, you will have more questions, so after you get your info straight & make sure you have the best machine for you, remember we are here to help with those questions, just post away.

Good luck with your new life in CPAP,
Jen

*Welcome scootergirl *

Welcome, Scootergirl! (And all the other new people that have come) --

Sounds like you're off to a good start! Keep reading and ask questions! People here will help as much as they can!!!

Thank you everyone. Pugsy, I hope I don't duplicate this post - my machine is a DS260S with Heated humidifier. I did talk to my RRT, she is saying it IS data capable for compliance. It won't tell me my AHI because the doctor did not order that type of unit. Therefore, insurance will not pay for it. I don't have any complicated issues, so I think that is why my doctor went this route - but what do I know? I'll have to talk to her the next time I'm in about it. Right now, I'm very overwhelmed and I'm not sure any of the information would mean anything to me. I do know that even with the few nights interrupted sleep and last nights good night, I'm feeling better already.

Definitely have a LOT to learn.

Scootergirl,

I would take that machine right back to the DME & demand a data capable machine. The words she used 'data for compliance' tells me it will only give HOURS OF USE. This is not a data capable machine. DME's will get paid the same for this machine as they will for a more expensive, data capable machine. Of course they want to make the most money, that's why they are in business, so palming this machine off on you gets them a higher profit margin. If you have to get your Dr. to write a prescription specifying the machine that is DATA CAPABLE & see the link in Pugsy's post above. You need to ask for the PR S1 560, it is the newest model of the Philips Respironics line. If you want the ResMed line ask for the S9 Autoset (I hope I've got that ResMed info correct, I'm a Respironics user).

To be very clear - you have been given a brick, take it back & demand better, its hard to get your therapy to work for you when you can't tell what its doing.

Scootergirl wrote:Thank you everyone. Pugsy, I hope I don't duplicate this post - my machine is a DS260S with Heated humidifier. I did talk to my RRT, she is saying it IS data capable for compliance. It won't tell me my AHI because the doctor did not order that type of unit. Therefore, insurance will not pay for it. I don't have any complicated issues, so I think that is why my doctor went this route - but what do I know? I'll have to talk to her the next time I'm in about it. Right now, I'm very overwhelmed and I'm not sure any of the information would mean anything to me. I do know that even with the few nights interrupted sleep and last nights good night, I'm feeling better already.

Definitely have a LOT to learn.

Welcome to the forum.
You're being jerked around. As has been mentioned, the DME gave you a non-data-capable machine. They value their profit more then your therapy. It also sounds like you were lied to. The insurance providers pay by HCPCS billing codes and EVERY CPAP machine has the code of E0601. For them to say that your insurance won't pay for it is not true. THEY don't care.......as long as it has a valid code. It's your equipment provider that is screwing you.
You NEED to know how your therapy is working and for that you need a fully-data-capable machine.

Get them to make it right. Contact your insurance provider, too.


Den

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I think the most important question is: "What kind of Scooter"? That's far more important than what kind of CPAP -- lets get real here

With heart issues it's especially important to monitor the EFFICACY of your treatment. I agree with those above ask your primary care doc to help by insisting your machine provide EFFICACY data.

Echoing the strong recommendation to call out the DME on their dishonesty and insist on a data capable machine. Even your doctor will have no way to know if your therapy is effective with the machine they gave you. All it records is hours used.

Complaince data will not help you monitor your therapy.. You need to make sure that you therapy is optimized.
Compliance data will not give you that information. You are in a good place with this forum. The people here have lots wisdom and knowledge.

You would do well to read and learn here!

Ok, I emailed my RRT at the DME - asking to exchange my machine for one with more Data Capabilities. I asked what needs to be done to make that happen and I will see what they say - if I need to contact insurance/doctor I will, but I don't know if I will be successful even if the doctor says she will write another RX. I'm hoping by asking, that I will be given better choices. I lost some sleep over this last night - my nerves are a little on edge lately. Hopefully, having written the email request, and knowing I took some action today, I'll have a better nights sleep tonight

I feel like I have become an expert at this.
Step 1 Contact your doctor an request/demand a prescription stating "Philips Resperonics system one model 560 with heated humidifier AND heated hose with 80 watt power supply".
"Fill prescription exactly as written".
Then go back to your DME with the new prescription in hand (keep a copy) and demand the prescription be filled as written.

They have no choice at that point. They must provide the correct machine.

Next you turn it on and watch the screen. It will display software version and hours the machine has been used. If it is more than 5 hours, I would demand a NEW machine. Others can tell you what the current software version should be.
You also need to look at the bottom of the blower unit to verify it is a model 560. If they lied once don't believe anything they say without verifying it your self.
Once you have the right equipment, keep coming back here with your questions. After three and a half years here I picked up some major tips yesterday, that I may not have been ready to grasp sooner.

If you have a tablet or smart phone take it with you to display the info you are getting here so they know you will be coached and knowledgeable about your CPAP therapy. Maybe they will fight less and cooperate more.