Help me get back in the routine of cpap...

[jwelly]

Hello everyone.

Well, about 8 or so years ago, when I first got married, I went to the doctor as a courtesy to my wife to see if I could do anything about my snoring. I quickly learned about sleep apnea, had a sleep study, got a machine/mask and used it for about a year, until they wanted to do the UPPP surgery on me, as I was a 'good candidate'. That sure was a fun surgery/recovery, NOT!! Anyways, I abandoned my cpap machine and over time the snoring returned. I now sleep in my own room. Recently I have been using my cpap machine which I still have, bought a new mask (airfit p 10), and going well. But my machine is now giving me a high pitched sound on my exhale, which is keeping me from using it anymore. Tried putting pillows onto of it, but still hear it no matter what I do. Some research here tells me it's probably the bearings or something, and not repairable. So, I may be back to square 1. Thought about just buying an auto machine out of pocket, after I do ample research here to see if that's feasible. I'm open to learning how to utilize available software and make my own adjustments to the pressures. But since so much has changed over time, I'm also wondering if I should just start from the beginning and going to a sleep doctor, and going from there. I have very high deductibles now, so I'm concerned about costs. I remember that sleep study was not cheap...

Just looking for some comments. thank you.

[LSAT]

If your current machine was "doing well" before it started making noise, you have a good starting point as far as pressure setting. I would suggest purchasing a good data capable autoset machine...new/or slightly used. By loading Sleepyhead software you will be able to fine tune your therapy and eliminate your snores.

[avi123]

Ask them why they wanted to do the UPPP surgery on you, and did not suggest the use of a CPAP?

[Wulfman...]

Hello everyone.

Well, about 8 or so years ago, when I first got married, I went to the doctor as a courtesy to my wife to see if I could do anything about my snoring. I quickly learned about sleep apnea, had a sleep study, got a machine/mask and used it for about a year, until they wanted to do the UPPP surgery on me, as I was a 'good candidate'. That sure was a fun surgery/recovery, NOT!! Anyways, I abandoned my cpap machine and over time the snoring returned. I now sleep in my own room. Recently I have been using my cpap machine which I still have, bought a new mask (airfit p 10), and going well. But my machine is now giving me a high pitched sound on my exhale, which is keeping me from using it anymore. Tried putting pillows onto of it, but still hear it no matter what I do. Some research here tells me it's probably the bearings or something, and not repairable. So, I may be back to square 1. Thought about just buying an auto machine out of pocket, after I do ample research here to see if that's feasible. I'm open to learning how to utilize available software and make my own adjustments to the pressures. But since so much has changed over time, I'm also wondering if I should just start from the beginning and going to a sleep doctor, and going from there. I have very high deductibles now, so I'm concerned about costs. I remember that sleep study was not cheap...

Just looking for some comments. thank you.

How about some basics?
What machine do you have?
Settings?
Humidifier?
Settings?
Have you checked for leaks for the high-pitched sound? (hoses, connections, etc.)
If you're using C-Flex or EPR, have you tried turning it off?
(My first machine started "wheezing" on C-Flex exhale at about a year of use, so I sent it in under warranty)


Den

.

[LSAT]

Ask them why they wanted to do the UPPP surgery on you, and did not suggest the use of a CPAP?

Too late now Avi...He already had the surgery

[Greengables]

I had a sleep study done 6 years ago but abandoned treatment for quite a while.

I went back to the sleep specialist in December and was able to get set up with a new machine and did not need another sleep study. There was some concern that the study was done over 5 years, but all worked out in the end, insurance did not require a new study, and approved a new machine (on a rent to own deal).

I hope this helps.

[Pugsy]

I guess it depends on how much you want to check things out and are willing to pay to check those things out.
I think if it were me and I seemed to be doing well with the old machine until it started acting up then I might opt to just get myself an auto cpap privately and then use the data available to evaluate things and then decide if I wanted to go down the repeat sleep study route and spend the money based on what I saw on the reports and how I felt.
You can always do the sleep study thing later if you feel you need it.

Just how high is your deductible? Is it so high that you would pretty much be paying for everything anyway to have it count towards the deductible?
You can get a good full data Auto CPAP privately for between $400-$500 and maybe less if you will go with a used machine.

Now if you weren't doing so great with the old machine then that might be a different story.
The history of the past UPPP does throw a bit a monkey wrench into things and you wouldn't be the first have had good results initially after a UPPP but have problems return later.

[jwelly]

Ask them why they wanted to do the UPPP surgery on you, and did not suggest the use of a CPAP?

Been so long, I wouldn't even know who to ask. All those doctors I had back then are no longer mine. From what I recall, I was a good candidate because of my anatomy was obstructive.

[jwelly]

Hello everyone.

How about some basics?
What machine do you have?
Settings?
Humidifier?
Settings?
Have you checked for leaks for the high-pitched sound? (hoses, connections, etc.)
If you're using C-Flex or EPR, have you tried turning it off?
(My first machine started "wheezing" on C-Flex exhale at about a year of use, so I sent it in under warranty)


Den

.

Respironics REMstar AUTO A-Flex M series
humidifier is used on 1 or 2.
I am not actually sure of the settings, but I found on the initial paperwork the setting of 6-10 cm? I don't know how to check them on the machine. I admit I'm ignorant on it's usage. Love to find out how to access this data.
I have checked for the noise. it's definitely the machine. if I take off the hose to the machine, and plug the hole with my hand, it will whine. So it's the backpressure that causes the noise.

[jwelly]

I guess it depends on how much you want to check things out and are willing to pay to check those things out.
I think if it were me and I seemed to be doing well with the old machine until it started acting up then I might opt to just get myself an auto cpap privately and then use the data available to evaluate things and then decide if I wanted to go down the repeat sleep study route and spend the money based on what I saw on the reports and how I felt.
You can always do the sleep study thing later if you feel you need it.

Just how high is your deductible? Is it so high that you would pretty much be paying for everything anyway to have it count towards the deductible?
You can get a good full data Auto CPAP privately for between $400-$500 and maybe less if you will go with a used machine.

Now if you weren't doing so great with the old machine then that might be a different story.
The history of the past UPPP does throw a bit a monkey wrench into things and you wouldn't be the first have had good results initially after a UPPP but have problems return later.

I think my deductible is around $2500. A sleep study would probably max that out from what I recall. Back when I had it done years back, I had a 1K deductible and it took care of that quickly, with insurance covering the rest of the costs. I don't remember what the total was, but with someone watching you sleep, in a hospital, can't be cheap. I may just go see this new pulmo doctor for a visit. Hopefully they have access to the records from years back. If they say I have to have another sleep study, I don't know what I'll do. Doctor visit $70 bucks to see.

[Pugsy]

The M series Auto had some limited data on the LCD screen...7 and 30 day average AHI and average total leak.
There is/was additional detailed data available from the smart card (assuming there is a smart card in your machine) but that smart card requires a very special card reader and Encore software. Given the probable mechanical issues with the machine I wouldn't spend money on the card reader if it was me.
I could help with the software for free but that card reader is going to cost $50 to $80 and there is no cheap alternative.

You can go here and find the quick setup link that explains how to get into the clinical setup area of the machine and turn on the "Show AHI" feature that will let you see the on screen data if it isn't available now.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

[Wulfman...]

Hello everyone.

How about some basics?
What machine do you have?
Settings?
Humidifier?
Settings?
Have you checked for leaks for the high-pitched sound? (hoses, connections, etc.)
If you're using C-Flex or EPR, have you tried turning it off?
(My first machine started "wheezing" on C-Flex exhale at about a year of use, so I sent it in under warranty)


Den

.

Respironics REMstar AUTO A-Flex M series
humidifier is used on 1 or 2.
I am not actually sure of the settings, but I found on the initial paperwork the setting of 6-10 cm? I don't know how to check them on the machine. I admit I'm ignorant on it's usage. Love to find out how to access this data.
I have checked for the noise. it's definitely the machine. if I take off the hose to the machine, and plug the hole with my hand, it will whine. So it's the backpressure that causes the noise.

Here are some instructions on that machine in text format.
If you want a manual in .pdf format, PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy.

Den

.

Hold down the <- -> buttons while plugging in the little power cord in the back, wait for 2 beeps release buttons. Then press the + key to enter setup mode, use the <- -> buttons to move to the next field, use the -/+ keys to decrease/increase values, when set press the On/Off button to exit Setup.

Therapy Mode = CPAP/AUTO (If Auto is selected, there will be A-Flex or C-Flex options)
CPAP Pressure = NN (only appears in CPAP mode).
AutoMax = 20 cm (default)
AutoMin = 4.0cm (default)
C-Flex Setting = Off, 1, 2 or 3
Ramp Time = (0:05 to 0:45)
Ramp Start Pressure = 4.0cm (can be from 4cm to AutoMin pressure).
Mask Alert = On/Off (beeps on large leak, mask removal).
Auto Off = Off (turns off machine on large leak/mask removal) Suggest leaving it "Off"
Split Night Time = Off (options are Off, 120, 180, 240) Should be "Off"
Show AHI/Leak = On (enables logging to display) Suggest leaving it "On"
Patient Reminder = Off (days to remind you that you get a new mask w/Insurance).
returns to Therapy Mode
Pressing On/Off exits Setup



==========Resetting LCD Display Data====================

To reset LCD Therapy data (does NOT erase any data from SmartCard):

1. Hold down the (<-) (->) buttons while plugging in the power on the back,
wait for 2 beeps or 5 seconds, release buttons.
2. Press the (->) key and navigate to Therapy screen.
3. Press and HOLD down the (-) minus key for 5 seconds and/or until therapy data is reset to Zero.
4. Press the (->) key to scroll back to main menu, press (+) key to enter Setup or
On/Off button to exit.

.

[jwelly]

THANKS!

mine was listing

Therapy Mode = AUTO
confort type=c flex
AutoMax = 10 cm
AutoMin = 6.0cm
C-Flex Setting = 1
Ramp Time = (0:00)
Mask Alert = Off
Auto Off = Off
Split Night Time = Off
Show AHI/Leak = off
Patient Reminder = Off
returns to Therapy Mode
Pressing On/Off exits Setup

[OkyDoky]

THANKS!

mine was listing

Therapy Mode = AUTO
confort type=c flex
AutoMax = 10 cm
AutoMin = 6.0cm
C-Flex Setting = 1
Ramp Time = (0:00)
Mask Alert = Off
Auto Off = Off
Split Night Time = Off
Show AHI/Leak = off
Patient Reminder = Off
returns to Therapy Mode
Pressing On/Off exits Setup

You need to turn on the Show AHI/Leak so you can see what your AHI is running. That, along with how you are sleeping, will help to see if adjustments are needed.
Are you still thinking about getting a newer auto or wanting to stick with this one?

[D.H.]

I see no reason not to set the max to the highest it goes. If you experience discomfort, gas, or "clear airway" apneas, then you might need to lower it somewhat.

Note that if you set the max to 20 but find that you never go above 16, the higher number is having no affect (since it's not going there anyhow).