DIY CPAP?

[Highlancer]

I was recently (July) diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apena, ~40 event/hr. There is a nationwide shortage on CPAPs, as most of you may be aware, and I don't want to wait the weeks it will take to get one. I am struggling so hard to function in life right now and really can't afford to continue this way. So here is the heart of the question, should I buy a $150 used Resmed Airsense 10 autoset CPAP off Craigslist and set it up on my own in the interim?

This is the pulmonologist recommendations:
1. How to treat this patient would depend on his symptoms and preferences but include options such as surgery, hypoglossal nerve stimulator, strict positional therapy, mandibular advancement device and auto-titrating CPAP.
2. Based on the severity of the patient's sleep apnea I would recommend auto-titrating CPAP from 5 to 15 with 2 cm of C-flex/EPR with heated humidity and compliance monitoring.
3. The patient should attempt to lose weight to achieve or continue to maintain a normal body mass index.
4. The patient should abstain from alcohol and centrally acting medications.
5. Encourage the patient to ensure there is sufficient opportunity for sleep each day and discuss sleep hygiene as needed.

I have no idea what goes into setting up the machine, etc. so that's why I am asking here!
Thanks in advance!

[Pugsy]

Buy the cheap machine on your local craigslist.
Confirm it is indeed the AirSense 10 AutoSet and it appears to be working properly and if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke...check it ahead of time. It's a deal breaker for some people when it stinks.

Get the OSCAR software...
OSCAR https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... stallation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... rpretation

Get this manual so you can learn the secret handshake for getting into the clinical setup menu area.
page 14 I think
https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf

Start with what the doctor ordered if you wish but I actually would suggest something a little different and might be a little more comfortable.
Minimum 6
Max 15
EPR....on ...full time and set to 2
With the minimum at 5 you really can't appreciate EPR much. I like 6 better for newbies.

We can help with further adjustments. It's easy...not difficult at all and we can usually come up with optimal pressures in just a handful of nights and sometimes we get lucky right off the bat.
Lots of people self treat like this. Not a big deal at all.
You can do it...just takes a bit of education.

[zonker]

5. Encourage the patient to ensure there is sufficient opportunity for sleep each day and discuss sleep hygiene as needed.

welcome to the zoo!

many have done what you are about to do. you are in good hands with pugsy!

just wanted to chime in because #5 caught my eye.

sleep hygiene-

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.

• Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

• Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy.

• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.

• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Use your bed only for sleep and sex.

• Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.

• Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.

• Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

• Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. If you are hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.

• Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.

• Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.

• Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.


good luck!

[ChicagoGranny]

strict positional therapy

Until you can get your CPAP therapy working, avoid backsleeping. Sleep on your sides or stomach. OSA tends to be much worse when backsleeping.

If that CPAP machine is in good shape, the price is a good deal. Better hurry.

[RipVW]

Get the OSCAR software...
OSCAR https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... stallation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... rpretation

Get this manual so you can learn the secret handshake for getting into the clinical setup menu area.
page 14 I think
https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf

Thanks, Pugsy! I just ordered my AirSense 10 from cpap.com, after learning about the recall on my System One. Pretty scary recall! Great to see you again! RipVW

[Pugsy]

Great to see you again! RipVW

Good to see you again. It's been a while. Happy to know you are still alive and kicking.
Guess you will have to go changing your massive signature line...more work.
I always knew a post was from you without looking at name just by your signature.

If you run into trouble let me know but I just imagine you will do just fine with it.
I don't know your settings or if you are like me or not but I found that with the ResMed algorithm in auto mode I could lower my minimum about 3 cm and get the same decent results from what I used with the Respironics auto some years back.

[RipVW]

Thanks for the tip! I'll give that a try when I set mine up Wednesday.

RipVW