Changing pressure

[Gideon]

My original Rx was for 19 cmw. so what is too high?  My machine could only generate 18 cmw, and of course there was no data, not even compliance data.

Air in the stomach would be an indication of too much pressure, even if you needed more to manage your apnea.
Without indicationyou have to rely on how you feel.

[Haroldsdrifting]

Sigh, so after a couple of days of improvement today was a step backwards. I woke up with a headache and I feel really out of it. I know that I can probably expect ups and downs no matter how well the therapy is going but this just sucks :-( I feel a little hopeless about the whole situation. It’s probably just the lack of decent sleep. It tends to make me feel a little depressed.

Tomorrow I see my regular doctor. I’m going to ask if he’ll write me a prescription for an Auto CPAP. I’m a little afraid he’s going to tell me to wait for the pulmonologist which is a whole month away.

Wish me luck!

[Sleeprider]

Sigh, so after a couple of days of improvement today was a step backwards. I woke up with a headache and I feel really out of it. I know that I can probably expect ups and downs no matter how well the therapy is going but this just sucks :-( I feel a little hopeless about the whole situation. It’s probably just the lack of decent sleep. It tends to make me feel a little depressed.

Tomorrow I see my regular doctor. I’m going to ask if he’ll write me a prescription for an Auto CPAP. I’m a little afraid he’s going to tell me to wait for the pulmonologist which is a whole month away.

Wish me luck!

If you have insurance, you should qualify for a new CPAP machine, and auto CPAP is the same insurance code as a fixed one.  The Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset would be ideal, not only for its responsive auto pressure, but also because it provides significant exhale pressure relief of up to 3-cm pressure.  For example, your inhale pressure could be 11 and exhale 8.  This is comfortable and effective for many people and of course it gives us full data to see why there is a problem.  Don't just ask for auto CPAP, ask for the Resmed Autoset.

[Haroldsdrifting]

No insurance. I’ll be buying it on my own. I did find a refurbished unit for a decent price though. I just need the prescription. Hopefully I’ll get that tomorrow but if not then I should be able to get it April 4th when I see the pulmonologist.

I’ve seen used equipment on eBay and craigslist but, I don’t know... I don’t feel real comfortable with a machine that hasn’t been cleaned and sterilized in some way. Maybe i’m being paranoid but it just makes me feel weird.

[jaswilliams]

Make sure you look at Supplier #2 for refurbished machines and Supplier #33 for great prices on new machines.

[Sleeprider]

Harald, what part of the country are you in? Seriously, we can find what you need without a new script, although that should be easy too. I've already said a new machine from Supplier #33 can be had with no questions asked, or prescription required. Or just keep an eye out for a Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset on your local Craigslist.

[Ockrocket]

I would say don't make changes too quickly, give it a few days to a week between pressure changes so that you get a true assessment of what each step has achieved. 
Judging on a single night is not an accurate guide to how your body is reacting to the setting change.

[Haroldsdrifting]

I didn’t wake up so well today either :-( so were the first two days a fluke or what? I know you really can’t answer that:-) I’ll stay at this pressure for a few days longer and see what happens.

I’m in the US. I’m hoping the general practitioner I’m seeing today or the pulmonologist I’m seeing April 4th will be willing to write me a prescription for an Auto PAP machine.

I have found a reconditioned AirSense 10 autoset for what looks like a good price. Hopefully i’ll Be able to upgrade soon and get some data on what’s going on at night.

Fingers crossed.

[Melman]

I’ve seen used equipment on eBay and craigslist but, I don’t know... I don’t feel real comfortable with a machine that hasn’t been cleaned and sterilized in some way. Maybe i’m being paranoid but it just makes me feel weird.

Because of the constant airflow from the machine to the mask, it is virtually impossible for germs from the user to make it back to the machine. This would be a legitimate concern for a used mask and to lesser degree the hose, but not for the machine itself. Of greater concern is number of hours on the machine and if it was used in the home of a smoker.

[Haroldsdrifting]

So I did get the prescription today. I’m going to call tomorrow and see if I can find out more information on the AirSense autoset 10. I know from a previous call that they are refurbished by Resmed. This particular company is selling them for $348 with a six month warranty. That seems kinda cheap. I want to find out what exactly the warranty covers. I’ll see what other information I can find out about it as well.