G'day David.
Quote:Yes its "an autoset put into fixed cpap mode," My doctor said I didnt need an autoset and to save my money by using the Elite.
That sounds a bit contradictory. The Elite and Autoset are different machines. The Elite is a fixed pressure CPAP (constant positive airway pressure) which will give you the same pressure all night long (apart from the ramp time - see below). The Autoset is an APAP - automatic positive airway pressure. The APAP machine can adjust pressure up and down as needed. The APAP can be set in CPAP mode, but not the other way round. ie you can't use the Elite as an APAP. If you paid less you probably only got the Elite. The name is printed on the front of the machine so you can see for yourself.
Quote:Can I please ask why, "I wouldn't have the elite model unless I had to"?
As I said above the APAP can adjust pressure up and down as needed to help prevent apneas. It can compensate for changes in your sleep, such as sleeping on your back instead of your side. It measures things such as snoring and flow limitations which are "precursors" to apneas and raises the pressure as required, then lowers it again after a period of time.
The APAP (Autoset) also adjusts as needed as you get older, or if you have an illness which changes your pressure needs. The CPAP (Elite) can't do this, as it just maintains a fixed pressure.
All the Elite does is provide a constant pressure all night long. That's fine if that's all you need, but in general the Elite needs to run at a higher pressure to be sure of preventing as many events as possible. The APAP runs at a lower average pressure, then increases pressure when required. Some people find the pressure changes disturbing and prefer to run on a fixed pressure. For some reason sleep doctors also seem to prefer constant pressure machines.
Both are excellent machines, but I would always choose the Autoset for its extra flexibility, responding to your needs overnight and over time.
Ramp: Both machines have a ramp function which starts your pressure very low then gradually builds it up to therapeutic pressure. You can adjust both the starting pressure and the ramp time, but they need to be enabled in the clinician menu. It's possible your supplier has disabled them.
Quote:So after all that How do I set the machine up so it starts when I put the mask on and turns off shortly after I turn it off please.
You need to turn on SmartStart. Again, this needs to be enabled from the clinician menu. Also be aware that your machine may have a leak alarm - you can have SmartStart or the alarm turned on but not both at the same time. Personally I never bother with SmartStart - it's no great hardship to push the button.
Quote:How do I get to the "clinician menu" please.
Please go to the "CPAP Setup Manuals" link at the top of this page to request the clinician manual for your machine. Please follow the instructions carefully as there are hundreds of manuals available and you want to get the right one.
Hope this helps
Paul