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=== <u>[[Understanding sleep apnea]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Understanding sleep apnea]]</u> ===
:: a description of what apnea is from a couple of well written forum articles.
+
:: A video on sleep disordered breathing & two forum articles explaining sleep apnea
  
 
=== <u>[[New_to_CPAP_–_The_Process|New to CPAP – The Process]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[New_to_CPAP_–_The_Process|New to CPAP – The Process]]</u> ===
:: Defining the process from denial thru getting your machine, a what to expect article.
+
:: Defining the process & what to expect (from denial through getting a CPAP machine)
  
=== Do you have your records ===
+
=== Obtaining medical records ===
:: Do you have your records? HIPAA may be a pain in the . . . but it does give you the rights ( <u>'''[https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights]'''</u> ) to your medical information. This includes your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s). Having these may prevent you from having to repeat a Sleep or Titration Study.
+
:: Obtaining your records can help you greatly. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Under HIPAA, patients have certain rights to their own medical records ( <u>'''[https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights HIPPA Privacy Rule & Patients' rights]'''</u> ) These rights include the right to obtain a copy of your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s).   Obtaining a copy of these items can help patients form a greater understanding of their condition and may help avoid a repeat sleep study or titration.
 +
 
 +
:: For our Australian readers. <u>[http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know]</u>
  
 
=== <u>[[Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP]]</u> ===
:: Sample Prescriptions, recommended xPAP machines.
+
:: Sample Prescriptions & Machine Recommendations
  
=== [[CPAP Machine Choices]] - read this before you accept a new machine ===
+
=== <u>[[CPAP Machine Choices]]</u> - read this before accepting a new machine ===
:: Do you want a brick? Didn't think so.<br />
+
:: Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).<br />
:: I know it's been mentioned several times in other threads, but I think the Wiki article written by one of our Advisory Members (Archangle) on Machine Choices should be read by everyone here. '''Don't let a Durable Medical Equipment $upplier (<u>[[Durable medical equipment (DME)|DME]]</u>) bamboozle you.''' Never accept or settle for what we nickname a dumb "brick" CPAP machine (one that is not fully data-capable).
+
:: To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment ([[Durable medical equipment (DME)|DME]]) provider, patients should read the "<u>'''[[Machine choices]]'''</u>" Wiki article. 
 +
:: By obtaining a data-capable CPAP machine, the patient and doctor can monitor the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on an ongoing basis.
 +
:: Using Free PC Software along with a data-capable CPAP machine will enable doctor & patient to monitor and chart the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Go to Apnea Board's <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Private-Files-and-Links Private Files & Links]'''</u> area to learn how to obtain free PC software for CPAP machines.  It's necessary to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account]'''</u> to access that area.
  
:: <u>'''[[Archangle:Machine_Choices]]'''</u> <big>Be an informed patient</big> and read this excellent article
+
=== <u>[[Setup_or_Change_your_own_CPAP_Pressure|Setup Manuals - Change your own CPAP Pressure]]</u> ===
 +
:: The nitty gritty of entering into the "Clinician Mode" or "Setup Mode" of a CPAP machine in order to change pressures and other settings.
 +
 
 +
=== <u>[[Optimizing therapy]]</u> ===
 +
:: The basic steps to adjusting CPAP therapy for maximum effectiveness
  
:: If you get a good, data-capable CPAP machine - you and your doctor will be greatly empowered to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment on an ongoing basis. You can also use free software for your personal computer to monitor and chart your progress - as long as you have a data-capable machine.
+
=== Using OSCAR ===
 +
::Data is the key to getting good feedback and the OSCAR software is among the best PC applications to help examine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.
 +
::* <u>'''[https://http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=OSCAR_Installation]'''</u> (free) Click on the icon for the correct PC operating system, then click on the downloaded file.
 +
::* <u>'''[[Attaching Images and Files on Apnea Board|How to post screenshots of OSCAR charts]]'''</u>
  
:: Here's our Private Files & Links area, where you can learn how to obtain some of these free PC software packages:
+
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
 +
:: Great information about selecting, fitting and using a CPAP mask & minimizing leaks
  
:: <u>'''http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Private-Files-and-Links'''</u>
+
=== The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines ===
:: (you'll need to be logged into your Apnea Board Forum account to access the above link. <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register Register HERE]'''</u> for a free forum account if you haven't already)
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/APAP.htm Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines]'''
  
=== <u>[[Setup_or_Change_your_own_CPAP_Pressure|Setup Manuals - Change your own xPAP Pressure]]</u> ===
+
=== Dealing with a DME ===
:: The nitty gritty of manipulating YOUR machine. For forum members only, and a couple of steps, but you can change ANY setting on your machine.
+
::read this Wiki article '''[[Dealing with a DME]]'''
  
=== <u>[[Optimizing therapy]]</u> ===
+
=== Travel Compliance Letters ===
:: The basic steps to adjusting your therapy
 
  
=== Using SleepyHead ===
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/1/13/DreamStation_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf  PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
::Using SleepyHead - Data is the key to getting good feedback, and SleepyHead is among the best software to see how you and your machine got along last night.
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/0/02/Systen_One_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf PR System One 60 Series EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
::* <u>'''[https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ Download SleepyHead]'''</u> (free) Just click on the icon for your operating system, then click on the downloaded file.
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/f/fc/Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf ResMed 2017 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
::* <u>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize Organize your Sleepyhead charts]'''</u>  Very important,
 
::* <u>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/reference/tips/imgur Post from Imgur]'''</u> a link from an outside source (easy)
 
::* <u>'''[[Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead|RobySue's Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead]]'''</u> an awesome detailed reference to SleepyHead and interpretation of the data
 
  
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
+
::Download the above letter(s) for use.
:: pretty much everything about selecting, fitting, and using your mask, including leaks
 
  
=== Help pages ===
+
=== Help with posting a forum message ===
:: The '''Help''' button at top of page, where you will find many "how to" articles is another excellent resource.
+
:: Patients need to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account]'''</u> to post a forum message. 
 +
:: The <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/misc.php?action=help Help button]'''</u> at top of every forum page is useful for obtaining help with a member's forum account.  Forum Members may also ask for help in the [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Member-Account-Help-Forum Member Account Help Forum]. 
 +
:: Members are encouraged to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-How-to-New-Members-Please-select-an-Avatar-Complete-your-Profile completely fill out their member profile]'''</u>.  This is so others can offer customized help tailored to the individual.
  
=== Posting in Forum ===
+
=== Advice on posting questions in the forum ===
:: For suggestions to tune/tweak your settings the best thing is to make a forum query. ( <u>'''http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum'''</u> )  Read the below suggestions.<br />
+
:: * Starting a new thread (topic) and putting all related questions in that thread helps to retain the history of the topic so that it's easier for others to provide help in responses to any questions or problems.
:: We would like to invite you to join our forum if you haven't already. Click the "Create an Account Link" in the upper right corner of the main page.<br />
+
:: * Members should try to post as much information as possible to make it easier for others to provide advice or recommendations.
:: Then  <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-How-to-New-Members-Please-select-an-Avatar-Complete-your-Profile Please select an Avatar and Complete your Profile]'''</u>  Your profile allows us to know what equipment and basic settings you have and to tailor advice specifically to you and your setup.<br />
+
:: * Using multiple posts (in the same thread) is acceptable.
 +
:: * It's helpful for members to include the specific type of sleep apnea or sleep disorder they have (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hypopnea, RLS, etc.)
 +
:: * If possible, members should post a copy of their sleep study or at least the summary of that study.
 +
:: * Include a screenshot of daily '''[[SleepyHead]]''' charts.  The charts provide solid data that is used to help spot issues and form a strategy to maximize CPAP therapy settings.
 +
:: * Members should include other pertinent information, such how they feel physically or what is giving them the greatest difficulty,
  
 +
=== Managing Expectations ===
 +
:: New users of CPAP often ask on the forum, "When will I start to feel better", or I don't feel that rush of energy I was expecting". CPAP or bilevel is a treatment for sleep disordered breathing that can cause arousals and prevent restorative sleep. The objective of treatment is to minimize those respiratory disturbances to allow "normal" sleep. This means sleeping long enough and without excessive arousals to allow normal waking function. You should not feel sick any more, or fall asleep inappropriately while driving or going about daily routines.
  
::* '''Start a new thread'''. Add all your inquires to this new thread because this will retain your history for us in the responses to your queries.
+
:: The expectation of a euphoric rush is over-stated or even feeling great, may be unrealistic. The majority of people using CPAP feel "functional" or perhaps normal. That first good sleep after years of deprivation can feel manic, but it eventually settles down to a normal life where your sleep is like everyone else's. How many people without apnea rave about having great sleep? New users should expect it to take time (weeks or months) to heal from years of sleep disruption, and they should expect to feel "normal". Feelings of chronic fatigue may be related to other health or lifestyle issues, rather than the therapy. Continued feelings of fatigue may require medical assessment of health, hormone levels, medications, exercise, weight, or many other issues. Recognize CPAP therapy is a tool to solve a particular set of problems, but may not result in feeling rejuvenated.
::* If you don’t have all this info don’t worry about it.  As a general rule the more info we have, the better the advice you will get.
 
::* Using multiple posts is acceptable.
 
::* What type of Apnea do you have? (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hyponea, RLS) Have you posted your sleep studies? (They have this information) If not post your Sleep Studies.  It is especially important to know if you have Central or Complex Apnea.
 
::* '''Include your daily charts'''. They include a lot of data that is used as the basis of advice delivered
 
::* '''How do you feel?''' This relates to all things comfort and intangible things (my nose hurts)
 
::* What do you want to know more about? What's giving you the greatest difficulty?
 
::* Don't use the "Reply with quote" button button until you have familiarized yourself with its use. That's why we have threads, the info is in the above posts (history).
 

Revision as of 21:01, 11 June 2019

New to Apnea - helpful tips to ensure success

Understanding sleep apnea

A video on sleep disordered breathing & two forum articles explaining sleep apnea

New to CPAP – The Process

Defining the process & what to expect (from denial through getting a CPAP machine)

Obtaining medical records

Obtaining your records can help you greatly. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Under HIPAA, patients have certain rights to their own medical records ( HIPPA Privacy Rule & Patients' rights ) These rights include the right to obtain a copy of your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s). Obtaining a copy of these items can help patients form a greater understanding of their condition and may help avoid a repeat sleep study or titration.
For our Australian readers. qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know

Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP

Sample Prescriptions & Machine Recommendations

CPAP Machine Choices - read this before accepting a new machine

Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).
To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider, patients should read the "Machine choices" Wiki article.
By obtaining a data-capable CPAP machine, the patient and doctor can monitor the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on an ongoing basis.
Using Free PC Software along with a data-capable CPAP machine will enable doctor & patient to monitor and chart the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Go to Apnea Board's Private Files & Links area to learn how to obtain free PC software for CPAP machines. It's necessary to register for a free forum account to access that area.

Setup Manuals - Change your own CPAP Pressure

The nitty gritty of entering into the "Clinician Mode" or "Setup Mode" of a CPAP machine in order to change pressures and other settings.

Optimizing therapy

The basic steps to adjusting CPAP therapy for maximum effectiveness

Using OSCAR

Data is the key to getting good feedback and the OSCAR software is among the best PC applications to help examine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.

Mask Primer

Great information about selecting, fitting and using a CPAP mask & minimizing leaks

The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines

Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines

Dealing with a DME

read this Wiki article Dealing with a DME

Travel Compliance Letters

PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter
PR System One 60 Series EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter
ResMed 2017 Travel Compliance Letter
Download the above letter(s) for use.

Help with posting a forum message

Patients need to register for a free forum account to post a forum message.
The Help button at top of every forum page is useful for obtaining help with a member's forum account. Forum Members may also ask for help in the Member Account Help Forum.
Members are encouraged to completely fill out their member profile. This is so others can offer customized help tailored to the individual.

Advice on posting questions in the forum

* Starting a new thread (topic) and putting all related questions in that thread helps to retain the history of the topic so that it's easier for others to provide help in responses to any questions or problems.
* Members should try to post as much information as possible to make it easier for others to provide advice or recommendations.
* Using multiple posts (in the same thread) is acceptable.
* It's helpful for members to include the specific type of sleep apnea or sleep disorder they have (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hypopnea, RLS, etc.)
* If possible, members should post a copy of their sleep study or at least the summary of that study.
* Include a screenshot of daily SleepyHead charts. The charts provide solid data that is used to help spot issues and form a strategy to maximize CPAP therapy settings.
* Members should include other pertinent information, such how they feel physically or what is giving them the greatest difficulty,

Managing Expectations

New users of CPAP often ask on the forum, "When will I start to feel better", or I don't feel that rush of energy I was expecting". CPAP or bilevel is a treatment for sleep disordered breathing that can cause arousals and prevent restorative sleep. The objective of treatment is to minimize those respiratory disturbances to allow "normal" sleep. This means sleeping long enough and without excessive arousals to allow normal waking function. You should not feel sick any more, or fall asleep inappropriately while driving or going about daily routines.
The expectation of a euphoric rush is over-stated or even feeling great, may be unrealistic. The majority of people using CPAP feel "functional" or perhaps normal. That first good sleep after years of deprivation can feel manic, but it eventually settles down to a normal life where your sleep is like everyone else's. How many people without apnea rave about having great sleep? New users should expect it to take time (weeks or months) to heal from years of sleep disruption, and they should expect to feel "normal". Feelings of chronic fatigue may be related to other health or lifestyle issues, rather than the therapy. Continued feelings of fatigue may require medical assessment of health, hormone levels, medications, exercise, weight, or many other issues. Recognize CPAP therapy is a tool to solve a particular set of problems, but may not result in feeling rejuvenated.



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