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=== Obtaining medical records ===
 
=== 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 ( <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.
 
:: 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> ===
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=== <u>[[CPAP Machine Choices]]</u> - read this before accepting a new machine ===
 
=== <u>[[CPAP Machine Choices]]</u> - 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).<br />
 
:: Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).<br />
:: To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment ([[Durable medical equipment (DME)|DME]]) provider, patients should read "<u>'''[[Archangle:Machine Choices|Archangle's Machine Choices]]'''</u>" (a wiki article written by Advisory Member "Archangle").   
+
:: 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.  
 
:: 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.
 
:: 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.
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:: The basic steps to adjusting CPAP therapy for maximum effectiveness
 
:: The basic steps to adjusting CPAP therapy for maximum effectiveness
  
=== Using SleepyHead ===
+
=== Using OSCAR ===
::Data is the key to getting good feedback and the SleepyHead software is among the best PC applications to help examine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.
+
::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://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ Download SleepyHead]'''</u> (free) Click on the icon for the correct PC operating system, then click on the downloaded file.
+
::* <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>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize Organize your Sleepyhead charts]'''</u>  Organizing SleepyHead charts is important, especially to help patients post relevant charts on the forum.  
+
::* <u>'''[[Attaching Images and Files on Apnea Board|How to post screenshots of OSCAR charts]]'''</u>
::* <u>'''[[Attaching Images and Files on Apnea Board|How to post screenshots of SleepyHead charts]]'''</u>  
 
::* <u>'''[[Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead|RobySue's Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead]]'''</u> A detailed reference guide to SleepyHead and how to interpret the data
 
  
 
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
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=== The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines ===
 
=== The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines ===
[http://www.apneaboard.com/APAP.htm Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines]
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/APAP.htm Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines]'''
  
 
=== Dealing with a DME ===
 
=== Dealing with a DME ===
read this Wiki article '''[[Dealing with a DME]]'''
+
::read this Wiki article '''[[Dealing with a DME]]'''
 
 
=== ResMed Travel Compliance Letter ===
 
 
 
[[File:DreamStation_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf|PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]]
 
[[File:Systen_One_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf|PR System One 60 Series EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]]
 
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/f/fc/Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf ResMed Travel Compliance Letter]'''
 
 
 
::Download the above letter for use.
 
  
May 3, 2017
+
=== Travel Compliance Letters ===
  
Travel Compliance Letter for ResMed Therapy Devices
+
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/1/13/DreamStation_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf  PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
 +
::'''[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]'''
 +
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/f/fc/Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf ResMed 2017 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
  
To whom it may concern,
+
::Download the above letter(s) for use.
 
 
ResMed respiratory assistive devices (ventilators, respirators, and CPAP machines) are medical devices
 
prescribed for use on or by the order of a physician and are cleared for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug
 
Administration, a branch of the Federal Government of the United States of America, and the Australian
 
Therapeutics Goods Administration.
 
 
 
The devices do not contain any parts or materials known to cause or interfere with the safe operation of a
 
commercial aircraft.
 
 
 
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Final Rule, “Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air
 
Travel” (73 FR 27614 which updates Title 14 CFR Part 382), effective May 13, 2009, provides important new
 
requirements for the accommodation of passengers with respiratory assistive devices.
 
 
 
Specifically, respiratory assistive devices may be used on board an aircraft, without further testing by the carrier,
 
provided they have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in accordance with the current version of
 
RTCA/DO-160, Section 21, Category M.
 
 
 
ResMed has successfully completed testing for the respiratory assistive devices described in this letter. The
 
devices listed below comply with RTCA/DO-160G, Section 21, Category M, and are considered FAA
 
compliant. This information may be engraved on the device or a sticker label applied to the device; either
 
method for identifying FAA compliance is acceptable and in accordance with DOT regulations.
 
  
 
=== Help with posting a forum message ===
 
=== Help with posting a forum message ===
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:: * 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.
 
:: * 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,
 
:: * 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.

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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