2 questions about new DreamStation 2

[greywolf]

So, I was VERY happy with my original DS, but due to the recalls I ended up getting a new DS2 and having to send back the old DS.

My 2 questions are:

1 - Is the Ramp function similar in that it starts off at a lower setting and slowly ramps up to my normal pressure? It seems like it stays at 4 and then after 30 minutes jumps straight up to my normal setting instead of a gradual increase.  Perhaps just perception, but my first use of it last night had me taking it off in my sleep after only 1.2 hours of use.

2 - Is there any way to turn off the damn white light in the circle/ring of the Therapy Button when the unit isn't being used? It seems like if the unit isn't in Therapy mode (there are occasional nights I don't use the CPAP) the light just stays on all night and is very bright and keeps me and the wife from falling asleep.  As a result I have to unplug the entire machine or figure out a way to cover over the light.

[OpalRose]

Hi and Welcome to Apnea Board!  

I'm bumping this thread up in hopes you will receive some help from DS2 owners.

If you need a Clinicians manual, order it Here.

Scroll down to Section Three to find your machine.

[sawinglogz]

1 - Is the Ramp function similar in that it starts off at a lower setting and slowly ramps up to my normal pressure? It seems like it stays at 4 and then after 30 minutes jumps straight up to my normal setting instead of a gradual increase.  Perhaps just perception, but my first use of it last night had me taking it off in my sleep after only 1.2 hours of use.

No, the DS2 uses what they unironically call "Ramp Plus". Essentially, as you've observed, they've taken the "ramp" out of "ramp plus." It sits at your initial pressure and then jumps up at the end, or earlier if it notices any respiratory events.

It seems like a pretty substantial step backwards to me.

2 - Is there any way to turn off the damn white light in the circle/ring of the Therapy Button when the unit isn't being used? It seems like if the unit isn't in Therapy mode (there are occasional nights I don't use the CPAP) the light just stays on all night and is very bright and keeps me and the wife from falling asleep.  As a result I have to unplug the entire machine or figure out a way to cover over the light.

The DS2 is full of really terrible design decisions, and that's one of them. On the DS1 there was an ambient light sensor, so it would dial down the white light on the power button to be barely visible in a dark room, and not at all obtrusive. They dropped the ambient light sensor on the DS2 (it's clear that it owes its entire existence to the pursuit of cost reduction), so now you're stuck with a bright white light. Also, the LEDs are soldered onto the logic board, so you can't simply unplug them.

Just be thankful they eventually turn off the bright green light after you start therapy...

For covers (back when I had a 60-series which had a bright blue-white LCD), I've used black cloth. My favorites have been a folded up black sleep mask resting on top, or (more flexible) the black carrying bag for Bolle safety goggles. Or, if you want to open it up, you could cover the LEDs with black electrical tape.

[greywolf]

Thank you. Unfortunately I am stuck with this machine (insurance) - so I guess I'll have to just get used to it.

Great idea on the black cloth and facemask to cover things up.