[Equipment] Can't set pressure in Provider Mode

[Heritage972]

Thankfully, I can enter the clinician setup mode using information provided by the Apnea Board .  I can change a few parameters which I couldn't before; e.g. C-Flex but I can't set the 'normal' pressure.  I have a Respironics REMstar M Series CPAP machine model 500M.  Can anyone tell me how to set the pressure.  Initially the display read 10.0 when first turned on and now it reads 4.0 when first turned.  Something changed but I have no idea what.  I have the official manual but, of course, it does not discuss the clinician setup mode.

[SuperSleeper]

From our CPAP Setup Manual Page:

Respironics REMstar M Series (CPAP or BiPAP): Unplug the power cord from the back of the CPAP machine, then hold down both the left and right arrow keys while simultaneously plugging in the power supply. Once the device beeps twice, release the buttons. After you hear the two beeps, you'll see the word setup in the lower right corner of the LCD screen. When you select setup you'll be in the clinician's mode where you can adjust every feature of the CPAP machine, including the pressure setting.

Howdy and welcome to Apnea Board!

If you can't see an option to change the pressure settings, I would question whether or not you're actually IN the "Clinician Mode".  Also, remember that you may have to scroll through the various setup options (using the left-right arrows) to see all the menu items.  You mention seeing the "C-Flex" setting, but that is something that you can adjust from within the "User Mode" also.  Also, once in Setup mode, DO NOT hit any of the three bottom buttons, or it will kick you out of Setup mode.  (don't hit the ramp, on-off or C-Flex buttons).

Did you follow the exact instructions above?  Once you hear the "beeps", do you see the word "Setup" in the lower right corner of the LCD screen?

Also, just a word of advice, the REMstar M series machines are VERY old.  The lifespan of an average CPAP is around 5 years, and the REMstar M series machines came out 16 years ago (in 2006).  If you're able to do so, you'll likely get much better treatment with a newer CPAP since they've been dramatically improved since 2006.  If you've tried everything you can, and still can't change the pressure, it's very possible that your machine is malfunctioning (due to age).

If you still can't change the pressure, please let us know the exact display you're seeing (the menu items) so we can tell if you're actually in the Clinician Mode or not.

[Heritage972]

  Great reply; much appreciated.  #1:  Yes - followed the instructions exactly.  My problem was that I paused to take notes - bad memory - and did not notice that the screen changes after a certain time.  The interesting screen that appears initially had DATA | Setup+ but when I glanced away, it changed to - FOSQ | Setup+.  Could change some things that I could not before such as the C-FLEX setting but not the pressure.  Came back the next day and started over.  This time I noticed the DATA | Setup+ screen would change spontaneously so I started over.  Apparently I can change the pressure now.  I have NOT completely investigated the possibilities - I can't find a clinician manual but am happy to experiment. 

Your suggestion that I was not in full clinician mode was excellent.  Apparently in some hybrid - could change some things; e.g. change C-Flex from disabled to active but didn't have access to the full range of options.

#2:  Your criticism of the REMstart Auto M series is also correct. My situation is a bid weird. Ten years ago diagnosed with sleep apnea, went through a month of trying to use the latest machine without success - could not use the full mask.  Changed sleep habits and did fine.  Five years ago my wife wife was diagnosed with sleep apnea and went through the same experience.  Her machine was much fancier that mine but didn't work for her either.  She gave up.  Just for the heck of it, I tried her machine but couldn't use it.  Both machines went back.  Later I was tested for sleep apnea and was told that I DON'T have it!  Same company with new management.

 Forward to the present.  I have problems with fatigue.  Still bouncing around from specialist to specialist.  One more to go.  All tests say they can't find anything wrong.  While waiting, I thought I would try a sleep apnea machine that a friend had replaced.  All new hoses, mask and nose pillows which I wish I had been shown ten years ago.  The mask is quite comfortable but apparently the high pressure keeps me awake.  Still experimenting (retired physicist - can't resist).

[SuperSleeper]

Glad you got it solved.  

One major thing a newer data-reporting machine with an SD card slot will allow you to do is track your therapy and make adjustments to fine-tune settings, especially using PC software like OSCAR.  This should help you to get better overall therapy and might help your fatigue issues.

Here's an article on Machine Choices that is very helpful, should you decide to get a new CPAP:
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_choices

Personally, I would get a machine that is fully supported by the OSCAR software program.  The list of OSCAR-supported machines is here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...d_machines

Also, using a full face mask is often a mistake.  They're uncomfortable and leak much more than other masks.  Unless there's some valid reason to use a full face mask, we often recommend using a nasal mask, which usually works a lot better for most folks.