Totally clueless

[artsmartburg]

I will be the first to admit I am totally clueless about how all this works. I had a home sleep study done at the suggestion of my doctor and was found to have mild to moderate sleep apnea. The formal sleep study was done shortly after. I had to call my doctor (after 4 weeks) to find out the results of this study. The formal sleep study showed moderate to severe apnea. I was told I have the kind of apnea where I don't breathe deep enough during the night so CO2 builds up in my body. I was fitted with a CPAP machine and a mask that was too big. After finally getting a mask that fit as well as having to purchase a smaller headgear piece, everything seemed to be going great. My blood pressure dropped over 10 mm/hg (the reason I was set up for the study). I know there is a smart card in my machine but have absolutely no knowledge of who is supposed to review the data (me?) how often and how it can be reviewed. When should I expect the sleep study doctor to see me (never saw or talked to him yet)? Like I said...totally clueless.

[zonk]

I know there is a smart card in my machine but have absolutely no knowledge of who is supposed to review the data (me?) how often and how it can be reviewed. When should I expect the sleep study doctor to see me (never saw or talked to him yet)? Like I said...totally clueless.

Unfortunately 'Philips-Respironics Series 60 REMstar SE' is not data capable machine, meaning does not gives any clues how the therapy is working, just report how many hours using it each night.
Ask the doctor to change the machine to data capable machine
Philips-Respironics System One machines model numbers below 460 are not data capable machines

[trish6hundred]

Hi artsmartburg,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck to you with your CPAP therapy.

[JimZZZ]

artsmartburg, You sound like a person who is interested in understanding and making the most of APNEA therapy. This forum contains all the information you need as well as the support of fellow travelers. Search, read and post your questions and you will be amazed at how quickly you leave that "clueless" status in the dust.

[Sleepster]

I was told I have the kind of apnea where I don't breathe deep enough during the night so CO2 builds up in my body.

You can get the results of the sleep study to find out more, but since you seem to be doing better, and you have a machine that doesn't record data, there's not much that you can or need to do. Keep your gear clean and change your filters. Watch for signs of leaks.

It sounds like you had too many hyponeas, which simply means that your airway gets restricted rather than closing completely. This causes you to constantly wake up so you can open your airway and get the CO2 level back down.

The elevated CO2 level causes damage to your body. The repeated awakenings prevent you from getting the deeper levels of restorative sleep your body and mind need to function properly. It also causes cardiovascular problems such as the elevated blood pressure you had, and also an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

If you had a data-capable machine you could check to make sure your leak levels were in check and that your AHI (number of hypopneas and apneas per hour) is below 5.

You will need to order replacement supplies such as hoses, filters, and masks. The supplier may require that you have your prescription renewed annually which means another visit to the doctor.