Questions for pulmonologist re: ResMed Astral 150?

[Helena]

My mother is 97 and uses a ResMed Astral 150 at night.
She is now bedridden and lives in another state with someone else in the family.

My sister recently got a different type of face mask which leaks less than the previous one, and is more comfortable.

Since the settings were last programmed on her Astral 150, she has lost thirty or forty pounds. I do not know when the last machine audit was done, before the weight loss.

Does significant weight loss necessarily mean that the apnea condition has changed?

I think an analysis (audit) of the machine needs to be done, and some things checked to make the settings more optimal.

How often do the machine audits need to be done? Or other machine checks?

My sister recently asked the pulmonologist if the pressure could be too high for our mother now, due to her weighing so much less. Pulmonologist only said that the machine uses more pressure, if needed, and less pressure, if less is needed.
----


My mother is on oxygen all the time, and the oxygen hose gets attached to the ventilator at night.

Can someone help with what specific things to say to this pulmonologist to get some help that makes as much as possible as optimal as we can?

Thank you very much.

[Dormeo]

Your mother is using a sophisticated ventilator that has many setting options that other machines don't have. More information here, for others who may respond to this thread:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=w...yjxoeYUqya

Your mother's weight loss may have affected the fit of her mask, so maybe your sister can look into that.

Neither you nor your sister should try to revise the settings of your mother's machine. I mention that mainly for other board members; it sounds as though you yourself aren't at all suggesting that.

Not sure, but I think the pulmonologist would need to review data on the screen of the machine itself. There doesn't seem to be any SD card in the machine.

In your sister's place, I would simply make an appointment with the pulmonologist, bring the machine in, and ask him/her to review the data. I don't think there's any set period of time for such reviews, but it is completely reasonable to ask for one on general principles as you care for a frail and elderly family member.

All my best for you, your sister, and your mother.

[SarcasticDave94]

Given both ventilator and supplemental oxygen are involved, I'd agree it's best to get the pulmonary doctor included.

The Astral 150 can store some data on an optional rear mounted USB stick, but it'll not be OSCAR chart compatible. The on screen info may be helpful to mention to the doctor.