Restarting CPAP

[jw421]

Hello,

I just resumed CPAP usage again after being off for a long time during the recall.  I received my replacement DreamStation and am still waiting for my DS Go replacement.  I took pics of all the settings on my original DS before shipping back and I set them in my replacement unit.  My current numbers are not very good.  My initial diagnosed AHI was 14.5.  I need it to be under 5 for the FAA.  Other than being a little older, the only other thing to change since going off CPAP was having 2 different sinus surgeries.  I am using both my DS and DS Go.  Attached are the last 3 days of usage.  Thanks for any help.

           

[SarcasticDave94]

With the Philips Respironics machines, you need to set Min pressure higher, closer to what you need to treat. These PR machines are reactive, so you have to help them by higher settings. I'd consider trying 6 to 7 Min and see if it gets you closer. Unfortunate there's going to be a bit of trial and error involved.

[jw421]

Thank you.  I made the changes on both machines and will give it a few days to see if there is any change.

I've added 2 more days of usage.  These are the first days of being back on CPAP.  I wore the mask continuously through the night but it broke day 1 up into 7 sessions and day 2 into 9 sessions.  Any reason for this?

       

[SarcasticDave94]

It's likely Philips Respironics machines go by a different 24 hour day than midnight-midnight your local time. What happens when you sleep past the cutoff is it breaks the sleep session data into sections.

Example, for ResMed the cutoff is noon. PR is probably doing the same but I'm not certain what the cutoff time of day will be.

[jw421]

Thanks again.

Would it be worth changing to a ResMed machine?

[SarcasticDave94]

Certainly if you can get one with little hassle. Lots of members here use ResMed with good to great results. Bottom line though it's your choice, we'll help with whatever machine you've got. I found ResMed easier to dial in, with more leeway than PR.

Like my last RT at the DME mentioned, your body gets used to a certain machine brand. They do feel different between PR and ResMed, but for myself I'd feel better equipped to get decent therapy with ResMed.

[jw421]

Ok. Thank you. I’ll order one tomorrow then.

Recommendations?
AirSense 11 AutoSet?
AirMini? (I’m a commercial pilot)

[SarcasticDave94]

First, are you relying on battery power for CPAP? PR used 12V DC versus ResMed 24V DC. Just be aware.

If that's not an issue, look for ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. 10 is last gen, but I think they come with a standard blower motor, while the 11 is based on the travel, and although newer, have a few bugs still I'm hearing.

ResMed AutoSet honestly will be a nice upgrade. We'll help do setup ASAP.

Best to ya.

[Phaleronic]

Thanks again.

Would it be worth changing to a ResMed machine?

It depends..  I tried an S10 FH and titrated well with it, but couldn't sleep as good compared to my phillips machines..

[SarcasticDave94]

It's going to sound a bit off, but if you do get AutoSet, I'd try pressures 7-20 instead of PR flex there's EPR.

Try this pressure 7-20
EPR full time 3
Minimum ramp as possible, unlike PR any ramp starts every machine start

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