[Equipment] Newbie with prescription and brand new machine from relative

[Bruce61]

Hello:
I searched to see if there were threads regarding "hand me down" machines and could find none.  I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (score 31.2).  I was given a prescription from Kaiser to get an automatic CPAP and the usual mask, etc.  My father in law who used CPAPs for many years died last year and in his closet was a brand new (and I do mean never used still with factory sealed plastic) ResMed Aircurve 10 VAuto machine.  I am assuming this machine will work based upon internet searches, but I have no idea where to go for mask fitting, setting up the machine, etc.  

Any suggestions for the Ventura County or San Fernando Valley where I can physically go in for help? If I need to buy or rent a different machine I can but if I can use this one since I got unclear answers whether it is a durable medical device covered by Kaiser, I'd prefer that.

Thanks

[Crimson Nape]

Hi Bruce61!  -  

I would set the machine to "Vauto", using a pressure range of 7 cm to 20 cm, and a PS of 0 (zero).  This will give you a default auto CPAP's settings.  Even though the CPAP will go down to 4 cm, most adults will observe a feeling of air starvation at the lower pressure.  That's why I am recommending a minimum pressure of 7 cm.  Leave the "Ramp" feature off, and leave everything else as is.

Check to see if it came with an SD card.  If not, I highly recommend that you get one.  Any SD card that is 2 GB to 32 GB in size.
Download a free copy of OSCAR.  This is a sleep analysis software that will help in determining the setting for your needs.  The download link is in the name as well as in the black ribbon banner at the top of every page.

The SD card must be in the CPAP while you are sleeping in order for it to record the detailed sleep data.  Once you have a night's data recorded, please post a screenshot of your Daily screen.  Please use the F12 or Fn+F12 for Mac while in OSCAR to take the screenshot.  Using the F12 option formats OSCAR for a better presentation than using your system's default screenshot method.

Beside the links in my signature, here are some other helpful links to get you started:

• CPAP Setup Manuals - See Section 3
  
  
• Wiki - Mask Primer
  
  
• OSCAR Installation Guide