trailernovice
Mission TX
Senior Member
Joined: 10/25/2010
View Profile
 Offline
|
Been on the c-pap a little over two years...DW is convinced it's time to re-evaluate the settings/run through another sleep study (presumably while, this time, using the machine on its current settings), as I'm starting to find myself getting sleepy in the afternoons as was the case before starting on the machine
Is she right? Should the settings be reconsidered every now and then, in the same way we go for an eye exam every few years to see what's changed? or are c-pap settings generally good forever or at least for a really long periods?
thanks!
Glenn and Toni
2011 Palomino Puma 25BH
2012 Tundra double cab 4.6 V8 with tow package
Reese round bar w/d with sway control
|
Itchey Feet
Wyoming
Senior Member
Joined: 07/29/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Probably best person to ask is your Dr., every person has their own needs, as for mine I have had the same setting since the 80's and not gone back for evaluation but have not had change in sleep habits or change of symptoms. JMHO
My feet are fine as long as they are traveling.
|
PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
Senior Member
Joined: 12/23/2007
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Sorry, I don't have the answer, but do know that DW's CPap had some sort of memory card that we were supposed to send in on occasions, to see how things are going. We keep forgetting to do that, but so far, she's been doing OK with it.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau 
RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
|
Devocamper
West Haven CT
Senior Member
Joined: 02/15/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
I am not a doctor, but my ENT told me that unless you have a large weight change the settings or pressure will not change with another sleep study, I have had the same machine with the same settings for over 5 years now. That’s what my guy said anyway. You may need to have your machine checked or calibrated but your pressure settings should not change unless you do.
08 NU-WA Hitchhiker Discover America 339 RSB
07 Chevy 3500HD LT1 EXT Cab LB DRW D/A
|
eHoefler
ozark mountains
Senior Member
Joined: 10/22/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
I have had mine for 4 years now. I have an annual visit with my doctor, I take the memory card in every time I go in for my annual. They read the card and determine whether or not my machine is being effective or not. He can tell whether or not I am benefiting from it. So far so good.
2010 Ram 3500, Crew Cab, Long bed, 4 x 4,Dually, Lights & Siren!
2006 40' Landmark Mt. Rushmore
|
|
|
4*phun*2
Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2008
View Profile
|
If you have a concern talk to your doctor. If you are not having episodes when you stop breathing (ask DW) I would not worry about it. It is probably more important to ensure your machine is outputting the proper level.
Glenn & Karen
'08 Chevy LT 3500 HD 4x4 CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips) retired
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys
|
steelpony5555
Copperas Cove Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 10/26/2007
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
My Doc said I should have a new sleep study every few years or if I have a drastic weight change. Myself I know when I am not getting the sleep I need. As long as I am still dreaming things are good. Now if I realize I am not dreaming anymore that is when I will go in for a sleep study, or if I ever lose some weight. But if your getting really tired during the day and it is because your apnea has gotten worse then you are probably not dreaming. Oh and my original doctor is the one who told me bout the dreaming thing....
06 Montana 3000RK
07 Dodge 3500 Dually Sport 6.7 Diesel
07 Pearl White Ultra Classic (My new Baby)
10 Chrysler 300 Touring
Texas Boomers---Stop by for a Margie some time!
|
jauguston
Bellingham, WA
Senior Member
Joined: 07/03/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
A great place for C-PAP information is cpaptalk.com. If you get on that Forum it is possible to get the software e-mailed to you from one of the members that will let you read your own memory card. Also how to adjust the settings the people that provide your equipment lock out so only they can see what is on the card and only they can make adjustments-not good (-: You need to be in control of your own therapy. I have a Resperonics System One Auto and can access all the data stored on the memory card and make any changes I feel might help.
If anyone is about to go on C-PAP don't let the equipment provider stick you with a fixed output machine. Insist on a Auto. Have the sleep doctor write your prescription with a range of pressures like 8-12 and not a single pressure. Many times the sleep doctors clinic will also want to be the equipment provider. More profit. I suggest you do some research with others in the C-PAP community and find out what providers are good and what ones are bad. You will hear a lot about providers on cpaptalk.com. When you decide where you want to get your equipment after your sleep test when you have your follow up with the sleep doctor ask him to write the script for a range of pressures so you get a Auto machine then ask him to give you the prescription. Don't let him talk you out of the Auto.He may want to either supply the equipment himself or he may want to call your prescription to a cohort for a nice little kickback. Its your prescription and he has to give it to you if you ask. That way the equipment provider will have to give you a auto machine. They get paid exactly the same for a single pressure machine as they do for a auto (Same computer payment code for both)so they will try to pass off a cheap machine on you. Equipment providers cannot usually be trusted to have your best interests as their priority. All of this I learned on cpaptalk.com. Great people there.
Jim
2005 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 402 40'
350hp Cat C-7 w/MP-8
7500w Onan quiet diesel generator
6-Kyocera 130w solar panels SB3024i MPPT controller
Pressure Pro TPMS
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
|
Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2003
View Profile
 Online
|
How often do you need to change the mask?
I guess that also depends on the mask - but on average how long do they tend to last?
If the mask is getting worn, does it fit loosely, and cause sleeping problems?
Fred.
|
Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
Senior Member
Joined: 07/22/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Fred they are kind of like brake pads.
I got just a tad over 5 years with the one I last replaced.
Being plastic this part then that part will break and baling wire is not good for repairing CPAP masks.
I have found after a time the head band needs to be replaced sometimes but mainly the little clippy things break with age the attaches the head band to the mask.
Personally I hate getting a new mask because my skin reacts (gets really red) to the mask seal until it it gets well coated with my natural skin oil.
|
|
|
