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MidnightRider

MidnightRider
Joined Apr 2020
MidnightRider
Joined Apr 2020

I'm in the UK. I had a sleep study just before Christmas and it showed that I wake up over 50 times per hour. Severe sleep apnea was diagnosed and I was told that I would be given a CPAP machine as a matter of urgency. Covid 19 has now hit and the respiratory clinic are devoting 100% of their resources to fighting this. They couldn't even give me an estimate of when I might get my CPAP. Frustrated, I've now bought a machine online from the US with the intention of ploughing ahead myself. (There was a bit of messing around as the CPAP machine came from the USA (2 pin plugs and 120V and I'm in the UK, 3 pin plugs and 240 volts) but finally I've got all the gear and intend to use my CPAP machine for the first time tonight).

So this is what I have: A Philips Respironics DreamStation A nasal pillow mask with cushioning (I researched this online and it may be better than the full face. Time will tell I suppose). All the cabling etc. I've connected everything up, adjusted the fit, checked for leaks and it seems to be doing what it is meant to.

Now the questions:

  1. First off, am I mad to be doing this without the support of a health care practitioner?*
  2. There is all sorts of stuff on the machine that I don't think I need or understand. Humidifier settings, bluetooth settings, pre-heating, recording and data. Do I need to bother with any of these or are they really optional extras?
  3. The pressure is set to 5.0cm H2O. Ramp is set to 4.5cm H2O. I do not know whether these are right and can not work out how to adjust them if they are not right. Should I just see how it goes tonight?

Thank you.

MR

*I've been waiting six months now. I'm abusing alcohol to get to sleep and have put on maybe 20lbs since Christmas. I can't carry on indefinitely like this.