Posted by Greg Harper on May 10, 1998 at 18:24:25:

In Reply to: Re: CPAP SETTINGS posted by Mike on May 07, 1998 at 21:38:50:

Mike,

I think that it's a good idea to go back to your equipment provider for information on your therapeutic pressure setting. With most older machines it is impossible to determine the pressure setting by looking at the pressure adjustment mechanism. The pressure is usually set internally by adjusting a screw to increase or decrease the motor speed while the outlet of the machine is checked with a pressure manometer.

Some of the newer models will have flashing light indicators to give you an idea what the pressure setting is currently at.

It would also be a good idea to get a copy of your sleep study results from the lab that did your study. You can also contact your primary care physician to get a copy of the results. Keep these documents in a safe place where you can refer to it if necessary. This information may be very helpful at some point if you need to go into the hospital as an inpatient, especially if you are going to have surgery.

Most sleep labs will keep the documents around for at least seven years. Getting access to them six years later when you need them is often a difficult task. If you have copies in your posession you will have them when you need them.

If you feel that you are not getting the correct pressure from your machine, have your equipment provider check the pressure. They will probably do it for a nomimal fee, especially if you take it back to their office to get inspected. Your insurance may even cover the cost of the check-up.

Good luck!

Greg Harper, RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner

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