Pretty sure they don't measure it in PSI.
16 psi would explode yer lungs all over the room.

More likely they use inches of water or something like that.

It takes almost 28 inches of water to equal 1 psi. Even that would be a lot.

I started using a CPAP in Oct. I'm using the nasal pillow deal instead of a full mask. I have a beard so the full mask won't work. At first it was the best sleep I have had in years. Seems now after the pressure ramps up it wakes me up because of too much pressure. The face thing does not bother me at all. But the pressure seems to wake me every night and when it does i just take it off and sleep without it. It's a little frustrating. Mine sends me a report about an hour after I turn it off. Since October my number of "incidents" have decreased considerably.

The max pressure ought to be adjustable. What does "too much pressure" feel like?
I'm at 2 years using mine. It is an improvement I wouldn't do without.

it's hard to exhale. It actually blows my mouth open. I asked the provider and they said they can't change the pressure without having a new prescription from my doctor. They just gave me a chin strap to keep my mouth shut. Thanks. Now I have to sleep with two things on my face..

CPAP machines are medical devices, regulated by the FDA. CPAP therapy can be very, very effective, but compliance can be difficult.

I have many, many friends that use CPAP therapy, including some fellow Porsche racers. My wife uses it-- in her case it was highly effective within about a week. Life changing actually.

The expertise and experience of the DME provider can make a huge difference with effectiveness and compliance. Since I have worked with med devices and equipment for all of my adult life, I already knew this when my wife was diagnosed. I pressed her doctor for his very best recommendation for a DME, and received a great lead. That DME is a 10 out of 10 and right in my neighborhood.

I would encourage folks to work with trained doctors and related specialists (including DME providers) if they want optimized results.

After looking at CL for awhile and not finding what I wanted, I bought a ResMed S9. So far, so good after a week. I don't snore but I still wake up. Not sure why, but I don't have headaches like I did.

I'm using just a nose pillow.

This. Now at age 96, my Dad has finally enlisted in "assisted living" status due to inoperable congestive heart failure. He used a CPAP and mask for probably 25 or more years, the most recent machine suitable for display at the Smithsonian. Long story short, the "swing bed" he was in recently dicked around and never fulfilled his pulmonologists orders to rent a new CPAP machine and since then (about the last 3 months) he's been sleeping with a cannula via an oxygen concentrator blowing him 2 liters/minute. He's much happier with that simple set up vs. the CPAP and mask.

Don't be afraid to experiment with masks. I had a large F-10 type mask for a year because that's what the cpap place said I needed, and had trouble with leaks. My doc gave me a nose pillow and I hated it. On my own I ordered a medium F-10 and it's perfect. No more leaks, no more dry mouth. I have a beard and have no trouble with the partial face mask. (Fighter pilot mask)

Good advice! Masks are not cheap and with that said allow me to add one more recommendation. If you purchase masks online DEFINITELY get those with 'return insurance'. I have at least three brand new masks that have never been worn an entire night. If you quickly discover that the newly acquired mask is not for you, the return insurance will allow you to send it back (typically within the first 30 days and receive a full refund).

The support that one experiences from home health-type store can vary greatly. My experiences have shown that do not expect much actual 'support' from the staff. They were not equipped to read/download any of the data from the CPAP machine that they sold me (the neurologist's office were irate because of this - they stated that the home health store CANNOT sell sell ANY equipment without being able to support it...). Regardless, I have not needed any additional support so buying new online is the route I would recommend (you just need your prescription). The online cost versus the cost at the home health store is truly ILLUMINATING.

Experience level: CPAP wearer for 17 years

I guess I should not be surprised at the greatly different experiences we have with health care providers. My doc sent me to the sleep clinic, got the report, brought me in to give me a talk and a script for the machine. He admonished me to call if I was having problems and made a follow-up appointment for 4 weeks after I got the machine. I brought the data card from the machine in and he adjusted the beginning and max pressure and set an appointment for 6 months out, and again told me to call if I was having problems. I never felt that I was on my own until I was having problems with leaks, and I easily figured that one out on my own.

Full face = monster AM farts :)

rjp

That would be good advice for the "average" user.
But i must say it is apparent that you hold these providers in higher regard than I do.
I am sure there are really good ones out there but .......

I know a guy who did that for a little while. He wasn't happy working as as a car salesman on a slow lot, so he got trained and went to work for a DME provider.

This is basically what he learned in the week of training:
Memorize the pamphlets and FAQ, up-sell up-sell up-sell.
Whatever medicare covers is what the patient needs.

He's selling awnings now.

The machine i have is a BiPAP, it has different pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation for just that reason.
The pressure during exhalation is much lower.
If you can get the doc to prescribe it might be worth it .....

I thought they were all that way now.

have a Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet.

I have one as well- the seal on the water tank is getting lame. Sounds like a party favor from time to time...

rjp

;)Trouble sleeping, turn off all electrical devices, I mean everything, grab some wiskey, and a pack of cigs, job done.....http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1483543809.jpg

:D
It will certainly render you unconscious. Whether you will get restful sleep or not is another question.

The headaches were from lack of O2, like a hangover.

I have a beard, and had the same problem, but found a F16 style mask that works for me.

Yep, air blows through..

I think I'll take that as a cue to STFU till I learn more bout the subject ;)