ResMed PEI Patient Podcast

Your CPAP device is loaded with useful features and settingswhich make your treatment more comfortable and/or more appropriate to you. Many of these settings are found within the My Options Menu.  This episode considers how to access this menu and what settings you can change, and why you might do this. This includes a wide range of comfort settings, such as ramp time, humidity, pressure relief, mask type, airplane mode and mask fit test. Many of these settings have been addressed in previousepisodes of our podcast. These settings are very easily changed. Just note what the previous setting was in case you want to revert to that. As always, just reach out if you have any questions.

From time to time every patient can experience an issue with their power supply where a device simply won’t switch on. This is no different to any electrical device, and most of the troubleshooting tips are similar. This episode explores power troubleshooting advice if you are experiencing any issues with your device. This includes all the usual suggestions, such as to check that all cables are connected properly, to try a different power outlet in your home, and to check your device and all cables for damage. If these fixes don’t work for you, or if your device is making funny noise, please reach out to us for additional advice or support.

It is not uncommon for patients to wake up with marks on their face after treatment. This is often associated with masks being too tight, or just the pressure of lying on a mask strap during the night. Sometimes, however, patients experience even more severe skin issues or breakouts while on therapy. This can be for a whole range of reasons, but is commonly linked to sensitive skin or an underlying skin issue. This episode explores looking after your skin and skin issues associated with treatment. Everyone’s skin is different, so we would urge you to contact us so that we can consider your issues and the best solutions suitable to your treatment, whether that is the use of a different mask; the use of pads, liners or strap covers, or to explore additional remedies so that you can continue your CPAP journey.

If you pay for your CPAP device or mask privately or as part of the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) this episode is for you. The episode considers a selection of the most common Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), such as Can I apply for a DPS Card Online? Can I submit multiple claims at the same time? Where can I find an invoice if I’ve mislaid one? If I’ve fallen into arrears on my account and pay a double or treble month, how do I process my DPS claim? If I’ve forgotten to submit my DPS claim for some time, can I still process a claim? Is there a date limit on this? This episode answers these and many other questions.

If you pay for your CPAP device or mask privately or as part of the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) this episode is for you. The episode explains how invoicing works and when/where you can access your monthly invoices. It also explains how the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) works and how you can claim a refund under the scheme. If you are paying more than €80 per month on medications, then you are probably due a refund. The episode also provides useful contact information in case you need to reach out to the DPS directly, and the paperwork you need to complete sign up to the service.

Your Climate Line Tubing connects your device to your maskand plays a very important role in keeping the air warm during treatment. Maintenance of the tubing is important  Cleaning your tubing removes germs, mould, and dust that can build up from your breath and room air. This episode considers the importance of the Climate Line tubing, when and how to clean it and the importance of drying it properly once this is done.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is essential to prevent bacterial growth, avoid skin infections, maintain a proper mask seal, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. It is equally important to clean the elbow that connects your mask to your tubing as this acts as the mechanical bridge for airflow and movement. Neglecting the elbow joint directly threatens your safety and the accuracy of your therapy. This episode considers the importance of cleaning both your mask and elbow, how you should do this and how often you should do it.

The Humidifier Tub that sits at the side of your machine plays an important comfort role in your CPAP therapy. Water added tothe tub is heated up and gently adds moisture to the air to counteract the dryness of air generated by the device, thus making treatment more pleasant. This episode considers what the humidifier tub is, what is does, what water to add to it and how to get the best out of your tub over time.

Your Mask Marking Your Face is an extremely common occurrence. Patients regularly call our Nurse Help Line saying they are very happy with their mask, but that they wake up with marks on their face. This is not only unsightly but can also be quite sore and sometimes leads to headaches. This episode considers the occurrence of Mask Marking Your Face, and how to reduce the chance of this happening.

Ramp Time is an optional comfort feature that starts therapy at a low, comfortable air pressure level, gradually increasing it to the prescribed therapeutic level over a set period (usually 5-45 minutes) as you fall asleep. It helps users acclimate to air pressure and reduces initial anxiety or discomfort. This episode considers what Ramp Time is, and how to set it up if you wish to use it and the benefits of using it.

When we look at our App we may see variations in the Events per Hour in our sleep score. This is not something to be overly concerned about and can happen for a number of reasons, such as sleep position, how tired you are, medications, etc.   This episode considers why Events per Hour can fluctuate, and how to better manage this score over time.

If you wake up in the morning and you notice your data hasn’tcome through to your app, what should you do? Maybe it doesn’t come through straight away or maybe it won’t come through until the next time you plug your device in.This episode considers why Data Transfer Issues can happen, and what to do if they do.

If you need to get up during the night, for whatever reason,for example to go to the bathroom, what should you do in terms of your device, mask, tubing, etc.? This episode gives some practical advice about Getting Up Overnight and the best way of managing your therapy in these circumstances. This episode also considers what to do if you wake up during the night and find your pressure a little overwhelming, particularly if you are new to therapy.

The environment in which your treatment takes place can havea positive or negative impact on its overall effectiveness, e.g. if your bedroom it particularly dusty or if you’re getting works done in your home. Equally, if you’re a smoker, do you smoke close to the device? This episode considers your Device Environment and suggests best practice to ensure you get the most from your treatment.

We often get asked by patients to explain the Sleep Report that appears on your device after treatment each day, including Usage Hours, AHI, Mask Seal and Humidifier. This episode considers this Sleep Report and explains in detail what each element means and what to do if asked to adjust any settings.

Aerophagia, the excessive swallowing of air, is a common feature of adjusting to CPAP Therapy and often results in symptoms like bloating, belching, flatulence, and abdominal pain. This episode considers this condition in more detail and the simple steps you can take to relieve these symptoms.

We often get asked by patients whether or not they should bring their CPAP devices with them when travelling, particularly when travelling abroad. Of course the answer to this is yes as the continuation of therapy is really important, no matter where you are. This episode considers the practicality of packing your device, whether checks with your airline are required in advance and any documentation you may need for security.

Sleep hygiene means the everyday habits and choices that help you get good-quality, healthy sleep on a regular basis. It’s all about setting your body and brain up to sleep well. This episode considers several practical ways to improve your sleep hygiene and as a result your overall level of sleep quality.

Adapting to treatment is not easy, particularly in those first weeks after diagnosis. In this episode we consider what to expect during your first week of treatment, and in particular the support we provide to help you get there.

We often get asked by patients about the scoring system used in the myPatientSpace App and what it means. This episode sets out to explain what its all about and why it matters.

All new Resmed PEI patients will have an initial clinic visit with our Nurse Advisor Team to help them get started on treatment. As some patients may be nervous in advance of this visit, this episode considers what you can expect and how we guide you on your new treatment journey.

One of the most common issues patients experience when getting used to therapy is mask seal. A poor mask seal will result in mask leak, which in turn will impact on the success of your therapy. This episode considers what causes mask leak and how to manage it, including the use of the Run Mask Fit tool on your device.

Many patients experience a dry mouth sensation during CPAP therapy. This episode considers what causes this and how to manage it.

Are you experiencing a gurgling or pumping noise in your CPAP device tubing. This could be a phenomenon known as "Rainout". This episode considers what rainout is and how to prevent it happening.