How important is it to know your pressure setting for your CPAP machine?

Question

I want to get a CPAP, I've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, but I couldn't make the appointment for them to find my correct pressure setting. How important is it to know that pressure setting? I want to buy my own CPAP machine but I don't know what pressure to set it at.

Answer 1

You can't get cpap without a prescription and the prescription should indicate the pressure or at least a range if you want to get an autopap. The pressure is recommended by the sleep lab based on the results of your test. The DME has to set it according to the prescription.  And if you're clever you can access the setup screens and see (and/or change) the pressure yourself.

Answer 2

Generally the DME that you get the cpap machine from will preset the machine at the prescribed settings given to them by the Doctor or the sleep lab that tested you for OSA.  You should be able to find out your settings from the DME and should probably know these as it will help out other Dr.'s and health care Practitioners to better treat you.

Answer 3

you have to go for the next part of the sleep study to get the correct setting they wont set it with out dr,ok and it is important ,it is based on how severe you apnea is,when I was first diagnosed Mine was set at 6 I never slept with the machine and over a few years it got worse and now i am at a 16 and never sleep with out it.it ruined my lungs also