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General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.

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Sleepyheadgirl
 
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Joined: Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:57 pm
Location: Canada
Gender: Female

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby Sleepyheadgirl on Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:06 pm

Hello. I just found this site and I am really glad. Looks like I can learn a lot here. I just started using my CPAP two days ago. Was diagnosed with sleep apnea after an overnight study. The doctor said it was moderate. He started me at 7 on my machine. I noticed that as I am falling asleep I stop breathing more than a few times. Shouldn't my machine prevent this? The machine can be set at 4 and then it gradually goes to 7 within 20 minutes. Should I start it at 7 instead of the lower pressure? I am 54 yr old female. The doc did not specify if I had obstructive or central apnea. How do they know which one you have? Is the treatment the same? I am most certainly a newbie! Would appreciate any advice.

cflame1
 
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Location: expat Canadian in Iowa
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby cflame1 on Sun Jul 19, 2009 9:35 pm

What's the name of your machine? What's the name of your mask too?

Both are questions that will help to get your answers.

Plus a lot of us would have problems with a ramp starting at 4. It may not even be enough to clear the carbon dioxide out of your mask.

_________________
Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex
Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear
Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier
Software: Encore Pro Smart Card
Additional Comments: also have various other masks

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Sleepyheadgirl
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby Sleepyheadgirl on Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:17 am

Hello again. My machine is a respironics REMstar plus. My mask is a ResMed face Mask. I started out at 7 last night, and though I still found myself "not breathing" a few times at first, I think I slept for about 6 1/2 hours straight, which is like a miracle to me. Didn't even get up to go to the washroom (that I remember!) Amazing! :D

cflame1
 
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Location: expat Canadian in Iowa
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby cflame1 on Mon Jul 20, 2009 4:49 pm

If you can (and try hard) to replace your machine with at least a Pro (if M series) or a Pro2 (if classic, non M series). Talk to your DME (the place that you got your equipment from) and tell them that you'd like to upgrade your machine.

That'll give you a hope in figuring out what's going on by giving you more data. A Plus will only show you how many hours you used your machine.

_________________
Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex
Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear
Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier
Software: Encore Pro Smart Card
Additional Comments: also have various other masks

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Sleepyheadgirl
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jul 19, 2009 5:57 pm
Location: Canada
Gender: Female

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby Sleepyheadgirl on Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:53 pm

Hello again. I called the DME today to ask about switching my mask. I also asked about a machine that collected more data. The tech said that the machines only record compliance, nothing else (she spoke as though there were no machines that collected more data). Since my machine is only on loan, I won't press it, but when I purchase one, I will be sure to explore all the options. (I live in Ontario. Maybe we are behind the times up here?????)

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Steve O
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby Steve O on Sun Jul 26, 2009 1:07 pm

Hello and thank you for all the information. I am new to CPAP and really have no problem falling asleep when I first go to bed. The problems occur when I wake up - to use the bathroom, or just wake up - I cannot tolerate the mask and end up not using it for the rest of the night. There are times I feel as if I am about to suffocate and I just remove the mask. Needless to say, this behavior is not helping my condition. I really want to be compliant because I am looking forward to feeling better. Any longtime users have any help? I also have questions regarding certain medications like Provigil and Nuvigil. Are these medications helpful for the days after I sleep without using the mask? Thanks again for all the valuable information. When looking for information, this was the first site I found and I'm glad I did!

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Hawthorne
 
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Location: London Ontario -Canada
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby Hawthorne on Sun Jul 26, 2009 6:46 pm

Sleepyheadgirl - I also live in Ontario. Your Provider is either ignorant or is lying to you! You can buy an M Series Pro in Ontario. For an auto, it's a lot harder. The Sleep Specialsit would have to prescribe it and the criteria is difficult to meet.

Be sure to get your prescription in your hands. If it says CPAP, you can buy an auto online at a later date and it may well cost less than your poriton of the Plus cost (unless you have good insurance). MIne did!

Right now, when you go to buy your machine, ask for a Pro and go to another Provider if the current one says there isn't such a thing.

_________________
Machine: M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex
Mask: Mirage Swift LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand
Software: EncoreViewer v1.0 Software for Respironics M Series and REMstar Machines
Additional Comments: Trying the Opus. Backup masks - Snapp, Simplicity, Hybrid -Current setting 10.5 - 13- CMS-50E Oximeter

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IACEYOU
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby IACEYOU on Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:00 pm

Geez Louise this is one of the most active forums I've ever seen, for any kind of topic. Who is the the owner of the site?

jules
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby jules on Mon Aug 03, 2009 3:34 pm

The site is owned by Johnny Goodman at cpap.com as far as I know.

Yep - lots of information here.

bugler1a
 

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby bugler1a on Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:56 pm

Hi just thought I'd post a company for those of you who are interested in home testing. My PC set me up with this and am waiting for equipment to arrive. The companys name is Instant Diagnostic Systems and they're online.

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SleepingBeauty3
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby SleepingBeauty3 on Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:48 am

HELP!

I keep taking my mask off on a nightly basis! My Doc has been asking me how long I keep it on at night, but being that I am ASLEEP(duh), I have no idea. But, just this week it occurred to me to compare how much water has been used in the Humidifier. HAH! NO Water is being used, that must mean that the mask is being removed soon after falling asleep.

WHAT? if anything can be down to prevent this from happening?!!

:?

_________________
Machine Mask Humidifier 

SaltLakeJan
 
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Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:49 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Gender: Female

Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby SaltLakeJan on Fri Aug 21, 2009 8:38 am

HI BB,

This sounds crazy, but if you have a pair of the cheap gloves that you sometimes wear to bed to keep lotion on your hands. Try wearing them to bed. Take a mask off with gloves might be quite a challenge.

Good luck, Jan

_________________
Machine: SleepStyle 608 Thermosmart CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier
Mask: Zest Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Began CPAP 1-16-2009, Pressure=10 cm, Mask, CMS 50Plus Oximeter

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jccameron
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby jccameron on Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:27 am

Thanks for the putting this introduction together. I went to click on your first link and it appears that it has been moved.

The one I found on their site is at:

http://www.resmed.com/au/multimedia/und ... 40x380.swf

_________________
Machine: SleepStyle 254 Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier
Mask: Mirage Quattro Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Software: Performance Maximizer

shiftworkzombie
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby shiftworkzombie on Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:35 am

Wow, feel quite fortunate to find this site; because I am feeling quite overwhelmed. That is an understatement. I know I am not unique in this: as with any new diagnosis but @#$%^& !!!! OK, got that out of my system.

Thanks for the space and let the learning and healing begin. I am off to attempt my first night of CPAP trial.

#$%^%$ !!!!

I don't want to deal with this ........I know I know I know, get over it, get on with it.
G'night
Inhale, exhale, repeat.

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rooster
 
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Re: Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start

Postby rooster on Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:03 am

shiftworkzombie wrote: .......... Good to learn I am not alone and that the psycho/social symptoms are more than likely due to OSA than a major personality disorder. Reply back please I really need the support with this. Thanks!


"Healthy awake, deathly ill asleep."

You are right. You don't need a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist or a sociologist. You just need a CPAP system to help you breathe and sleep at the same time.

Lots of good help here. They saved my life.

_________________
Machine: M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex
Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear
Software: Encore Pro Smart Card
Additional Comments: M Series Integrated Humidifier
Rooster
Rooster partied last night and did not use his CPAP. Uh-oh. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhof1_ ... s-tale_fun

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