My test data and first 2 nights on CPAP

[DarkSideOfTheMoon]

Hi CPapers! Here are some of the stats on my sleep study.
RDI 95.2 (Apnea Index 44.4, mean duration 22.3, longest 38.7 and Hypopnea Index 50.8, mean duration 27, long 47.9) Are these numbers really bad?
Minimum oxygen saturation was 88%, never made it past stage 2 sleep until CPAP was started.
So, I saw that I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Alveolar Hypoventilation. When I looked up Alveolar Hypoventilation I FREAKED OUT!!!!!! I saw the words rare, no cure, fatal if untreated and I started to panic. I can't read anymore. I am hoping this is weight related only and not as bad as what I read (I'm having gastric bypass in a few months). They only have Primary or Central Alveolar Hypoventilation so I'm not sure if it is the same. Can anyone shed light on this? PLEASE!!
I got the CPAP on Saturday and went home for a C-Nap. I loved it and slept for one hour wonderfully. The night was not so kind to me. I am having a really hard time sleeping on my back. I am a faithful stomach sleeper. I would try to do side or stomach and I would have mask leaks or it was like a vice grip on my head in order to not leak. The petite mask that was recommended was not covered by insurance so I had a small comfortgel mask. It might be too big for my features. It feels like it is squishing into my eyes and it goes right to the middle of my upper lip. What do you guys think? I am dedicated to making this work and feel blessed that I have CONCRETE reasons why I have been so tired for 25 years. I stil feel that I am ahead on sleep just from 2 so-so nights of CPAPING. I am saying "IN YOUR FACE" to all the people who really didn't believe I had anything wrong with me. Thanks for listening!!
Cathy

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, Cathy! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

You're lucky to have found this forum as you begin CPAP--took me almost year before I found this place and, with the help of folks here, got my CPAP therapy working as it should. It does take time to get everything tweaked and working at its best, so patience is key as one begins CPAP.

I’m a side sleeper, and I have no problems with leaks, but it did take awhile to get it all right (I use a cpap pillow that has “notched out” places so my mask doesn’t have to rest on the pillow). Good luck!


"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[ozij]

The looks like a thorough review -- I haven't read it.
Obesity related hypoventilation
http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-934 ... xt#section

Good table:
http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-934 ... ltext#tbl1

[DarkSideOfTheMoon]

Thank you both for your responses. I'm going to call Stanford and see what they say. My eyes always gravitate to the worst/most gloomy information in any article. I feel glad that I am on my way to saving my life! I'm going for a hike at Fort Funston to get my lungs in better condition. Have a great day!

Cathy

[Muse-Inc]

OK, Ozij, now that's just plain scary!!! Good think I've lost 50#s and am working to overcome my current stall (2.5 #s overnight loss is a good start). I'll keep this post around to remind myself why eating low carb is the only way to go for me! Not sure if I should thank you tho, I was gonna make some lunch and was thinking of having a peach...guess that'll be left for someone else

Cathy, welcome aboard!