Brand new hosehead

2SleepDeprived · Post by **2SleepDeprived** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:28 pm

Hello everyone! I just discovered this forum, and am so thankful. Haven't had much opportunity to read posts yet. I have just been diagnosed with OSA, with AHI of 55. In fact, last night was my first night using my new machine (Remstar APAP with C-flex set at 5-12, using a Flexifit 407 nasal mask). I woke up with a wet nose from the condensation of the heated humidifier. I also got the mask on too tight, and had ridges and aches in my face to show for it. I am a realist; I'm already dealing with hypertension and diabetes, and the apnea has gotten so bad that I feel like I'm the walking dead. So I know I have to do this. I don't feel like I have enough information about CPAP right now to manage this thing. Hence my relief at discovering this forum. I look forward to your guidance, advice, and support!

2SleepDeprived

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:44 pm

Welcome!

You will find a wealth of information on this board and many, many kind and caring people.

Sounds like you got a good machine (I don't have it, but plenty of people here swear by it).

A couple of suggestions:

1. To eliminate the condensation (rain out), turn down the humidifier and/or buy a heated hose (just do a search on this board and you will find the link to the company - in Australia - that makes them). I have one and it is worth every penny.

2. Sometimes the masks work better if they are loose, rather than strapped tight. There is a comfort zone between so loose you have leaks and so tight that you wake up with strap marks. Also, there are products on the market to eliminate strap marks Look for Pad A Cheek on CPAP.com. I have a few pair.

3. Finally, read, read, read. There hundreds of tips and tricks on this board that will help you through the adjustment period.

Take care and good luck!

.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:30 pm

Welcome, you have the right machine, the one I want, I found this site after I got set up. Mine is good too.

You need to get the software and reader to use with your machine. There are posts on this site telling where and how. The software lets you control the treatment you need and lets you know how well it's working. with a APAP you are 1/2 way there, but knowing whats up is inportant too. the Dr. and sleep labs leave a lot to be desired. most just chase the money. Read all the posts you can stand, it will soak in..... Jim

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:41 pm

Links you need, Thanks to Rested Gal

Respironics Software Update Center Choose "Encore and Encore Pro." The download of Encore Pro version 1.5i is free.

2factors.com USB desktop "sliding and postal" card reader DT3500 (use IE as the web browser if ordering from this site.)

"setup.exe" drivers file URL to driver for card reader is on "sleepyman's" website.

LINKS to Encore Pro, "MyEncore", smart card reader troubleshooting help with installation

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:57 pm

Good advice, Goofproof. Here are the links you mentioned made clickable:

Respironics Software Update Center Choose "Encore and Encore Pro." The download of Encore Pro version 1.5i is free.

2factors.com USB desktop "sliding and postal" card reader DT3500 (use IE as the web browser if ordering from this site.)

"setup.exe" drivers file URL to driver for card reader is on "sleepyman's" website.

LINKS to Encore Pro, "MyEncore", smart card reader troubleshooting help with installation

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:58 pm

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind welcome! And for the great web links; I'm definitely going to look into the software for my machine. I'm lucky, I have a friend who owns a DME company, and she was able to help me get what sounds like great equipment.

I was able to sleep 4 1/2 hours last night wearing my mask, and actually feel wide awake in the middle of the afternoon today for the first time in I can't remember how long. So here's a question-----do you suddenly start to feel like a normal person again, or is it a more gradual relief that takes place? I'm trying not to build my expectations of therapy beyond what is reasonable. My doctor seemed to promise me the moon, but I'm a skeptic!

2SleepDeprived · Post by **2SleepDeprived** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:03 pm

Oops! That was my post above----forgot to log myself in!

Another question while I'm at it............What's the most remarkable change in your lives thanks to CPAP therapy??

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:21 pm

It took me a long time to see improvement, but I also had a quad-bypass. I found out about the breathing in the hospital when I couldn't maintain O2 levels. For years I have had trouble driving and whenever I stopped moving I would drop off, at work, I would fall asleep while driving my 150 ton haulage truck, 600 plus horsepower, 120 DB noise level, I was lucky I always woke up every 200 yards.

Before CPAP, I was awake every hour, two months after CPAP I was still waking 5 times nightly, but able to go back to sleep after a couple of minutes. Now after 3 month. I sleep 9 hours on the hose, only wake up 2 or 3 times nightly to turn over had stop mask leaking, and I dream most of the night. I haven't dreamed in years.

2SleepDeprived · Post by **2SleepDeprived** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:37 pm

I hadn't even thought about it until reading your post, Goofproof, but I can't remember the last time I dreamed, either! How odd. Of course, with being so tired and in such a fog all the time, it's almost like living in a dream of sorts. The sleep deprivation is so insidious that I really hadn't noticed how bad I'd gotten until just recently, when I've begun falling asleep any time I stop moving (and grumpy as an old bear, too!). A full night's sleep and a dream or two; now that sounds just fantastic!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:33 pm

2SleepDeprived wrote:I hadn't even thought about it until reading your post, Goofproof, but I can't remember the last time I dreamed, either! How odd. Of course, with being so tired and in such a fog all the time, it's almost like living in a dream of sorts. The sleep deprivation is so insidious that I really hadn't noticed how bad I'd gotten until just recently, when I've begun falling asleep any time I stop moving (and grumpy as an old bear, too!). A full night's sleep and a dream or two; now that sounds just fantastic!

One of my planned projects is a input for my CPAP, so I can hook up my SAT DISH to it, maybe then I can get a better class of dreams.

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:02 am

hey Goofproof....that hookup might be something i should lookinto I dream in black and white...does that help me to get more color into my dreams Where should i connect what to what

barnaby

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:04 am

hey Goofproof....that hookup might be something i should lookinto I dream in black and white...does that help me to get more color into my dreams Where should i connect what to what

barnaby

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:53 pm

I've reconsidered on the SAT to CPAP hookup. the water in my hose shorted out the signal. Oh Well!, I was a dream.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:56 pm

[quote="Anonymous"]I've reconsidered on the SAT to CPAP hookup. the water in my hose shorted out the signal. Oh Well!, I was a dream.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 3:31 pm

Goofproof It is too bad about you not working with the SAT so we can get better reception ..I think if I can get red eyes ( a few drinks of rum before bedtime will do it) That might be the answer to dreaming in color instead of always dreaming in black and white.

Barnaby

Mask

Mask

Mask

Brand new hosehead

Brand new hosehead

How has CPAP therapy changed your life?