Recovering from stroke, forced to use CPAP, have questions

Skykill · Post by **Skykill** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:05 pm

I have OSA really bad... in an 8 hour night, I stop breathing 700-800 tiines. This caused a stroke, due to blood pressure becoming 180 over 120 by morning. I had my stroke in Jan of this year and I am now done my after stroke sleep study.

I am getting a REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP with the REMstar Heated Humidifier, and a FlexiFit HC431 Full Face Mask.

There is only 1 problem... I have only made it thru 4 nights total since my stroke. So I ask...

How do you get use to this thing?

and ...

How do you not start thinking about your breathing the minute you put it on?

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:36 pm

Skykill,

Ditch the HC431 and get a Resmed mask. Do you NEED a full face mask or just think you do? I found the 431 very bad, no, horrible. Loose it ASAP and you will feel much more comfortable. I suggest a plain Resmed Ultra Mirage nasal or Activea.

Cheers,

Chris

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:13 pm

Hi Skykill,

Great to see you posting here! Strokes are not nice. We just lost our best friend suddenly in January and still cannot believe it. No warning!

Chris gave you some good advice regarding masks.

My questions for you are:

- how on earth did your prescription provide a great APAP and a lousy mask?

- you said you are getting the APAP, are you referring to the titration study
that you could not get used to or have you been using one in the hospital

- what was your condition before the stroke - HBP, heart problem, smoker?

- were you also prscribed oxygen with the APAP?

Sorry to be so nosey but I'm also at high stroke risk and appreciate first hand observations.

Appreciate any info you can provide.

Bob F