Wanted to Say Hello

Hello All and welcome to the world of having ancient technology solving modern day problems.

All kidding aside, I am a 11 year veteran of the cpap wars. My first sleep study was done in 1994 after I thought I had a problem and went to a sleep specialist to find out more about why I was always tired and what I coud do about my excessive snoring. I remember clearly being wired up and tested like Frankensteins monster. It was worth it but difficult to get used to that first cpap machine. The biggest problem however was the occassional sinus problems but after discovering a humidifier, these problems went away.

Since I am a technology guy, I thought that cpap was a crude way to solve a relatively simple problem so I went to a doctor about 6 years ago who suggested that surgery may be a more effective method of solving a restricted airway passage. I forgot what the procedure was called but in essence it was where they put mircowave probes into the back of your throat and litterally cook the excess tissue and rely on the healing process to shrink the restriction. I would not reccommend this procedure to my worst enemy. It is very painful to say the least and I did not get any relief what so ever.

To make a long story short, two weeks ago I went in for a new sleep study to determine if the air pressure needed correction and to obtain a newer and more modern cpap machine. Today, I picked up my new Fisher and Paykel HC220 machine with a heated humidifier and am very anxious to try it tonight. I went form 11 to 17 on the pressure scale.

In closing, cpap to me has been very beneficial in spite of the inconveniences of using it. I am fully rested after 5-6 hours of very deep sleep and run full blast all day long. Not bad for a 67 year old geezer is it?

About all I can say to any new user is to hang in there it is really worth what ever you have to do to. You really cannot appreciate the benefits of a good nioghts sleep until you have done it for yourself.

Hi,

Wow. You've certainly encouraged me!!
I've only been on my machine a couple of months. Things are definitely better than before the treatment, but I've still got a long ways to go before I'm completely comfortable with this. I still often wake up once or so a night, but the doctor says I just need adjusting, and I do feel each day is better. Still, it's encouraging stories like yours which keep me focused and not tempted to quit. Hope your story does the same for others.

Thanks so much.

Linda