newly diagnosed with sleep apnea

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
scott54
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:13 pm
Location: McKenna, WA

newly diagnosed with sleep apnea

Post by scott54 » Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:12 am

I had a sleep study about 6 weeks ago and was diagnosed with sleep apnea yesterday. I must say that I had no idea how serious the condition is - I'd never heard of sleep apnea until about 2 years ago. My wife has pushed the issue and go me to go see the doctor. I was pretty resistent and didn't believe I really had a problem. Looking back I realize that for years I have been displaying symptoms (exhausted all the time, napping but always tired, depressed, etc.) - I thought I was just being lazy.

Anyway, I am setting up an appointment sleep therapy. I assume I will get a prescription for CPAP (the doctor went through the surgical procedures that might help but I would prefer to avoid surgery unless necessary). Are there any questions that I should ask or other advice your would give? I am going out today to get some of the books I read about in another thread.

Anyway I have been learning a lot reading the posts here.

Scott

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MartiniLover
Posts: 364
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Location: Davison Michigan

Post by MartiniLover » Sat Feb 12, 2005 12:17 pm

Welcome Scott,
If you spend a lot time going through this forum you will learn a lot. I wish I had been more investigative when I first started. It would have saved me a lot of time and money.

Good Luck

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chrisp
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Post by chrisp » Sat Feb 12, 2005 2:59 pm

Scott,
Most important lesson. Buy from cpap.com and save a ton of money.

Buy a Autotitrating cpap. You can always run it as a straight cpap if needed. I doubt you will want to though. Tell you Dr. this if he balks. You don't need a special Rx to buy an auto.

Buy the heated humidifier that goes with your cpap and use it.

If your pressure isn't too high buy the PB 420E package with software. By too high I would say anything over 14. Others may have their own idea of "too high" My self, I start tooting around 12. If you can afford c-flex and the size doesnt matter buy it ! https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1541

If it is high or you don't mind paying a bit extra buy the Respironics auto with C-CFlex.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1623

A safe bet for masks is the Resmed activa, Ultra mirage, Ultra mirage Full face or Swift nasal pillows. Most see to do well with these. Of course your opinion may differ.

Cheers,

Chris
Last edited by chrisp on Sat Feb 12, 2005 6:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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littlebaddow
Posts: 416
Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2004 12:21 pm
Location: Essex, England

Post by littlebaddow » Sat Feb 12, 2005 6:32 pm

Scott, what Chris says makes sense.

I would just add:

- make sure it's a heated humidifier

- if possible, try several masks til you find the one that suits you best.

- INSIST on an autopap. If the doc says you don't need it, keep INSISTING

Good luck
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Mikesus
Posts: 1211
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:50 pm

Post by Mikesus » Sat Feb 12, 2005 6:41 pm

chrisp wrote:Scott,
Most important lesson. Buy from cpap.com and save a ton of money.

Buy a Autotitrating cpap. You can always run it as a straight cpap if needed. I doubt you will want to though. Tell you Dr. this if he balks. You don't need a special Rx to buy an auto.

Buy the heated humidifier that goes with your cpap and use it.

If your pressure isn't too high buy the PB 420E package with software. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1541

If it is high or you don't mind paying a bit extra buy the Respironics auto with C-CFlex.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1623

A safe bet for masks is the Resmed activa, Ultra mirage, Ultra mirage Full face or Swift nasal pillows. Most see to do well with these. Of course your opinion may differ.

Cheers,

Chris
What is not too high?

Guest

Post by Guest » Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:52 pm

Thanks for the replies. There are so many choices. I appreciate the advice and the links. I'll at least have a little knowledge when I see the therapist.

Scott