Getting a CPAP today .. suggestions for machine and mask

Didn't realize there was so much to know about this. I will be getting a machine today. Any guidance you can give me in chosing the machine and mask. I suspect my pressure setting will be fairly high since I tested at 51 episodes per hour.

Your "setting" isn't necessarily related to "episodes"

When you did you sleep study, part of it was titrating your pressure to eliminate events. The pressure used to splint your airway open is just that. It is the amount of air pressure required to keep your airway open so you do not have apnea events.

From a DME your best options for nasal masks or pillow systems are the Activa and the breeze (first is a mask, the second a pillow type)

As for a machine, the best that you could get is a Respironics Remstar Auto with Cflex. It automatically adjusts to the correct pressure during the night, and it also has a feature called Cflex that gives you relief on exhale (so you don't feel like you are breathing in a wind tunnel)

Your comfort is going to dictate your compliance.

Ask if they will let you try different masks before you buy one. Everybody is different, so what's best for some or even most does not necessarily mean it will work for you. A machine that gives you feedback with information on how your treatment is going is highly recommended. You should be able to see what your AHI level is, for example.

Tom