Newbie Saying Hello

Hi everyone,

I just received the results of my sleep study today and was told I have severe sleep apnea. I now have to get fitted for a CPAP mask and machine. My research on the subject brought me to this website. I'm kinda scared about this whole thing. I mean, I am really looking forward to finding out what a good night's sleep actually feels like because I suspect I have had this problem for a very long time undiagnosed. But at the same time, I'm scared of the responsibility of the equipment and the ability to be comfortable wearing such a contraption on my face let alone having air forced down my throat all night.

I'm glad to have found such an interesting forum where I can learn and ask questions. If anyone has any advice for me as a novice who knows very little about all of this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Michelle

Go to the top of this page and click on the CPAP WIKI Lightbulb

Hi, Michelle!

Check the CPAPWiki... good information.

You might also find my first thread of interest:

viewtopic/t73935/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35 ... 60#p303060

Hello Newbie! This is the place to be.

Kira, I never read your thread before. So funny. Why on earth does it take so long to get a machine? Does anyone really know?

Read forum member, Janknitz's, blog on what to know BEFORE you meet with your DME... and also study her list of machines and what types to consider and which ones to avoid. http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

Welcome!

You will get your CPAP machine from a DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider, but basically a CPAP salesman.) The DME will probably try to rip you off because with insurance, he gets the same amount of money for a cheap machine or a good one.

Read up on this board to figure out how to get a good machine and deal with the DME. Don't let the doctor choose your DME. Get a copy of your prescription, figure out which DMEs are in-network for your insurance, and find one who will provide you a good machine.

From a newbie perspective... It's not too bad honestly. I was told mine was severe OSA as well but my pressures only on an 8 which isn't so bad... Put it on and feel the pressure in your nose before you feel the pressure coming out of the mask with your hands it might scare you otherwise lol... I almost like it cause it's a fresh cool air up my nose hahaha... The machine responsibility isnt too bad... It's not overly complicated and doesn't take more than 5 min in the morning and about 10 min at night.... I'm still waiting to feel like preOSA me, but I feel sooooooooo much better than pre diagnosis me lol. I'm learning that getting the right mask is key, and this saline nose gel by ayr is pretty awesome for keeping my nose from getting raw while it's getting use to my nasal pillows. I've liked having a data machine so that I can see why today sleepiness may be worse than yesterday's. But overall, I've been on cpap for almost 2 weeks and I'm getting the hang of it. the mask is all trial and error... And getting use to it takes time... I think I'm almost there. Just read up on what to do when diagnosed, talk to your insurance, find your provider. Ask any and every question you can! Good luck

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the flood of information. I read the article on working with DME's and knowing what your insurance will cover etc. Wow! Glad to know all of that... jeez, who knew this would be so complicated?

Glad to have a place to learn and ask questions.

Thanks again!

Michelle

Newbie Woman wrote:Kira, I never read your thread before. So funny. Why on earth does it take so long to get a machine? Does anyone really know?

Scorched if I know!

I sure wish JanKnitz's page had been available when I first started -- it has so much information in it. However, the folks here were helpful, and I know I would not have been nearly as successful as I have been without the help.