Hi All...Newbie here

Hi everyone,

I am a new to all of this. I had my sleep study done a week ago and knew it was bad when they "woke" me up to put a CPAP on me. So, I have really just started on this adventure. I've read some of the postings here and will be reading more as time allows. I just wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for supplying invaluable input for us beginners.

Tony

Welcome Tony. Hopefully your experience will be be mooth sailing. If not, we are here.

Tony,

I was in your shoes just a year ago. Everything I've learned about my therapy was learned here.

I'd recommend that you read Janknitz's blog right away, here: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/ The first page on Data Capable machines is important, and also the page "What You Need to Know Before You Meet Your DME." This second one is vital, because soon you will get a call from the DME wanting to set you up with a machine; be sure you insist on a machine that provides full EFFICACY DATA - AHI, leak rate, etc. (see Janknitz's blog).

Basically, these are 4 machines by the 2 major brands: Resmed S9 Elite or S9 Autoset, and Philips Respironics System One Remstar Pro or Remstar Auto. Do not let them stick you with a machine with either "Plus" or "Escape" in the name. These 4 models work with software that is easily available and used by many on this forum who can advise you if you have issues. These machines are cpap or apap machines; if your diagnosis is more complex they may recommend a bi-level machine, but most of us start out with a cpap.

A machine that doesn't provide EFFICACY DATA leaves you in the dark with your therapy, like driving a car with no speedometer or gauges. If something isn't working you have no way to figure it out. I was stuck with a "brick" (NO DATA) machine at the beginning of my therapy, and eventually was able to swap it for a better machine that offered data, but it's much better if you get the right machine from day 1.

Good luck!!

Welcome: finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is a key to sucessful cpap treatment. Work all your issues thru this forum and research and educate yourself.

By the way... i love your avatar! My favorite Homer joke is:

"I want to share something with you: The three little sentences that will get you through life.
Number 1: Cover for me.
Number 2: Oh, good idea, Boss!
Number 3: It was like that when I got here."

Sheriff