a machine-less newbie

Hello Good People,

I've been reading this list since I was diagnosed two weeks ago. My doc showed me a couple of machines in his office and told me what he preferred for my use and said that the CME would call me to set up an appointment. He wants me to come to his office with the tech for set-up because he likes to be involved with that step. Of course with my foggy, sleepless brain, I can't remember the models that he showed me and all the abbreviations on here are blowing me away.

I vaguely remember my readings from the tests while everyone here can recite all their numbers. Will this get better when I'm more rested? Doc said my 'score' was 33 and my setting would be between 12 and 15. This means nothing to me now but I remember being alert and responsive when he explained it.

BTW, I'm 57 yo married woman, work full-time, drive 50 miles total commute per day and feel like I'm on Qualudes.

Welcome to the forum, Sleepswithcats!

It is very hard to make sense of all of this when you're sleep deprived. When you go to the doctor's office to get your machine, here's a few ideas to keep in mind.

1. The choice of machine:
Try to get one that records data, so that you and your doctor can monitor your therapy. MANY machines do not do this, they only record hours used.
Make sure it comes with a heated humidifier
Try to get one with leak compensation (the ones that record data will probably all have this feature as well).
Ask about getting an AutoPAP, so that if you have trouble with the pressure the machine can "back off" unless you need it.

2. Your mask:
Try on all the styles that they'll let you.
Lay down, with the mask on, if they'll let you
Ask if there is a mask return policy if you don't like what you go home with.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Take Care,
Cathy

Greetings and welcome!

Two additional things to keep in mind (and perhaps phone about prior to your next visit with the doc): Get a copy of your complete sleep study report (not just the 'summary page'), and a copy of your prescription. Both MUST be given to you on your request, as per Federal law (can you say 'HIPPA'?? I knew you could! ). Save both documents.

Also, once you get your equipment, enter that data in your profile here. It will help people in answering your questions. Keep coming back... this place is a wealth of information and friendly help!

Yup to what Tangents said, but I'll add to it. Ask them to show you the data it can provide via the LCD screen. Granted there won't be any data to show if it is a brand new machine - BUT - there will be what data would be there, such as Pressure and say No Data; Leak and say No Data, AHI, AI, and say No Data, etc.

Also, you should not only lay down to try a new mask but the mask should also be attached to the hose and a CPAP machine that is turned on and running at 10 cms or your recommended pressure whichever is higher.

Good luck! Your sleep doc is sounding pretty good. I think it is great he wants to be present and involved w/the setup! I"m not even so sure it is "brain fog" and "exhaustion" that we don't remember all we were told. I think it is just as much so much to absorb so fast, information overload.

The politically correct terme for you is, Pre-Newbie! Tell the powers to be You want a machine that collects full data and uses software downloads. That way you will be able to see how your treatment is working, or not.

A Full Face mask, covers the problems caused by loosing air out of your mouth when you sleep. They will want to give you the cheapest machine they have that they can make the most profit on, and a nasal mask because they are the cheapest. (Ditto) Neither of these things are in your best interest. Jim

Wow, what great advice so far. I knew this was the place with the answers once I started reading what all you brainiacs were posting.

I took a couple of OTC sleeping aids last night and I'm super not with it today, this is just a temporary situation. Tomorrow I'll be embarrassed by sounding so dense here today.

Thanks all for the words of wisdom.

You don't sound dense. It takes real ambition to want to learn about your condition and its treatment. Cut yourself some slack while you learn, and ask the forum anything you don't understand. I agree with Slinky and Bookbear, but if you're overwhelmed at the doctor's office, concentrate on walking out with the most comfortable mask and a data-logging machine. You can get a prescription and a copy of your sleep study report later - but once you walk out the door with EQUIPMENT, you may well be stuck with that equipment for a long time.

I took a couple of OTC sleeping aids last night

Please don't do that? I know it's hard to be so tired, but hang in there until you get your machine.

Regards,
Cathy

make that not just data-logging... but fully data-logging, ok?

Some machines will show hours only... you want one that shows more than just hours used (compliance hours).

and don't be afraid to continue asking questions if you don't understand what you read in the collective wisdom, or the posts, or whatever. If you go halfway, the great group here will meet you the other half way (or whatever that durn saying is. i've been trying to use it in a post now for two days and i can't remember how it goes. meet me half way? in the middle? you're not the only one with brain fog!)

Check out cpap.com for all the flavors and varieties of cpaps and apaps that you could ever want. (and get familiar with the terminology...)

Doc said my 'score' was 33 and my setting would be between 12 and 15.

Your "score" was probably your AHI index (total number of apneas + hypopneas during your study divided by total sleep time = average apneas + hypopneas per hour). Could also be your arousal index, but probably not (number of times your brain woke up due to apneas, hypopneas, but also other causes).
Edit: that's also the number of times you stop breathing every hour! Consider that if they were all apneas, where you stop breathing for 10 sec or more, times 33 times an hour, that's 5 minutes out of every hour that you're not getting any oxygen!

Your setting is in centimer of water (cmH20), a measure of pressure. On a CPAP or APAP the minimum setting will be 4 cmH2O, max will be 20 cmH20. Most people find 4 and 5 cm suffocating. Sounds like you may be getting an APAP (auto adjusting machine) set for min=12 and max=15.. This'll allow the machine to adjust during the night based on your needs, giving you higher pressure, up to 15, if you need it.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com, Arousal, CPAP, AHI, APAP