Hello.
I'm a newbie with several questions. I'm grateful for finding this site, and all that I've learned from reading so far. My head is swimming, and I'd appreciate any who read all or part of this post and have answers to some questions that I have.
Background - I had my sleep study last month, met with my sleep doctor, and then with my CPAP Clinician last Friday. I'm a 53-year old woman. I currently have COBRA insurance through Medica with a $500 deductible, and then 80/20 payments for any "standard" equipment.
I'll try to be concise, but this will be long. In 9.3 hours of recording time, my study reads 5.0 hours of sleep -
46% Wake
2% Stage 1
23% Stage 2
28% SWS (stage 3 & 4 together?)
0% REM
Total # of Obst. Resp. Disturbances - 31
Central apneas - 14
Hypopneas - 22
Baseline heart rate - 85 bpm
ECG Abnormalities - freq. pvc's
Baseline saturation - 93%
Low saturation - 78%
RERA # - 44
RERA index - 9
Physician comments & interpretation - "This is a full PSG with P-TAF. Alpha intrusion was significant during the light sleep stages. Oxygen saturations for this night were in the mid to low 90% while asleep. There was difficulty maintaining sleep with a 54% sleep efficiency and 209 minutes of wake time after sleep onset. There was no REM sleep. The patient was up reading in bed from 11pm to 1am. Moderate snoring was present with few associated RERA's. Obstructive apneas and hypopneas occurred during the second half of the night."
The doctor told me that I stopped breathing from 20 - 50 seconds at a time, and oddly, there were NO events in the first 1/2 of the night, and all of the apneas and snoring were recorded as bunched into the second 1/2 of the night. So I'm diagnosed with a "mild" case, but was told that it would have been more severe if only taking the last 4 hours into account.
Equipment & DX on my prescription reads -
Flowbased autopap - Low 5 to High 15
OSA with EDS
QUESTIONS:
1. I didn't see any posts from people with no REM sleep, and internet searches are across the board. I'm assuming this will improve with treatment. I do take several medications that could interfere with REM sleep; but I must be getting some during naps or other times, right? I do remember dreams frequently after napping ... sometimes waking up talking out loud in my dream. Should I have another study? Does anyone else have experience with this, or can someone point me to any previous posts or web sites on causes and effects of no REM sleep? Is this as bizarre as I think it is?
2. I got the Respironics Autopap device with C-flex & heated humidifier for my first 30 days. They said they'd be switching at the end of August after downloading data and meeting with the doctor again. I tried on several masks and selected the Swift nasal pillow system. The full nose coverage felt claustrophobic. I didn't think to talk to the Clinician about my TMJ and TMD. I slept on Friday night for 1-1/2 hours, 1-1/2 hours, and then a 3 hour stretch (after sticking padding between equipment & upper lip), for a total of 6 hours, which is good for me. I woke feeling like I was drowning, and ripped the equipment off of my face. I felt like I had fluid in my lungs all weekend (no pain, but coughing it out), and had increased pain in my front top teeth, and increased headache and jaw pain from TMJ. I called the Clinician on Monday morning and requested the Breeze nasal pillows, and they're sending that out to me to try today. They had good reviews, and the pictures look like they don't rest on your upper lip. I'd like to talk to anyone else with TMJ. Also, any other recommendations for a side-sleeper for a mask that doesn't rest AT ALL over your teeth or jaws? To get a good seal, I had to swivel the Mirage down to where it rested on my upper lip. I'm going to try turning down the humidity and temperature before I try out the Breeze tonight. Any other comfort suggestions? Think: The Princess and the Pea.
3. I tasted plastic all weekend, even though I washed everything in Ivory soap before using. Do you just have to get used to this, or wait for it to go away? Does anyone have any other cleaning suggestions? I was thinking of vinegar. I know that you have to be careful of what you use, but maybe there's something else that I could use as a one-time thing?
4. Does anything else in my sleep study stick out, or any other questions I should ask the Doctor or Clinician? I'll be following up with both of them this week.
I'm sorry this is so long. Thank you for any help.
Regards,
Shedahl
Mask comfort, REM sleep, TMJ, & sleep study questions
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Selena (but really Julie)
Mask comfort, REM sleep...
Hi, baby shampoo is good for cleaning the mask. As far as the mask itself goes, you can get (try) ones like the Aura (Everest) nasal pillows, which goes (the hose, etc.) over your head instead of downward so doesn't touch your mouth at all. It does come with a sort of little plastic hose holder thingy that goes on top of your head, and some people find it annoying, but while it's possible to do away with it (instructions given here how to do it), the result is that you need to tie a length of hosiery tights around your face to hold the hose in place, which you may not like either. There are other masks that also go over your head rather than downward, so look around at what's out there (on the forum, etc.).
First comment: Hold on to the Respironics RemStar Auto with C-Flex. Your post said you have it for 30 days. It is a very good machine and once you become accustomed to an APAP, especially with C-Flex, you may never want anything else!
Second comment: I don't know anything to speak of about central apneas, but I think many people with centrals use a bi-pap machine. Respironics also makes one of those with bi-flex (like c-flex) that is very popular.
Third comment: Yes, you can use vinegar. 1 tbs white vinegar to 3 cups warm water. I think it does help with the plastic smell. But then again, maybe I just don't notice that smell anymore!
Fourth comment: I use the ComfortLite2 with the simple cushion. Most people who have the CL2 use the nasal cushions. I think you will find that with any of the "over-the-top-of-the-head" type masks you will need to use some sort of additional strap, like Rested Gal's famous pantyhose fix, to stabilize the mask so it doesn't leak. Just be careful not to cover up the vent holes. The CL2, the Breeze, the Aura are all supposed to be good for side sleepers. Many side sleepers also get a special pillow called a PapPillow or at least sleep with their head at the edge of the pillow so the mask is not bumped by the pillow.
Good luck with your therapy. Even with mild sleep apnea, therapy can make a tremendous difference in how you feel during the day.
Second comment: I don't know anything to speak of about central apneas, but I think many people with centrals use a bi-pap machine. Respironics also makes one of those with bi-flex (like c-flex) that is very popular.
Third comment: Yes, you can use vinegar. 1 tbs white vinegar to 3 cups warm water. I think it does help with the plastic smell. But then again, maybe I just don't notice that smell anymore!
Fourth comment: I use the ComfortLite2 with the simple cushion. Most people who have the CL2 use the nasal cushions. I think you will find that with any of the "over-the-top-of-the-head" type masks you will need to use some sort of additional strap, like Rested Gal's famous pantyhose fix, to stabilize the mask so it doesn't leak. Just be careful not to cover up the vent holes. The CL2, the Breeze, the Aura are all supposed to be good for side sleepers. Many side sleepers also get a special pillow called a PapPillow or at least sleep with their head at the edge of the pillow so the mask is not bumped by the pillow.
Good luck with your therapy. Even with mild sleep apnea, therapy can make a tremendous difference in how you feel during the day.
Linda B.
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Shedahl
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:38 am
- Location: Eagan (10 minutes from the Mall of America), Minnesota
Replies to Selena (but really Julie) and linda b
Thanks for the tips. I love this place.
Selena/Julie, I do have some baby shampoo, and will try that for cleaning. I also did a cpaptalk search (you *can* teach an old dog new tricks) on the Aura. The photos look like the bottom of the nasal pillows rest on the upper lip, so I didn't really consider that one. But one thing I've learned here so far is that nothing works the same for everyone. That may be my third choice if the Breeze doesn't work for me. Thank you. I like the sounds of how lightweight the Aura is.
I don't know how many different masks my insurance company will let me try before it comes out of my pocket at 100%. I'm currently unemployed/between jobs/on sabbatical, and living off of my savings. Uff-da. I should have done more research before jumping off this hose-headed cliff (and asking so many questions).
linda b, thanks for all of your time in replying to my post. They didn't give me any software for the RemStar Auto, but told me that was just for the first 30-days, and for the doctor's use in downloading my data and making a determination on what I should have, and how it should be set. I've read here about how useful it is to have your own data to be in control of your own treatment, and will stick to my guns in keeping the machine after the 30 days is up. Also, maybe what I'll do is to try the vinegar wash, and then rinse the vinegar smell with the baby shampoo. I'll also take a look at the ComfortLite2.
Rested Gal, you don't know me, but I've read some of your posts, and your name came up a number of times under my "Aura" search.
Thanks to everyone. I'm still trying to digest all of this information. So far, I have to have a print-out of all of the cpap lingo at my side when I'm reading these posts, so that I even know what all of the abbreviations mean. It's like a foreign language.
Shedahl
Selena/Julie, I do have some baby shampoo, and will try that for cleaning. I also did a cpaptalk search (you *can* teach an old dog new tricks) on the Aura. The photos look like the bottom of the nasal pillows rest on the upper lip, so I didn't really consider that one. But one thing I've learned here so far is that nothing works the same for everyone. That may be my third choice if the Breeze doesn't work for me. Thank you. I like the sounds of how lightweight the Aura is.
I don't know how many different masks my insurance company will let me try before it comes out of my pocket at 100%. I'm currently unemployed/between jobs/on sabbatical, and living off of my savings. Uff-da. I should have done more research before jumping off this hose-headed cliff (and asking so many questions).
linda b, thanks for all of your time in replying to my post. They didn't give me any software for the RemStar Auto, but told me that was just for the first 30-days, and for the doctor's use in downloading my data and making a determination on what I should have, and how it should be set. I've read here about how useful it is to have your own data to be in control of your own treatment, and will stick to my guns in keeping the machine after the 30 days is up. Also, maybe what I'll do is to try the vinegar wash, and then rinse the vinegar smell with the baby shampoo. I'll also take a look at the ComfortLite2.
Rested Gal, you don't know me, but I've read some of your posts, and your name came up a number of times under my "Aura" search.
Thanks to everyone. I'm still trying to digest all of this information. So far, I have to have a print-out of all of the cpap lingo at my side when I'm reading these posts, so that I even know what all of the abbreviations mean. It's like a foreign language.
Shedahl
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snoozie_suzy
- Posts: 244
- Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:43 am
- Location: NorthShore, Massachusetts
Shedahl,
Welcome to the board.
I have pretty bad TMJ with teeth grinding. I go for cortisone shots a few times a year by my oral surgeon. I am contemplating TMJ surgery to replace my left disk which is crumpled from my jaw subluxing in and out.
In the beginning a member (NightHawkEye) brought up in a post that he believed his Full face mask was pushing his jaw backwards a bit. I am glad he posted such thoughts, because a few days after reading that, I switched to a nasal mask on the hunch it was happening to me also. Many people use full face masks with absolutely no problem, but for people that have TMJ just be careful that the straps aren't so tight that it creates a pressure against the jaw.
About your other comment regarding REM sleep. I didn't have much either and I know I believe I have read posts here with people who had little to none during their study. The sleep study is an artificial setting and somewhat obtrusive in nature. You have all these wires connected to you, a different mattress than you are used to and sounds made by the employees etc affecting the quality of sleep. REM sleep occurs in between each stage of sleep from what I understand, and 2nd stage is the stage that leads you into the deeper or delta sleep(3 and 4) but a lot of people dont' make it to those stages due to arousals in sleep from being awoken at the clinic. A more accurate study might be one that a person could do from their own home where they are more familiar with their surroundings. Another thing I found a problem at my sleep clinic is the short amount of time they keep you there. If a person has a hard time falling asleep it seems to me they should NOT wake them up at 530am along with all the other patients, they should extend their study slightly to get a more accurate one, that could affect whether stage 3 or 4 showed up on a person's study. If they had a hard time getting into deep sleep and then they were finally approaching it in the wee hours, chances are the sleep tech was waking them up and it was time to end their study.
I'm sure others will post with their ideas soon. Good Luck, and welcome.
Suzy
Welcome to the board.
I have pretty bad TMJ with teeth grinding. I go for cortisone shots a few times a year by my oral surgeon. I am contemplating TMJ surgery to replace my left disk which is crumpled from my jaw subluxing in and out.
In the beginning a member (NightHawkEye) brought up in a post that he believed his Full face mask was pushing his jaw backwards a bit. I am glad he posted such thoughts, because a few days after reading that, I switched to a nasal mask on the hunch it was happening to me also. Many people use full face masks with absolutely no problem, but for people that have TMJ just be careful that the straps aren't so tight that it creates a pressure against the jaw.
About your other comment regarding REM sleep. I didn't have much either and I know I believe I have read posts here with people who had little to none during their study. The sleep study is an artificial setting and somewhat obtrusive in nature. You have all these wires connected to you, a different mattress than you are used to and sounds made by the employees etc affecting the quality of sleep. REM sleep occurs in between each stage of sleep from what I understand, and 2nd stage is the stage that leads you into the deeper or delta sleep(3 and 4) but a lot of people dont' make it to those stages due to arousals in sleep from being awoken at the clinic. A more accurate study might be one that a person could do from their own home where they are more familiar with their surroundings. Another thing I found a problem at my sleep clinic is the short amount of time they keep you there. If a person has a hard time falling asleep it seems to me they should NOT wake them up at 530am along with all the other patients, they should extend their study slightly to get a more accurate one, that could affect whether stage 3 or 4 showed up on a person's study. If they had a hard time getting into deep sleep and then they were finally approaching it in the wee hours, chances are the sleep tech was waking them up and it was time to end their study.
I'm sure others will post with their ideas soon. Good Luck, and welcome.
Suzy
_________________
| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: after 1.5 years of feeling crummy on regular auto cpap, bileval therapy has changed my life |
Diagnosed Oct '05 AHI 58/hr
Compliant since Jan '06
Auto Bipap, Biflex 3, Humidifier 2, PS 7, IPAP 14/EPAP 7
Avg AHI 0.5- 1.0
Compliant since Jan '06
Auto Bipap, Biflex 3, Humidifier 2, PS 7, IPAP 14/EPAP 7
Avg AHI 0.5- 1.0
you should start getting some REM with cpap. The SDB arousals is what has kept you out of REM thus far. You might want to discuss the medications you are now taking with your doctor for something that doesn't interrupt your sleep so much.
Stress might also be keeping you up at night. As for the mask and TMJ that is a tuffy, a full face mask wouldn't put pressure on your upper lip but it can irritate a TMJ condition. Let's hope you don't start mouth breathing.
The Pillow style masks are going to be noisy and may cause irritation to your nares, so I'd have a tube of Ayr Saline Gel handy.
The Breeze has a lot more adjustments than the Swift, so you can remove pressure points with it and it has some thumb screws that locks it in place. If you woke up "drowning" then they may have to rethink the machine settings. Hopefully that drowning wasn't caused by central apnea seen on your PSG.
If it is, you'll need to go on straight cpap, you should still be able to use Cflex, but the autopap may not be the best for you, okay to find a pressure with but not leave there.
The autopap you have will run in cpap mode with cflex if it is set up correctly to run in that mode, the only way you can be sure of that is setting it up yourself.
Stress might also be keeping you up at night. As for the mask and TMJ that is a tuffy, a full face mask wouldn't put pressure on your upper lip but it can irritate a TMJ condition. Let's hope you don't start mouth breathing.
The Pillow style masks are going to be noisy and may cause irritation to your nares, so I'd have a tube of Ayr Saline Gel handy.
The Breeze has a lot more adjustments than the Swift, so you can remove pressure points with it and it has some thumb screws that locks it in place. If you woke up "drowning" then they may have to rethink the machine settings. Hopefully that drowning wasn't caused by central apnea seen on your PSG.
If it is, you'll need to go on straight cpap, you should still be able to use Cflex, but the autopap may not be the best for you, okay to find a pressure with but not leave there.
The autopap you have will run in cpap mode with cflex if it is set up correctly to run in that mode, the only way you can be sure of that is setting it up yourself.
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Shedahl
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:38 am
- Location: Eagan (10 minutes from the Mall of America), Minnesota
Replies to snoozie_suzy & cflame 1
Suzy & cflame 1, Thank you for the welcome. I'm sure that you haven't heard the last from me and my questions. I really am motivated to make this work. I've been so tired for so long, and the results of my sleep study make me feel somewhat vindicated.
I'm sorry to hear of your serious TMJ issues. I'm a clencher - even after 5 months off of work, relaxation, yoga, bio-feedback training, yada-yada. I've read everything I could get my hands on about TMJ & TMD for the past few years. I know that jaw surgery isn't something to look forward to. I was surprised when I did the first Google search for "Sleep apnea & TMJ", and came up with 208,000 results. I've already noticed more jaw stress with just a couple of nights with the cpap headgear under my belt. I used the Breeze for the first time last night, and woke up twice with leaks shooting out of the nose pieces, and then switched back to the Mirage, and tried to go back to sleep on my back. I like the flexibility of the Mirage head straps vs. the hard Breeze. The cheek straps on the Mirage didn't bother me. On the other hand, the Breeze didn't irritate my nose and front teeth, but I could hardly move with the hard headgear without the nose piece shifting. I guess I'll do some more searching today, and will probably end up "deconstructing" the Breeze. Oh ... just give me a magic pill.
cflame 1, I guess I just wanted to hear from any other people who had no REM sleep during their study, so that I didn't feel like such a freak of nature. Thanks for adding your two-cents. It sounds like we have some problems in common. I also have arthritis and bursitis (and fibromyalgia and migraines), and get cortisone shots in my knees every 3 months. The arthritis also wakes me up when I shift positions during the night, and I'll be looking forward to knee replacement surgery at an early age. I understand what Suzy is saying about the obtrusive nature of the sleep study, and they did wake me up at 6:00 a.m. and sent me on my way, saying that they had enough data to know that I needed treatment.
I haven't read that REM sleep occurs between the different stages of sleep, but I'm still learning. I thought that it went: Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, REM, and then 1, 2, etc. It's confusing, depending on where you read.
Thanks again for the helpful replies.
Shedahl
I'm sorry to hear of your serious TMJ issues. I'm a clencher - even after 5 months off of work, relaxation, yoga, bio-feedback training, yada-yada. I've read everything I could get my hands on about TMJ & TMD for the past few years. I know that jaw surgery isn't something to look forward to. I was surprised when I did the first Google search for "Sleep apnea & TMJ", and came up with 208,000 results. I've already noticed more jaw stress with just a couple of nights with the cpap headgear under my belt. I used the Breeze for the first time last night, and woke up twice with leaks shooting out of the nose pieces, and then switched back to the Mirage, and tried to go back to sleep on my back. I like the flexibility of the Mirage head straps vs. the hard Breeze. The cheek straps on the Mirage didn't bother me. On the other hand, the Breeze didn't irritate my nose and front teeth, but I could hardly move with the hard headgear without the nose piece shifting. I guess I'll do some more searching today, and will probably end up "deconstructing" the Breeze. Oh ... just give me a magic pill.
cflame 1, I guess I just wanted to hear from any other people who had no REM sleep during their study, so that I didn't feel like such a freak of nature. Thanks for adding your two-cents. It sounds like we have some problems in common. I also have arthritis and bursitis (and fibromyalgia and migraines), and get cortisone shots in my knees every 3 months. The arthritis also wakes me up when I shift positions during the night, and I'll be looking forward to knee replacement surgery at an early age. I understand what Suzy is saying about the obtrusive nature of the sleep study, and they did wake me up at 6:00 a.m. and sent me on my way, saying that they had enough data to know that I needed treatment.
I haven't read that REM sleep occurs between the different stages of sleep, but I'm still learning. I thought that it went: Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, REM, and then 1, 2, etc. It's confusing, depending on where you read.
Thanks again for the helpful replies.
Shedahl
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Shedahl
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:38 am
- Location: Eagan (10 minutes from the Mall of America), Minnesota
Reply to Snoredog
Snoredog, Your reply crossed paths with my morning post. You gave me some VERY helpful information. Thank you!
I had to look up "SDB" arousals.
If you saw my post from this morning: I'm continually working on the stress-thing. I always think that's funny to say working on relaxation; but that's the bottom line of how I deal with the ups and downs of TMJ. I still have occasional dreams about work, even after 5 months of being on "vacation". Anyway, I'm out of outside sales and straight commission work for good. I guess this is what burn-out feels like.
I've never heard of Ayr Saline Gel. Will I find that at a large drug store? I do have irritation already, and don't want it to get any worse.
Also, I don't understand how the "drowning-feeling" would be caused by the central apneas. ??? Anyway, that was diminished this morning, after turning down the humidity yesterday.
Shedahl
I had to look up "SDB" arousals.
If you saw my post from this morning: I'm continually working on the stress-thing. I always think that's funny to say working on relaxation; but that's the bottom line of how I deal with the ups and downs of TMJ. I still have occasional dreams about work, even after 5 months of being on "vacation". Anyway, I'm out of outside sales and straight commission work for good. I guess this is what burn-out feels like.
I've never heard of Ayr Saline Gel. Will I find that at a large drug store? I do have irritation already, and don't want it to get any worse.
Also, I don't understand how the "drowning-feeling" would be caused by the central apneas. ??? Anyway, that was diminished this morning, after turning down the humidity yesterday.
Shedahl
Hello, I'm new to this list and might be able to contribute useful info...
I've been on CPAP for four years next month. My average apneas were 119 per hour with forty of them averaging 30 seconds, and had gone misdiagnosed for, most likely, 10 years or so. My doc told me that if I hadn't presented for treatment I'd probably have been dead within another 6 months.
The first night I used CPAP it was like being reborn! My heart has cleared of fluid and my kidneys had also been affected and are now functioning well. I had gained 80 lbs of fluid and have lost that over about two years.
I have tried every type of interface and continue to prefer the ResMed Activa with straps adjusted just tight enough to keep it from falling off. The suction created keeps it on all night even with movement. I have found that the setting for heat should be so balanced that you never get any moisture from condensation but warm enough to keep you from getting nose bleeds. The AYR nasal saline gel works great and takes very little of it to keep my nose from getting irritated.
I had not had much REM for many years it turns out and I started dreaming again after about two years on CPAP. Ten months ago my doc sent me to the Barrow Institute of Neurology for a MRI of my brain due to some cognitive impairment. The MRI showed that I had "substantial damage to the area of my brain stem most likely due to loss of blood oxygen to that area over time." After having a neuro/psych evaluation I have been doing rehab to strengthen and regain as much of the cognitive stuff as possible. It is improving, thankfully.
Anyone that needs a CPAP and decides to stop using it is making a huge mistake.
Best regards,
Chuck Clark
I've been on CPAP for four years next month. My average apneas were 119 per hour with forty of them averaging 30 seconds, and had gone misdiagnosed for, most likely, 10 years or so. My doc told me that if I hadn't presented for treatment I'd probably have been dead within another 6 months.
The first night I used CPAP it was like being reborn! My heart has cleared of fluid and my kidneys had also been affected and are now functioning well. I had gained 80 lbs of fluid and have lost that over about two years.
I have tried every type of interface and continue to prefer the ResMed Activa with straps adjusted just tight enough to keep it from falling off. The suction created keeps it on all night even with movement. I have found that the setting for heat should be so balanced that you never get any moisture from condensation but warm enough to keep you from getting nose bleeds. The AYR nasal saline gel works great and takes very little of it to keep my nose from getting irritated.
I had not had much REM for many years it turns out and I started dreaming again after about two years on CPAP. Ten months ago my doc sent me to the Barrow Institute of Neurology for a MRI of my brain due to some cognitive impairment. The MRI showed that I had "substantial damage to the area of my brain stem most likely due to loss of blood oxygen to that area over time." After having a neuro/psych evaluation I have been doing rehab to strengthen and regain as much of the cognitive stuff as possible. It is improving, thankfully.
Anyone that needs a CPAP and decides to stop using it is making a huge mistake.
Best regards,
Chuck Clark
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Shedahl
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:38 am
- Location: Eagan (10 minutes from the Mall of America), Minnesota
Reply to cclark
Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the note. Your story is great. Wow! 119 average apneas per hour with 40 @ 30 seconds average. That's amazing that you weren't breathing for 20 minutes-plus out of an hour. I'm happy to read that your serious condition has been turned around, and that you're getting treatment and rehab now.
I appreciated all of the tips, and hope to "pay it forward" in the future.
I slept for 4 hours solid with the Breeze-thing last night ... a record so far. Next - I need to go and find some of that AYR nasal saline gel and a few more items to tweak my headgear.
Regards,
Shedahl
Thanks for the note. Your story is great. Wow! 119 average apneas per hour with 40 @ 30 seconds average. That's amazing that you weren't breathing for 20 minutes-plus out of an hour. I'm happy to read that your serious condition has been turned around, and that you're getting treatment and rehab now.
I appreciated all of the tips, and hope to "pay it forward" in the future.
I slept for 4 hours solid with the Breeze-thing last night ... a record so far. Next - I need to go and find some of that AYR nasal saline gel and a few more items to tweak my headgear.
Regards,
Shedahl
If you can't find ayr gel, chapstick works too!
Brenda
Brenda
_________________
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5 |
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Shedahl
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:38 am
- Location: Eagan (10 minutes from the Mall of America), Minnesota
Replies to cflame & bdp522, & tmj tip
cflame, I've had massage done (when I could afford it) for general relaxation, and do regular facial massage on my cheeks and temples, and hot packs on my cheeks by myself to this day. I'm not familiar with cranial-sacral therapy, but will look into it. Thanks.
For the TMJ, I've also found that the thing that has helped me THE MOST over all of the many, many things that I've tried over the past few years, has been bio-feedback training. I highly recommend this to anyone with TMJ or migraines. I also use it when going to sleep. I learned it easily, since I had done yoga in the past, and had already learned many meditation and relaxation techniques. My insurance paid for this. I only had to pay for a co-pay per visit. I've also seen machines sold online that can be used to teach yourself. I'll be glad to talk to anyone with questions about this.
bdp522, I ordered some AYR from drugstore.com for $4.99 for .5 oz. In the meantime, I used some Orabase on my nose last night, which is a paste that includes some local anesthetic. It's made for mouth and gum irritations. I figured that if it wasn't good for the rubber - nasal pillow replacements would cheaper than non-compliance. It enabled me to get to sleep without a sore nose ... but it's even more sore today. I'm hoping that the AYR will work for a longer term, or that I get used to the nose-things. I only slept last night for 1-1/2 hours at a time, and woke up each time scrambling bolt-upright in bed, and ripping the stuff off of my face.
After checking out all of the recommendations on this site, I'm also going to order the Aura today - my third mask within a week. I have a recommendation for the clinicians that may or may not have been made here before: get a cot or a bed with a few different kinds of bed pillows at your establishment, so that people can lay down when selecting and fitting for their masks. They feel so much different in a sleeping position than when you're sitting in a chair. It might take a few extra minutes of your time, but maybe you could sell some pillows or other add-on's in the process to make up for the extra expense. I didn't know enough to ask for anything specific when I had my first appointment, and I'm paying out-of-pocket for that now.
Regards to all,
Shedahl ... another rambler
For the TMJ, I've also found that the thing that has helped me THE MOST over all of the many, many things that I've tried over the past few years, has been bio-feedback training. I highly recommend this to anyone with TMJ or migraines. I also use it when going to sleep. I learned it easily, since I had done yoga in the past, and had already learned many meditation and relaxation techniques. My insurance paid for this. I only had to pay for a co-pay per visit. I've also seen machines sold online that can be used to teach yourself. I'll be glad to talk to anyone with questions about this.
bdp522, I ordered some AYR from drugstore.com for $4.99 for .5 oz. In the meantime, I used some Orabase on my nose last night, which is a paste that includes some local anesthetic. It's made for mouth and gum irritations. I figured that if it wasn't good for the rubber - nasal pillow replacements would cheaper than non-compliance. It enabled me to get to sleep without a sore nose ... but it's even more sore today. I'm hoping that the AYR will work for a longer term, or that I get used to the nose-things. I only slept last night for 1-1/2 hours at a time, and woke up each time scrambling bolt-upright in bed, and ripping the stuff off of my face.
After checking out all of the recommendations on this site, I'm also going to order the Aura today - my third mask within a week. I have a recommendation for the clinicians that may or may not have been made here before: get a cot or a bed with a few different kinds of bed pillows at your establishment, so that people can lay down when selecting and fitting for their masks. They feel so much different in a sleeping position than when you're sitting in a chair. It might take a few extra minutes of your time, but maybe you could sell some pillows or other add-on's in the process to make up for the extra expense. I didn't know enough to ask for anything specific when I had my first appointment, and I'm paying out-of-pocket for that now.
Regards to all,
Shedahl ... another rambler
My nares were sore for a few days but they toughen up after the first few days. By the start of my second week they didn't hurt at all. Keep in mind it does get easier!
Brenda
Brenda
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