Just got diagnosed

[WillowtheHen]

Hello. I am a 38 year old woman and I just got diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea (25 apneas/hour). As odd as it sounds, it felt like a relief to finally have an explanation of why I am always so tired and haven't felt as mentally sharp as I used to. My doctor gave me my entire sleep study results which I would love help deciphering. Which values should I post?

In a few weeks I have another sleep study using a machine but in the meantime, I would like to hone in on a few machines I am interested in so I can be prepared to discuss it at my next doctor appointment. How do I know which machine is right for me? How about masks? I'm a sidesleeper.

I would love any and all help as all of this is very new to me.

[robysue]

Welcome to the Hosehead Club.

There's a lot of useful information in the forum, as well as its wiki. I've also written a blog post designed to help newbies understand the data in their sleep tests. You can find it at http://adventures-in-hosehead-land.blog ... -test.html

I also have a slightly out-of-date blog entries about my standard advice for those newly diagnosed. The specific machines mentioned are no longer the current generation of machines, but the idea of getting a machine that records full efficacy data is still critically important. The best of the current crop of CPAPs are usually assumed to be the Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet, the Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her, and the PR DreamStation Auto CPAP.

As for masks: Any mask can be made to work for a side sleeper. The big questions to ask yourself are:

Are you a mouth breather by habit?

Are you claustrophobic? And if so, what triggers it?

Do you need to be able to put on glasses while wearing the mask? (This can be important if you want to read in bed with the mask on, for example.)

[pettyfan45]

Hello. I am a 38 year old woman and I just got diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea (25 apneas/hour). As odd as it sounds, it felt like a relief to finally have an explanation of why I am always so tired and haven't felt as mentally sharp as I used to. My doctor gave me my entire sleep study results which I would love help deciphering. Which values should I post?

In a few weeks I have another sleep study using a machine but in the meantime, I would like to hone in on a few machines I am interested in so I can be prepared to discuss it at my next doctor appointment. How do I know which machine is right for me? How about masks? I'm a sidesleeper.

I would love any and all help as all of this is very new to me.

Hi there. For the most the part CPAP machines are the same and the type of machine you get is picked my your doctor (the one you get mainly depends were you go if you go to a brick and mortar equipment provider), though talking to your doctor about getting an auto CPAP is not a bad idea. Honestly getting picking a comfortable mask is more impotent than what machine you get and that just comes down to trying masks and find what ones make a good seal on your face (everyone's face is a bit different, a mask that fits well on me might be a horrible fit on you). Also look into how much of a copay you will have on insurance, sometimes it is cheaper to pay out of pocket for a machine than get in on insurance.

[Julie]

While the mask is very important, so is the machine... one that does not provide more than 'compliance' data won't help you know what's what ongoing, and to do that (using free Sleepyhead software most here use) you need an autopap.

[ChicagoGranny]

My doctor gave me my entire sleep study results which I would love help deciphering. Which values should I post?

If you want to post something, there is usually a one- or two-page summary of the study. It is recommended that you block out personal identifying information before posting.

How do I know which machine is right for me?

Your doctor will prescribe a machine. But, it might be a "brick" (not data-capable) and might be a straight CPAP instead of an auto.

It's too early to recommend machines. We need to know more about the diagnosis and see what the findings and prescription are from the upcoming titration study.

How about masks? I'm a sidesleeper.

The sleep lab should recommend a mask after they see what works at the titration study. You can come back here and get additional advice.

I'm a sidesleeper.

Do you know why?

all of this is very new to me.

It was to all of us at a point in time.