First Time CPAP Success Story

dpsellers · Post by **dpsellers** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:42 pm

Hi All,

I feel for everyone out there who is taping mouths shut, wearing ear plugs, getting "Jerky Tongue" etc. No, I'm not in love with this contraption that has entered my life, but I am dreaming again for the first time in 10-15 years. I don't have to pee 3-5 times a night. Did you know that REM sleep, which is what this CPAP machine enables those of us with apnea, is where dreams come from and that your kindney's shut down during REM sleep. Hey, some of you guys out there may NOT have the prostate problem you think you do.

At any rate just wanted to let you all know that after much research and trial and error I have a set-up that is comfortable and works well. I use a Respironics RemStar Auto M w/ C-Flex CPAP with integrated heated humidifier, Respironics ComfortGel Mask with a hose/tube Snuggle.

I originally thought I'd prefer one of the nasal pillow systems but they just don't work well for side sleep or pressures above about 8. The ComfortGel felt the best out of the box and better after customizing. As for the Auto M it's SMALL, very quite and despite warnings that integrated heat/humidifiers aren't hot enuff or deliver enuff water; this one does. Also, AUTO is the only way to go as is C-Flex and to a lesser degree the RAMP function. I use it set to 3 out of 1-5. The hose Snuggle keeps the heat in the tube, makes it soft and quites "tube scrape" against the bed. It also makes the whole CPAP scene easier on the eye instead of sooo... hospital looking.

Regards,

DPS

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:20 pm

What a great post, DPS! Best of luck in continued success!

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:29 pm

Always like to hear a success story, Thanks!

Brenda

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 5:29 pm

hi dpsellers,
Glad everything's going well for you! I'm going to have to disagree with what you said about nasal pillows, though -

From what other members of the forum have posted, the Breeze with nasal pillows setup is great for side sleeping, and I know from personal experience that the the Aura/Headrest is great for side AND tummy sleeping (and I'm running a pressure of 11-12). Just thought I'd put my own experience out there.

Congratulations! --CG

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:21 pm

Always like to hear a success story, Thanks!

Brenda

dpsellers · Post by **dpsellers** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:57 pm

CollegeGirl,

Yes, I tried the rig you are using, but I got my nose popped years ago and have cartilage that the nasal pillows irritate. I know TMI. But aside from that it literally blew out of my nose. (I don't like to strap these things on too tight.) But the real killer was the simple fact the technician, and I couldn't get the thing to fit well. However, a friend swears by it. It's just one of those things.

Here's one for you. I tried Breath Right nasal strips in combination with a mandibular advancement mouth piece and it worked pretty well. Non scientific results were about a 60-70% inprovement. Only drawback was my teeth hurt. But it's good for places where "plugging-in " just doesn't work. You know outdoor stuff and traveling.

Regards,

DPS

First Time CPAP Success Story

First Time CPAP Success Story

Nasal Pillows