Newbie Needs Help

Godsgirl · Post by **Godsgirl** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:01 pm

Hi Everyone! I have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea after a sleep study two weeks ago. I have been reading in all the forums over the last two weeks and want to thank everyone for all the great information posted here!!! I'm still extremely confused about what type of mask and machine to get but other than that, I'm very hopeful and excited to be starting CPAP!! I truly loved the "Help for new or struggling CPAP users" page I found under the lightbulb!!!!! Anyway, I have to go to my sleepcenter (not a DME) this coming Tuesday, 11/7, to choose my equipment. Are there any specific questions I should ask? If so, please respond to my post? Any info any of you would give to me or any help getting me started will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:24 pm

My first thought is that if your titration pressure is more than about 10cm, I would recommend asking for an APAP and would further recommend the Respironics brand with C-flex. If you can get that, make sure the smart card is in the machine so that if at some time you want to get the software to monitor your own data, you will already have the card.

You also need to know how often you can get new masks, headgear, etc. Hopefully they will let you try on several different kinds of masks. Do you know if you tend to breathe through your mouth at night? This can make a big impact on the type of mask that might work best for you. But it does not mean you must have a full face mask. Many, many people on this board use some kind of mouth taping procedure to avoid the more cumbersome full face masks. A few of us, me among them, use Poligrip Strips to hold our lips together.

And if the DME does let you try on different masks, it would be best to do it lying down on a pillow as near like your own as possible. The masks do not fit the same sitting up as they do lying down.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure others will respond. Welcome to the best, most informative board on the internet, at least in my humble opinion!!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:25 pm

If they give you a choice, I would also recommend an auto machine. You can use it as a straight cpap or an auto. I would recommend the respironics because you have the c-flex available in auto and cpap. The resmed has epr but only in the cpap, it can't be used in the auto mode. If they won't give you an auto at least get a machine that can give data. Then get the software so you can really be in control of your treatment. Be sure to get a heated humidifier!!!!!
The mask is the hardest thing to get right. I was lucky and fell in love with my first mask, the hybrid. You just don't know what will work for you until you try it. If you do get a mask that gives you trouble be sure to post and someone will try to help you out. Keep in mind...cold and flu season is just about here and a full face mask may be a necessity.

Brenda

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:42 pm

I would recommend an Auto because you never know if your titration pressure is exactly right. Further more, needed pressure can change from day to day slightly depending on sleeping position, sedatives, allergies, etc.

I also highly recommend a machine that can record data so that you can see if your therapy is working or not.

I'm personally very happy with my REMstar M Series Auto. (this is my third machine since being diagnosed in July and wish I had started with it)

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:31 pm

I apologize again for sounding like a broken record, but do bear in mind that Autos ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE. There ARE contraindications for auto-titration, such as a history of heart failure.

And, I'll add the suggestion to insist on being given the opportunity to "audition" various masks AT YOUR TITRATED PRESSURE and IN YOUR USUAL SLEEPING POSITION. Casual and rushed encounters with masks absent those conditions can lead to MONSTERS THAT BITE YOU IN THE NIGHT, even though they can seem mighty purty and friendly at first glance.

Cheers and welcome aboard!

Chuck

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:03 pm

I will add that unless you have a specific heart issue as mentioned above I also vote for the APAP.

I will also add that you should make sure you get all the stuff that should come with the machine. Filters, manuals if possible etc.

I also assume that since you read the info for newbie's you have done the math and considered buy cash vs. through your insurance and online vs in person..

While you call your sleep center "not a DME" in reality it is one, just attached to a sleep center. Be just as cautious with this setup.

Get a copy of your prescription and your sleep studies in your hands. Just because you are told to go there doesn't mean you have to.

If the price and convience is right for you fine. Just make sure.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:49 am

If you are lucky enough to develop a heart issue, if you get a APAP, you can set it for CPAP. It's a little harder to set a CPAP for APAP.

Also Remstar APAP, has exhale relief in the APAP mode, ResMed doesn't.
The data you can get from the Remstar APAP is very useful. Jim

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:17 am

Give the mask issue a LOT of thought. Look at all of the masks on CPAP.COM and try to decide ahead of time what you think might work best for you.
If you have multiple DME offices in your locale (and have the ability to choose through your insurance provider), visit several and get a feel for each of them. If the DME you're scheduled to visit tries to give you a "hard sell" or isn't flexible to what you want......walk out and tell them you'll think it over.
In my case, I visited several and called a couple others.....then ordered my stuff from CPAP.COM......paid for it out-of-pocket and then billed my insurance provider and got reimbursed. At least I got what I wanted and didn't have to be stuck with outdated and low-end equipment they were trying to push on me.

Best wishes,

Den

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:44 am

There ARE contraindications for auto-titration, such as a history of heart failure.

What should I be looking for? I have a histrory of congestive heart failure.
It was a one-time event about ten years ago, and under control with Lasix.

More recently It's been stints and A-Fib. However, no problems, whatsoever, since getting the APAP.

I have way less stomach gas problems with the RemStar Auto/C-Flex.

As a famous actor once said: " You will have to pry it from my cold dead hands"...........

Pap365 · Post by **Pap365** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 pm

I've been on CPAP for a little over a month. In that time I've tried four masks. I like the Aura Everest with NP (nasal pillows) the best. But everyone is different. What mask did you use for your titration study? What did you like /not like about it? Good luck!

Newbieinohio

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:41 pm

And I would add that altho my Resmed S8 Elite is an excellent machine, and you can access your Efficiency Data so much easier right on the window, if you are going to want to check all your data DO NOT GET A RESMED anything. You will NOT be able to buy the software and etc. that you need to do so. I am going to return my Elite and get one of the Respironics tho I haven't decided which yet because I resent Resmed and its policy of not allowing the patient access to the software, etc.

CandaceN · Post by **CandaceN** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:23 pm

I feel your pain. It takes a while to find the right combination of products that will work for you. Try reading this article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... apnea.html

Mask

Newbie Needs Help

Newbie Needs Help

Broken record