Just got my CPAP last Thursday. Have about 100 questions.

[onecent]

I've been lurking and reading things about CPAP, but there is so much to learn.

My biggest 2 problems.. My comfort gel mask has 2 black tabs so you can put on and remove your mask. I'm over 60, have arthritis in my hands, and my grip in the morning is VERY weak. I cannot remove the mask, except by the velcro on the head.

Do they have something a little more user friendly for us old people?

2nd biggest problem is this morning upon waking the right side of my face is red - sore and puffy. (right next to my nose.) Mask too tight? Mask not tight enuf? Mask leaking? Lay on wrong. But, do I use it tonight?

I also have been reading about keeping tracking of leaks, a1 or oa1, and h1...What is this all about?The tech didn't show me much in the way of tracking my ussage.. Appreciate all you can tell me because I feel a little dumb asking so many questions, and I'm not shy by any means.

Thanks....

[Linda3032]

Wecome to the forum.

There are never too many or dumb questions. Ask away.

Please complete the Equipment section of your profile (click on the profile box at the middle top of this page). Also in "comments", you can type in other info, such as titrated pressure, etc.

By completing the profile, you won't have to keep typing that info every time you post.

The red spot, could be caused from the straps. Or it could be a rash that developed from the silicone. Wash the mask really good with a mild soap if you haven't already.

Go back to the DME (equipment provider), and try on a bunch of masks. Ask them what mask would be easier for you to get on and off.

Adjusting to cpap therapy is not easy. You will have lots of problems and questions. Hopefully we can help you with most of them.

[Goofproof]

You are a light weight, you didn't even come close to 100. As far as the mask, I would guess you have it tighter than necessary, based on the marks and even being hard to remove.

If it's tightened correctly you can put your finger between your face and black clip on the mask, hold the mask with one hand, and push the clip forward out of the clasp. You won't have to try and grab it. I'm like you things don't work well until a cup of coffee. Jim

That's two down and 98 to go.

As far as the numbers, you have to have a machine that records data, and you have to buy the software and reader for the computer. The "M"agic does provide limited data from the screen, but it's not the same, mostly it AVG's the data, unless reset daily.

[onecent]

I will go to the profile and try to fill it out.

Linda, I don't know what the one word is that you used re: my comment section, but I will try to fill it out as much as possible.

Goof, I will have more questions, trust me, LOL.

Since my insurance is renting this machine,

1 - do I have the option to get which one I want? (I can pay what ins. does not.)
2 - Will they pay for the software to read all the stats?
4 - If a machine does not show the stats, how can the doctor tell if you
are getting what you need and it is working?
5 - What different types of improvements in people's lives can be
expected from CPAP? I see very few posts in this area surprisingly.

I am sick of feeling fatigued ALL THE TIME. Cant get up stairs, can't get up from being on knees. Arms and hands ache all the time (sometimes more severely than other times) I have wheezing/breathing problems and retention of water (edema). Spent 4 days in t he hospital early Feb. and " they cannot find anything wrong"... My psoriasis is OUT OF SIGHT and I feel like a hypochondriac, and I don't wanna be. I'm figuring a shrink his my next stop....so I hope this works...I WANT it to work. I felt really good after the one nite in the hospital last week in the sleep lab, but at home I wake up feeling like someone beat the crap out of me.

Thanks again -- I'll be seeing you around in the forum.

[Goofproof]

Since my insurance is renting this machine,

1 - do I have the option to get which one I want? (I can pay what ins. does not.)
2 - Will they pay for the software to read all the stats?
4 - If a machine does not show the stats, how can the doctor tell if you
are getting what you need and it is working?
5 - What different types of improvements in people's lives can be
expected from CPAP? I see very few posts in this area surprisingly.

I am sick of feeling fatigued ALL THE TIME. Cant get up stairs, can't get up from being on knees. Arms and hands ache all the time (sometimes more severely than other times) I have wheezing/breathing problems and retention of water (edema). Spent 4 days in t he hospital early Feb. and " they cannot find anything wrong"... My psoriasis is OUT OF SIGHT and I feel like a hypochondriac, and I don't wanna be. I'm figuring a shrink his my next stop....so I hope this works...I WANT it to work. I felt really good after the one nite in the hospital last week in the sleep lab, but at home I wake up feeling like someone beat the crap out of me.

Thanks again -- I'll be seeing you around in the forum.

0 - The comments section is at the bottom of your profile, to get their go to the top of the page.

1 - That's something that will have to be fought out with the INS and DME, each case is different, You at least want one with full data options, preferable a APAP. (For more Options)

2 - Most likely the software and reader are going to be on you, but it's your health, still a good investment.

3 - You cheated, you left out three....

4 - They guess, if you die it's not working, and if you quit it isn't working, If you live and it's not working you are supposed to keep complaining to them, and they keep paying new car payments.

5 - All areas of your life can improve, or not, if you don't use XPAP sucessfully, you can expect your life to get worse faster. We have to do all we can to make life better, some of us just start later than others, some wait too long.

It sounds like we've plowed a lot of the same fields, I'm one up on you my mule died. Jim

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, DME, APAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, DME, APAP

[onecent]

I like your sense of humor, and yes, I did forget 3.

Now I'm going to get my books out and educate myself some more.

I was born and raised in No. Indiana.

[Goofproof]

I like your sense of humor, and yes, I did forget 3.

Now I'm going to get my books out and educate myself some more.

I was born and raised in No. Indiana.

You poor thing! Born Raised and wornout in Indiana, will die on the "Banks of the Wabash". Jim