A Nice Night and A Nice New Life

[LyricZ]

My first night was almost perfect. Although I fiddled with the mask several times during the first hour of trying to sleep, once I was asleep, the mask and air actually felt soothing.

Now I really feel like one of the cpaptalk family.

I'm making the start with my machine the start of a new life for me. I've got 3 of the risk factors for heart disease: I smoke, I'm 70 pounds overweight, and now the sleep apnea.

So today I have quit smoking and started using the patch. I always eat healthy main meals, but ice cream and doughnuts are my downfall. I am going to cut out as much sugar as I can from my diet.

This seems like a great place for a new start and a new way of life. I'll have more energy, and I can go back to the gym. I figure I'd better get serious. After all, I'm 45 years old, and it is about time. I've been smoking for 30 years, and 30 years is way too much time inhaling poison. Why couldn't I have been working out for 30 years, or doing anything good for my body for 30 years?

My macine does not give anything but compliance numbers, but it does have a Smart Card. If I bought the reader, would I have to hook it up to my computer and get my numbers from there? Is it worth the money?

Also, I would love to have battery backup. I don't want to go the car battery route. I would like to have the battery pack. My DME said that it costs $600. I would be willing to buy it if you guys say that it's worth it. Our electricity has only gone out 1 time in the 4 years that I've lived here, and when it did go out, it was only for about an hour. What do you think? Do I need it? I'm just so worried about not being without the machine, and I figure that now that i have it, the electricity will soon go out for a few days.

[LyricZ]

By the way, my new machine is a RemStar Auto/A-Flex Respironics M Series.

[kteague]

Better late than never, right? I'm having a hard enough time cutting back on chocolate and pizza - can't imagine cigarettes. This is a good place to get the support and encouragement to improve your health. Hearing how others have turned their health around is motivating. Best wishes in your efforts.
Kathy

[6PtStar]

Your machine should give you data even some on the LCD screen. Most DME's don't turn them own. Go to:

http://www.cpap-supply.com/Articles.asp?ID=130

and down load the manual that will tell you what is available and how to turn it on. The software will give you more detailed information. If you are interested in doing the software send me a PM. Seems every time we find a source for the software some one posts it and it goes away. Respronics is trying to keep it from patients. Suposed to be sold only to doctors and DME's

[jimbassett]

Congratulations on your new machine and success on your first night. I too had a very good several first nights, but don't expect them to all be like that. I am now into nine months on cpap, and I have a bad night at least every two weeks. Some worse than others. Keep up with the therapy though as it is worth every hardship.

I, without trying, have lost 25 lbs in the nine months. With you quitting smokeing this will be a much welcomed exercise in controlling your weight. Thankfully I quit 7 yrs ago after heart problems. I just wish I had known about sleep apnea at that time.

You will wind up needing several masks to rotate every few nights. This helps to hold down sore spots, and just seems to break the monotony of masking up every night. You have a good machine and with the software it will help to keep you interested in improving your numbers and consequently how you feel. Glad you found this forum and keep us informed as to your well being. jim

[Priest]

Articles like these put the consumer in the direvr seat-very important.

[Guest]

Articles like these put the consumer in the direvr seat-very important.

[Keyaan]

That's not just the best asnwer. It's the bestest answer!