New to the Neighborhood!

Zero · Post by **Zero** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:11 am

Greetings everyone!

I've been lurking here on the forums for a few weeks now, learning what I could (which has been a lot so so far!) from all of you and your experiences. I thought it was about time to say hi and introduce myself!

My name is Mike and I'm a 29 year old IT Tech living in the wilds of New Jersey (yes, we have wilds! There's more to the state than just highways, shopping malls, and beaches! ) As far back as I can remember, I've never really slept well. I've always snored like a lumber mill in full tilt (my roommate in college would hit me with a pillow so I'd stop! heh) I hardly ever remember my dreams and was always tired.

A few months back, I was watching a movie with some friends and started to drift off and start snoring. My friend woke me up cause she said i stopped breathing and brought up the possability of sleep apnea, which I had never heard of before...and so here I am, two sleep studies and a visit to the DME later, a newly inducted hosehead!

I've been on CPAP since May 29th and have been trying to adjust to my new nighttime sleep buddy! I've found a lot of great suggestions here, like taping! I would never have thought of that and I've been a long time mouth breather (asthma/bad allergies growing up). I was a little worried the first night I tried it though...not for fear of any possible dangers, but because I woke up the next morning with my mask off and the tape gone!! It was no where to be found and I was kind of worried that I had eaten it in my sleep... then I found it a few days later, all balled up and under my bed!

My second sleep study showed that my magic number seems to be 8 on the pressure scale - I started the night with an AHI/hr of 137.1 and 153.7 which plummted to 8.1 and even a few 0.0's during the night! Waking up that morning was actually nice and not a struggle (I'm a horrible morning person!!) Since starting my therapy, I've had a couple mornings where I've woken up with my alarm, rather than hitting snooze and not even realizing it...

After geting my CPAP machine, I started reading about all the various types ( I know, should have done reading before hand, but I didn't realize there were so many various types ) If I'm correct in my understanding, there is no data collection available on my machine, is there? From what I've been reading, mine seems to be a real basic no frills model...

Anywho, I've rambeled on enough for one post I think! I just wanted to say hi and thanks! Looking forward to learning more from everyone here!

--Mike

danmc · Post by **danmc** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:16 am

Hiya Mike - welcome.

I stayed in Jersey for a few months - loved it. Wanna swap:P

silver123 · Post by **silver123** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:26 am

Hi Mike!

Welcome to the forum1 I did the same thing you did, read tons on here before I got my machine. It helped enormously.

and yeah, looks like the no frills version. Data colelction seems awfully important to good therapy.

see ya round,
Margo

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 12:28 pm

A belated welcome to the forum, Zero. Glad to have you and read that you are doing pretty good for so early in the "game". Hang around and educate yourself some more. Its a lot to absorb all at once.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:31 pm

Welcome!

I believe having the ability to read your own data daily can help a user achieve the lowest AHI possible.

Having said that, after using the data to tweak my mask, pressure range, and more, I only read my data every two to three weeks now. I consistently see the same results so no need to look at it daily.

So, the trick will be making certain you are getting the therapy you think you are getting. If they don't think you need a machine with data capability, then they need to prove to you that the machine, mask, and prescribed pressure is actually resulting in a low enough AHI (I believe the magic number is an AHI 5.0 or less).

If I were you, I would get a machine that collects data. There is a lot of information on this forum about machines that collect data and how to work with your doctor and DME to get one.

Best wishes!

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:00 pm

Mike,
Catch your DME before 30 days is up... get your machine upgraded to a Pro... it has the data and the exhale relief. DS100's will get you nothing!

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:47 pm

Welcome!

You've landed among friends.

Look forward to reading more posts from you.

Twilightcat · Post by **Twilightcat** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:32 am

Welcome Mike! You'll find lots of friendly helpful folks on this amazing forum.

Take care,
Twilightcat

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger