Looking for community/ two nights in

[Chimera]

Hi everyone. Looks like there is a lot of info here. At the moment I am a bit overwhelmed . Last night was my second night w/CPAP.
Feel like I am struggling a little although last night was much, much better than the first night.
Just went looking for a support group b/c I think I would feel better if I didn't feel like I was doing this alone, common experience and all that.

[bdp522]

Welcome to the forum! Go to the user control panel and fill in your profile. This way your machine and mask will be shown on all your posts and will save you from having to post your equipment every time(use text not icon). You might also want to click on New Users at the top of the page. Loads of great info there.
It takes time to adjust to this new way of sleeping. If night 2 was much much better than night 1...you're doing great! You should find that each night it gets just a little easier.

Brenda

[kopoloff]

You are not alone.

We're all out here cheering you on. We'll give you advice, support, humour and occasionally a little chiding.

It can be a difficult journey you're embarking on, but all challenges can be met and turned into triumphs. Remember, everyone here was at 2 nights in at one stage. And every experience you have along the way, we've been there too, so stick at it and eventually you'll be looking back and congratulating yourself on a job well done.

Suggest you fill in your profile; in particular get your equipment listed. With that information we'll be more able to assist if you have any questions.

Good luck

K

[Bluebonnet_Gal]

You found what you were looking for, the best C-PAP community on the net! Welcome! I see you've filled in your equipment. Now sit back, read and if you have questions, post them. Everyone here is wonderful and very helpful!

[Lissalove7]

Hi everyone. Looks like there is a lot of info here. At the moment I am a bit overwhelmed . Last night was my second night w/CPAP.
Feel like I am struggling a little although last night was much, much better than the first night.
Just went looking for a support group b/c I think I would feel better if I didn't feel like I was doing this alone, common experience and all that.

I too was overwhelmed when I first started. I have learned a lot from this site. I have only been using my CPAP machine for a couple of weeks now. I struggled when I first started with problems such as the mask not fitting right, leakage, rainout, the humidifier making noises. As each night passes, I get more accustomed to using the machine. So, from another newbie.. hang in there, it will get better. Good luck with your therapy!

[Chimera]

Thanks for all the support, folks. I really appreciate it.

[rested gal]

Welcome to the message board, Chimera!

Since you are in your first month of CPAP machine rental, now's the time to take your "Plus" machine back to the people who gave it to you and ask to swap it for a "Pro."

Reason: the Plus records only "hours of use" data onto the Smart Card that's stuck in it. The Pro also records hours of use AND records additional data onto the Smart Card. The additional data the Pro records gives information about how your treatment at home is going -- records AHI (how many apneas and hypopneas sneak through despite treatment) and records very important "leak" data. Useful information that you'll be able to see in the little LCD window under the flip lid of your machine.

The DME ("durable medical equipment" - our message board shorthand for the home health care store that supplies you with your equipment) should not have a problem making that swap for you...a Pro instead of the Plus. Both machines are exactly the same (other than the Pro giving more data) and treat you the same. Both are "CPAP" machines -- either one fills your prescription.

Probably the DME will be willing to make the swap for you. If they don't, or if they argue that the machine you first received is what the doctor ordered and they can't (won't) give you a different model CPAP, come back and tell us. We'll have plenty of suggestions about what to do at that point.

Hopefully you have a good DME who will say, "Sure!" and will hand you a Pro.

[NeurosurgeryNP]

Welcome. You will find a lot of support here as I have over the past 4 years.

[Chimera]

My, how time flies....I'm two weeks in to my CPAP therapy now and I think I'm doing pretty well.
I'm getting some sleeep for the first time in a long time, which is great!
I now have my pad a cheeks & my hose cover as well as a new pillow and each of these things
increased my comfort exponentially.
My worst complaint is some nasal stuffiness throughout the morning which I am fervently hoping will pass in time.
This site is the best. I like to just read about folks like me, if ya know what I mean.

[MoneyGal]

We do know what you mean! The sense of community here is as important to me as any information and technical support I could get.

As a relatively new user too (I'm 3 weeks in), I was initially embarrassed and upset at the prospect of becoming a lifelong hosehead. This community is a place where I can find others like me - and not like me! - who are on the same journey. It is tremendously helpful emotionally and psychologically (see, I am even beginning to be able to use big words again! )

One of the first things I read here when I was BRAND new to the diagnosis is someone saying they related to their CPAP machine as their "security blanket." I thought that was a fantastic image and have appropriated it for myself - my CPAP is what guarantees me a good night's sleep. I love the comforting image of the blanket!