Week 1

[suznjean]

Greetings - thanks to a long lost friend who contacted me on Facebook - I found this web-site. We actually were in the same stage of sleep tests etc when we connected. She had a lot shorter time from sleep study to CPAP - I guess it depends on how your Dr goes about things. Took me three months - took her about three weeks! I have to go through my internist so have not had any contact with a sleep doc -- had to go the hospital to request records so I could see just what went on.

Anyway, it is great that this site and its forums exist. Thanks to all who participate.

I have had very little sleep the last 6 days and am struggling with a couple of things. I have the Opus headgear with nasal pillows and they are doing pretty well. However, I am not able to fall asleep and stay asleep for about 3 hours after I go to bed. I also started wearing an orthodontic appliance at night -- just three days prior to CPAP. A lot to get used to at once. I have set the "bionater" aside to concentrate on CPAP - but need to pursue the orthodontia eventually. It just all came about at the same time unfortunately.

I am guessing I need to ponder a full face mask or perhaps one that combines nasal pillows and a mouth covering as last night my congested nose did not want to breath in air. With that and the mouthpiece I need to wear, breathing through my mouth happens several times a night, though it is not usually my MO. I am claustrophobic to some degree and fear wearing the full face.

Have a call in to Apria to see about trying another mask. The "available 24 hours" promise has not quite held up as RT's have either been unavailable or in meetings. I suppose I took that too literally - perhaps I will hear back "within" 24 hours!

So I ramble on. Any ideas or hints for a newbie --who really could use some sleep--greatly apprecited!

[katherinefulmer]

Welcome to CPAPtalk and to better sleep! I'm so glad you've found our community and have benefited from nosing around. Thank you for your post! I love meeting the newbies! I know your wait was long, but I do hope the time between now and when you've got your equipment isn't much longer. As you've probably read on this forum, that wait is also variable.

Meanwhile you're researching the type of mask you need? A Full Face Mask discussion board is happening here now: viewtopic/t41404/FULL-FACE-MASK-RECOMEN ... LEASE.html. The Hybrid and Liberty mentioned on the thread are FF Masks with nasal pillows.

The most recent pos0 on the thread is of a new model Respironics just came out with. I have a feeling they read up on the Product Challenge reviews of their ComfortFull 2 because there are a lot of improvements made which directly answer comments of users. Here are those results: http://zzzcf2.cpaptalk.com/. Reading through them can also help you anticipate issues, and reflect on the type of sleeper you are and what you will need from a mask.

Again welcome!

Best wishes,

Katherine Fulmer
CPAPtalk.com

[Hawthorne]

Your machine picture link leads to a Remstar M Series "Plus". Is that the one you have or did you pick the wrong picture? That will only give you compliance data (how many nights you used it and for how long each night). You really want more data than that so, if you can, push for at least a Remstar M Series "Pro". With the Pro, you can also get AHI, and leak rate. If you can get a Remstar M Series "Auto" that's even better because you can run it in straight cpap mode or in auto mode with a range of pressures and get even more data and options.

Exactly what machine it is will be printed right on the top of the machine.

I know you are asking about masks but just thought I would throw this is. Often you can exchange a machine within 30 days.

[suznjean]

Thanks, yes it is the REMStar Plus -- I will ask about the upgrade when I try another mask. I do start with a lower pressure - 4- and it works its way up gradually to my prescript setting which is an 8. I am mild to moderate and feel pretty lucky for that. Lots to learn - thanks again for your help! szn