Newbie -- potentially overwhelmed with information!

[clitherow]

This is a great site... My eyes have been opened.

I had my second study last night for my "fitting". My husband had his about three weeks ago. I thought it was interesting that he got a nasal mask, and I got a nasal pillow, and when I went Googling to find out why, I ended up here.

Looks like I need to go back to our doctor and get copies of of first studies. All I know is that i have "moderate" apnea and he has "mild" apnea and Restless Leg Syndrome. It's funny that I would say that he is probably worse than me, but it ended up the other way around. I wasn't even going to do the study except that my husband says he hears me "gasping" for air. I know that I'm tired during the day, but I figured it's because I've got a two-year-old who hates his crib and is vocal in the middle of the night about it.

We are definitely going to need some guidance along the way -- the sleep center we used doesn't seem to have much follow-up care, and hopefully this was a fluke, but the doctor's office didn't seem to understand my husband's second study with the CPAP -- they called a told me that everything was "normal". I explained why it looked normal and that he needed the script now to get his machine, and they said that they would check back with the doctor.... I'm hoping it was the mistake of someone new and not the doctor, because he has been good otherwise.

[cflame1]

This is a good place to come with questions... though keep in mind that the majority of us are XPAP users (hoseheads).

An XPAP stands for any kind of PAP... CPAP, APAP, BPAP or VPAP.

Make sure that you do plenty of reading... especially around what kind of machine to get. Make sure that it's fully data capable, especially as it sounds like you won't get much if any followup.

[dalemeyer]

I also am a newbie of 5 months on cpap, this site has been enormous aid of information and humor along the way. Have a problem search in the popular tags, I'll bet the answer you seek will be there if not in the current posts. Something humorous happen everybody loves to laugh, that part is the highlight of my day. Welcome to the club.

[Pugsy]

Welcome.

Make sure you get a data capable machine, first and foremost. You can then decide if you want to go the software route later. Don't let them give you a "data" machine that only gives hours of use data. It won't help you.

It is common to need a second study with the CPAP machine if the first sleep study gave strong indications of a need but didn't meet certain criteria that they go by before starting the split study. I had to have a second night and I am in the severe OSA categaory. Doesn't matter if you need only one night or 2 or even more. The diagnosis is what it is.

Keep reading, there is a wealth of information here. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[clitherow]

I had my second study, just haven't gotten the results from that yet.

Got the results from my first (PSG) study, and hubby's PSG and CPAP studies. I told my husband "HIPAA what?" -- I just called our doctors office, and asked that they fax the studies over to his office.

Surprisingly to me, mine is worse than his, by the numbers. My AHI was 21.5, his was 12.8. My events were longer as well. He had one central, and a lower O2 saturation. We both had PLMS, although mine was said not to disturb my sleep. He was put on Mirapex in between the studies, and the second study had no indication of PLMS. Of course, we both noticed a difference the Mirapex made the first night.

His study results included recommendations for a heated humidifier and a specific nasal mask.

My study recommends that I don't sleep on my back, which I hate to do anyway. So, I'll be looking for some rec's for side/stomach sleepers. I find I fall asleep best on my stomach.

Our doctor has been pretty decent with us, so I don't think we should have a big problem getting a script for the machine we want. I'm leaning towards the M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex. I was really uncomfortable with the exhalations in my CPAP study -- I breathe deeply and have long exhalations.

[WindFlyer]

Hi clitherow:

Another option is to get a simple CPAP machine with no data capability. I take this simple approach. I have CPAP, set to one pressure, and I do fine. So if you want to take the simple road, it does exist. Just another option for you- so you know.

[Julie]

We don't sit poring over graphs and charts all day. The computer gives us the option to look at various parameters but there is also a daily summary giving the highlights and major number(s) of importance, and takes a few seconds to glance at and/or print out. Plus any Apap machine can also operate in 'just' Cpap mode, but just a Cpap machine is just that - no option for Apap.

[clitherow]

At first the task of learning new jargon and technology is overwhelming, but I'm used to it -- my son has a variety of medical conditions, so I'm actually kind of experienced in the process, just not for myself!

After getting the reports and taking some time to look at machines, I feel like we're in better control of the process.

[DoriC]

You're leaning in the right direction with the machine you're choosing. IMHO, to be successful the two things that are really a necessity are a data-capable machine w/ software and the correct mask,(and my favorite, the right bed pillow). Good luck to you and your husband.

[Gerald]

You're moving in the correct direction....The "M" Series auto with AFLEX is a great choice......Add an integral humidifier......Viewer Software plus card reader.....and you've got a great foundation to build on. CPAP.com has a package for all the above....buy from them......because they're safe to do business with......and they sponsor this forum....the source of so much knowledge for all of us.

Gerald