OSA and CPAP Newbie

catchin_zzzs · Post by **catchin_zzzs** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:51 pm

Hi folks,

I have to say "THANKS!" before anything else, because I'm a complete newbie to the wonderful world of OSA and CPAP usage. Reading this forum for several days before buying my first equipment was very informative and I look forward to learning more. So glad I found you guys!

My story (in a nutshell): Tired all the time, felt like cr*p. Had thyroid level problems (I also have Graves disease) and thought the fatigue was due to low levels; once that was remedied, I STILL felt like cr*p. My BP shot up to dangerously high levels 2 years ago, so have been on BP medication (after an entire lifetime of 100/70, and I'm a reasonably healthy, fit and physically active person) I snore a lot & it's gotten worse in the past couple of years, so dr. recommended a sleep study. Had my split-night study in August '05 (what a strange but interesting experience *that* was). AHI ranged from mid-20's to nearly 50 depending on what position I slept in (supine was the worst). Oxygen desaturations ranged in the low - mid 80's, which I now know isn't the worst it could be, but it sure took it's toll on me. Never made it past stage 1 & 2 sleep, & took nearly 300 minutes to get into REM. Even with the strangeness of the CPAP & mask they put on me at the lab, I slept much better afterwards and AHI dropped to about 5.

So, for the past 7 days, I've been the proud owner and user of a REMSTAR Pro 2 w/heated humidifier, and Comfort Curve mask. I went for the lightest, least invasive mask I could find. The very first night (last Monday) I slept for 6 hours straight with the CPAP on . . .I think that's more sleep in one night than I've had in I don't know when! Have been averaging about 6 hours per night on the CPAP since then (I tend to take it off in the wee early hours ... due to leakage or just needing a break - still getting used to having something on my face). But I'm starting to feel better already (morning headaches are greatly improved) and more energetic. Gosh, maybe there's something to this after all

Lucky me, my insurance has an enormous deductible (self-employed) so I didn't mess around with a DME at all and just bought my equipment. I love the REMSTAR Pro - the CFlex really does work, and it was much easier to relax and just breathe normally. I can honestly say that's been a piece of cake (at the lab, I had a hard time, but was so darn tired I managed to go back to sleep anyway).

I tend to be a side sleeper by choice, although I'm so tired most nights I can probably fall asleep in any position (yep, I'm sleep deprived, all right) I love my Comfort Curve, but eventually may get adventurous enough to try some of the other nasal masks you all are using. My CPAP has a data card in it, and one of these days I'll explore the software & cardreader options.

Anyway, thank you again for sharing your stories, your struggles and your insights . . . this is a lot less scary knowing I'm not alone.

Have a great night (really!)

LuEllen in Colorado

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:53 pm

WOW!

You are doing all the right things...congrats and good luck!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:59 pm

WTG, catcher! I think you were already pretty adventurous - buying your own equipment and picking the Comfort Curve. Glad to hear the mask and everything are going well for you!!

Yes, it sure can make a difference...this treatment. Welcome to the board! And welcome back to life!!