First time doing the titration study

[janeysmom]

Hello All! I am new to the forum as I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea just last week. This coming weekend I am going in for my second study to get fitted with the CPAP. Because I have never had a CPAP or this type of study, I am reaching out to all of you to find out what I can expect from this. Also are this any questions I should ask or things I should watch out for? I am a little nervous about this study and am curious to see how I will react to have something on my mouth or in my nose. I think I will be fine, but one never knows. Anyway I would love to get as much information as you'd share on what this type of study is like. I believe that with more information ahead of time, it will be a more affective study for me and I will be less anxious about it.

Thanks!!

PS From what I've read so far this seems like a great forum!

[timbalionguy]

BEst thing you can do is relax, and enjoy the experience. It will likely be something totally new and different. It is highly unlikely that you will experience any pain, discomfort, etc. It will just be very different. The more you approach treating OAS with a positive attitude, and treating this like an 'engineering problem', the more successful your titration and your ultimate therapy will be.

[LSAT]

The second sleep study (Titration) will be EXACTLY the same as the first except for the fact that you will be wearing a CPAP mask and will be connected to a CPAP machine. The technician will monitor you to determine the proper pressure setting for the machine. Your doctor will then write a prescription for CPAP machine and mask and will specify the pressure setting.

[el_zorro]

One other thing to add, during the titration study, they usually allow you to try different pillows, masks, etc. They had a box of them for me to choose from. The tech I had knew his stuff and also knew the popularity of the different models. He started me with a Swift LT, the fit was fine and the pillows are small and less intrusive, but I didnt like something right under my nose. I switched to a Mirage Softgel nasal mask and was fairly comfortable and slept well right away with that mask. This is the mask I ended up with and am very happy with it. The main goal is to make sure that they get a good pressure setting but keep in mind making sure you get the right mask is important also. Dont be afraid to ask for another mask/pillow if the one they start you out with doesnt feel right.

[kteague]

Hopefully it will be a non event. It's likely to feel odd, but try to embrace the experience as your introduction to a better night life. I had to do a sort of forced calm, as initially I felt panicky, but I didn't want to let my reluctance make me have to come back again. The practical side of me came out, as these tests cost too much and are too inconvenient to not get your money's worth out of it as much as is in your control. Don't feel pressured to sleep, as that's not usually successfully forced. Commit to getting the best rest you can get while there and let nature take care of the sleep. Some actually report their titration as the best sleep they ever had. Maybe you'll be one of those lucky folks. Maybe you can find some videos that show a titration in process. Best wishes, and welcome to the group.
Kathy

[montana user]

Just wanted to say Welcome! I do sleep studies for a living and theres not much more I can add that the others didn't already say! I know the pressure at first will seem un bearable, but you will get used to it soon! Just relax, take a deep breath, and know you can finally sleep, apnea free ( or close to it ) Check back on here often, as I am always learning something new!! Good luck! Let us know how it went!

[KatieW]

There are several videos on YouTube--do a search for Sleep Study.

Take your favorite pillow, pyjamas and socks. Brush your teeth before they attach the elctrodes. Take a little notebook and write down the exact name and size of every mask you try on, including the ones you don't like. My sleep doc gave me a prescription for 2 sleeping pills, Ambien, just in case I needed them, and I did take them.

Get a written copy of your sleep study and titration, and your prescription, for your own medical files.

[bruce5500]

There is one more thing I would add. At my titration, which was my first experience with wearing a mask. After the technician adjusted the mask on my face and started the machine, she continued talking to me. I, not knowing better, continued trying to talk to her. And I do mean trying. I was having difficulty breathing and talking at the same time. Very quickly I started to panic and came close to pulling the mask off my face. But I managed to calm down, stop talking, and get my breathing back on pace. I would recommend not trying to talk once the mask is on and the machine is started, and to try and remain calm and keep your breathing in a nice steady pace. Please do not let this Experience scare you in any way. The technician can show you how easy it is to release the mask if you should feel the need to and that should ease your mind. I have only been using my mask about 3 months now, and I would never sleep without it. It has made such an improvement in my life, the only thing that worries me about it, is if something breaks and I won't be able to use it for even a single night. This is in fact a huge change in your life, and comes with some work and inconveniences, but stick with it as it can improve your life greatly. Best wishes for you. Sorry this posting is so long!

[Muse-Inc]

...It has made such an improvement in my life, the only thing that worries me about it, is if something breaks and I won't be able to use it for even a single night...

That's why many of us have backups for everything, machines, masks, hoses, humidifiers, etc.

[bruce5500]

Muse-Inc,
I agree with your post about the backup equipment and I am in the process of gathering extra supplies. The hard one will be a backup machine due to the cost. Glad to see that you are lowering your settings by your success with weight loss. I need to get on a weight loss program myself. I would definitely like to get my settings lower too. I am on a ResMed VPAP S Bilevel with an inhale setting of 20 and exhale of 16. I have gotten used to the high setting, but I must admit it was a challenge at first.

[TXKajun]

I had been so exhausted for many years before my titration (actually, I had a split study where they did it all in 1 night) that I fell right asleep, as usual. Then, after the tech put the mask on, I slept better than I had slept in years! When I woke up, my first thought was "Wow! This thing works! I feel GREAT!!!" and my second thought was "I gotta get me one of these!" LOLOL

Like the other posters have said, bring comfy things like your own pillow, jammies, toothbrush, etc. Some of the folks here even brought an Ambien or a Benadryl just to make sure they slept. Relax, the night will be over before you know it.

Then the frustration starts! Waiting for your report from the sleep doc, waiting for your regular doc to get the report and read it, waiting for a referral to a DME, waiting for the DME to get the right machine (this alone could take several tries), taking the time to find the right mask. All time-consuming, especially when all you want it a good night's sleep where you actually get rested. But it'll happen. You being here on the forum is a great start!

Good luck and sweet dreams.

Kajun

[Muse-Inc]

I had been so exhausted for many years before my titration (actually, I had a split study where they did it all in 1 night) that I fell right asleep, as usual. Then, after the tech put the mask on, I slept better than I had slept in years! When I woke up, my first thought was "Wow! This thing works! I feel GREAT!!!" and my second thought was "I gotta get me one of these!"

Me too! Seems like a lot of us have had that experience. I didn't care what they decided, I wanted one of those machines and by God, I was gonna overcome any challenge that might occur as I wanted more of that great sleep!

[janeysmom]

Thanks all for your tips etc. I had my titration study and a week and half later I got my machine! During the night of the titration study I had a remarkable two hours of sleep. I woke up after my first two hours and felt so much better already. I couldn't believe it. So I badgered my dr. etc and I think got my machine fairly quickly. Been on it for a week and I feel soooo much better now! I too felt exhausted quite a bit and I am relieved to have finally received the machine and now can function much better.

[Muse-Inc]

...had my titration study and a week and half later I got my machine!...Been on it for a week...now can function much better.

Congrats! It gets better!