Questions for any UARS members using CPAP

[cpapthomas]

I am a newbie (1 week on the machine and mask...I use a REMstar 1 Plus Respironics and the mask is a mirage & ultra mirage RESMED mask.....this is the equipment I was issued 7 years ago which I was not able to sleep comfortably with so I packed it away.) I'm doing about 1 to 1 1/2 hours/night as I am trying to get used to it.
1. What pressure do you use and has that changed and please be detailed?
2. Where can I get a lot of information on UARS and from UARS users, like CPAP.COM gives to CPAP users? Is there a place on our website here at CPAP.COM that I can get this information?
3. If you were a newbie, what would you want to know
4. If you were a newbie, where would you go to get the information you need (where on the internet, etc.)
5. What are some things that you wished you knew when you started treatment that you know now?
6. What are some things you wished you would of done and not done with regards to your treatment?

[Desperate 4 Help]

Well, I am just a few months into therapy so I don't have many answers. I can make one comment. I also gradually trained myself to tolerate a full face mask by wearing for a few hours a night. So, it is OK to take your time and adjust. It took me about 6 weeks before I could wear my mask all night. Also, I tried 4 masks within the first month before settling. However, I am having problems with my mask right now but that is another story. I also have UARS. I got information by doing google searchs.

[sunnyway]

Your seven-year-old mask may have deteriorated with time. It's probably time to replace at least the cushions, if not the whole mask.

[sleepsurfer]

cpapthomas.........post some info from your sleep study

[Rustyolddude]

My diagnosis was UARS. I started straight CPAP at 10in/H2O and went to 11in/H2O with Cflex set to 3. I use a Quattro FFM. I really had no issues adjusting to it, took a little while to get the humidity figured out. In the summer it's set to 1 and in the winter 2-3. While I can't say it made a significant improvement in my general wakefulness, it did solve my wife's complaint of me breathing loud when sleeping and the occasional episodes of me waking up choking and gasping for breath which I attribute to nasal drainage getting past my epiglottis. While I'm still battling alpha intrusion problems, my RERAS no longer exist. And my AHI is generally under 2. About all I can suggest is the same tips for any first time CPAP user, wear the mask & use the CPAP while awake watching TV, if you're up and around, just wear the mask and breath thru it. There is a point of Zen where you will no longer notice it and you'll find yourself checking the vent to see if the machine is on. Also try some ambient type music when you go to bed, it will help you take your mind of the mask. Best information is right here in this forum and I was glad I found it when I started CPAP therapy.