Hi All-
Just got prescribed CPAP yesterday for OSA. Currently waiting on Insurance Company to get moving on my treatment.I am yearning for my CPAP and some excellent sleep.
I was told I woke up 150 times in 6 hrs time and my CPAP pressure will be 13.
Is this low medium,high or what ?I have not clue as to the severity of my OSA.
Please Help!
Thanks.
Newbie on CPAP Circut
14 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Newbie on CPAP Circut
Don't psych yourself up alot, as many people find CPAP hard to tolerate. I am not saying this to dishearten you, but it definitely takes patience. It's a proven therapy but keep in mind its never good to overexcite yourself concerning treatment.Rapunzel111 wrote: I am yearning for my CPAP and some excellent sleep.
I relate tho, I yearn for excellent, and even some, sleep everyday.
OSA severity classification:Rapunzel111 wrote: I was told I woke up 150 times in 6 hrs time and my CPAP pressure will be 13. Is this low medium,high or what ? I have not clue as to the severity of my OSA.
(Keep in mind this varies a little from one source to another.)
Normal: 0-5/hr
Mild:5-15/hr
Moderate: 15-30/hr
Severe: 30+/hr
CPAP pressure usually ranges from 0-20 h2o/cm
(Anyone correct/update where needed.)
Sleep: Did I ever know you?
Soccer: The beautiful game.
2006 Advertising Graduate: Any1 got a job?!
Soccer: The beautiful game.
2006 Advertising Graduate: Any1 got a job?!
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Rapunzel111
Thanx Swordz
Thanks or the info.What I meant by "I am yearning for some excellent sleep'' is this-
When the sleep lab put me on the machine,I woke up without headaches,knee and elbow pain ,sinus/allergy stuffiness in my nose,forgetfulness/brain fog and for once did not feel sleepy!(all of this is my everyday feeling of what ''normal'' is to me) I felt great!
What a miracle!I have never ever felt this good in my whole life that I remember except when I was a kid of about 6 yrs old.I have always been overweight since about age 7-8 and I now suspect I may have had childhood sleep apnea.I always wondered why other people could be active and have energy and I never did.
I woke up a few times during the CPAP sleep study just asking myself
''what is this thing doing on my face,and where am I?'' but the mask didn't bother me too much at all.Heck,I can sleep anywhere,and under any conditions.I once fell asleep at a noisy rodeo!I equate the CPAP mask to an easier version of snorkelling.I often sleep with a toboggan hat on my head and an eye mask,so the feeling of something on my head didn't bother me much either.When I tried the nasal pillow system on at the sleep lab and was talking while doing it, My sleep lab tech said "If you can talk while wearing this,you might have an OK time gettting used to wearing it".I told her I talk on the phone and sell for a living so it is hard to shut me up no matter what the circumstances!Ha ha.
They gave me the Resmed Swift nasal pillow system at the lab and I think it may work out for me because I am somewhat claustrophobic so a mask probably wouldn't do.
I am not speaking for everyone when I say this,but I think that possibly some people that get CPAP might have some deeeper reasons for having a lot of trouble adjusting to wearing the mask/nasal pilllows because when you look at a CPAP and the headgear it screams ''I am very sick and have very serious medical problems''so I believe this may make some users feel very very bad about the treatment and thus not want to do it somewhere in their subconsious mind.I thought the same thing when I saw the equiptment,but before I found out how using it made me feel great.
The way I look at it is quite different,though.I weigh the fact that I am always very misereably tired all of the time alongside of wearing a strange looking device that looks like it is made for someone who is very seriously ill,and I see the device as a key to my being energetic and pain free.
I also consider that I would be way more reluctant to take a presciption pill if there was one for OSA for the rest of my life ,or have surgery,instead of the CPAP machine.
I think that CPAP users are all not very ,very ill people,we are just people tha have a little trouble breathing while we sleep...that's it.Other than that,we are normal,loveable, wonderful, people.
I would much rather have OSA than cancer,diabetes,or hepatitis,etc.OSA is a minor inconvenience to us,but as far as medical inconveniences go,one of the more minor ones.OSA is far more dangerous when it is not treated than after it is,and I am happy to have this problem rather than a lot of the other ones out there. I made my way to the sleep lab because I honestly thought I had some other serious illness,I went for a bunch of tests(for diabetes,rheumatory arthritis,cholesterol,pernicious anemia,thyroid problems,and sleep disorders),and all the doctors could find was OSA.I really am thankful I only have OSA,as strange as it may sound.
I thank you for your reply-
You are very kind.
God Bless all of my fellow OSA sufferers and CPAP patients.May you all have pleasant dreams and restful restorative sleep.
When the sleep lab put me on the machine,I woke up without headaches,knee and elbow pain ,sinus/allergy stuffiness in my nose,forgetfulness/brain fog and for once did not feel sleepy!(all of this is my everyday feeling of what ''normal'' is to me) I felt great!
What a miracle!I have never ever felt this good in my whole life that I remember except when I was a kid of about 6 yrs old.I have always been overweight since about age 7-8 and I now suspect I may have had childhood sleep apnea.I always wondered why other people could be active and have energy and I never did.
I woke up a few times during the CPAP sleep study just asking myself
''what is this thing doing on my face,and where am I?'' but the mask didn't bother me too much at all.Heck,I can sleep anywhere,and under any conditions.I once fell asleep at a noisy rodeo!I equate the CPAP mask to an easier version of snorkelling.I often sleep with a toboggan hat on my head and an eye mask,so the feeling of something on my head didn't bother me much either.When I tried the nasal pillow system on at the sleep lab and was talking while doing it, My sleep lab tech said "If you can talk while wearing this,you might have an OK time gettting used to wearing it".I told her I talk on the phone and sell for a living so it is hard to shut me up no matter what the circumstances!Ha ha.
They gave me the Resmed Swift nasal pillow system at the lab and I think it may work out for me because I am somewhat claustrophobic so a mask probably wouldn't do.
I am not speaking for everyone when I say this,but I think that possibly some people that get CPAP might have some deeeper reasons for having a lot of trouble adjusting to wearing the mask/nasal pilllows because when you look at a CPAP and the headgear it screams ''I am very sick and have very serious medical problems''so I believe this may make some users feel very very bad about the treatment and thus not want to do it somewhere in their subconsious mind.I thought the same thing when I saw the equiptment,but before I found out how using it made me feel great.
The way I look at it is quite different,though.I weigh the fact that I am always very misereably tired all of the time alongside of wearing a strange looking device that looks like it is made for someone who is very seriously ill,and I see the device as a key to my being energetic and pain free.
I also consider that I would be way more reluctant to take a presciption pill if there was one for OSA for the rest of my life ,or have surgery,instead of the CPAP machine.
I think that CPAP users are all not very ,very ill people,we are just people tha have a little trouble breathing while we sleep...that's it.Other than that,we are normal,loveable, wonderful, people.
I would much rather have OSA than cancer,diabetes,or hepatitis,etc.OSA is a minor inconvenience to us,but as far as medical inconveniences go,one of the more minor ones.OSA is far more dangerous when it is not treated than after it is,and I am happy to have this problem rather than a lot of the other ones out there. I made my way to the sleep lab because I honestly thought I had some other serious illness,I went for a bunch of tests(for diabetes,rheumatory arthritis,cholesterol,pernicious anemia,thyroid problems,and sleep disorders),and all the doctors could find was OSA.I really am thankful I only have OSA,as strange as it may sound.
I thank you for your reply-
You are very kind.
God Bless all of my fellow OSA sufferers and CPAP patients.May you all have pleasant dreams and restful restorative sleep.
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GuestBarbSeattle
it won't let me post, I'll try this LOL
I LOVE your attitude May YOU have wonderful sleep, and I hope CPAP works wonderfully for you
.....a minor invonveience, yes, in some ways. To me, it has turned into a 9 year struggle, but I've finally found some things that work.I would much rather have OSA than cancer,diabetes,or hepatitis,etc.OSA is a minor inconvenience to us,but as far as medical inconveniences go,one of the more minor ones.OSA is far more dangerous when it is not treated than after it is,and I am happy to have this problem rather than a lot of the other ones out there.
Great post, and great attitude, Rapunzel. Welcome!
O.
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
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Rapunzel111
Thanks To My CPAP People!
Thanks to all who replied,Swordz,GuestBarbSeattle and Jim Eads.You guys are great.
Hey,I just read a post about someone on the forum using melatonin to help with the waking up thinking ''what is this thing on my face''.Melatonin helps you sleep,and I say this only speaking for myself.I used melatonin years before ever knowing that I had Apnea and I have always felt that it was the gold standard for natural sleep supplementation,right up next to Chamomile tea.I am going to take some melatonin in moment and I really hope to reach Slumber Nirvana tonight.
I don't have to worry about it ''knocking me out'' so much that I quit breathing anymore with my CPAP,so I am going to try it again.I have always said that using melatoning gave me the most wonderful peaceful sleep and sometimes pleasant dreams as well,almost like a really good massage or acupuncture will.I am not recommending this to anyone like I am a dotor,because I'm not,so if you try it do so at your own risk and check with your doctor first especially if you have any other medical problems,are on prescription meds,etc.Don't use if pregnant or nursing,or with alcohol or before driving or operating heavy equipment,you know,the usual disclaimer.
Happy Snoozin',My People!!I am riding the Melatonin Cloud tonight to Slumber Nirvana.
-Rapunzel111
Hey,I just read a post about someone on the forum using melatonin to help with the waking up thinking ''what is this thing on my face''.Melatonin helps you sleep,and I say this only speaking for myself.I used melatonin years before ever knowing that I had Apnea and I have always felt that it was the gold standard for natural sleep supplementation,right up next to Chamomile tea.I am going to take some melatonin in moment and I really hope to reach Slumber Nirvana tonight.
I don't have to worry about it ''knocking me out'' so much that I quit breathing anymore with my CPAP,so I am going to try it again.I have always said that using melatoning gave me the most wonderful peaceful sleep and sometimes pleasant dreams as well,almost like a really good massage or acupuncture will.I am not recommending this to anyone like I am a dotor,because I'm not,so if you try it do so at your own risk and check with your doctor first especially if you have any other medical problems,are on prescription meds,etc.Don't use if pregnant or nursing,or with alcohol or before driving or operating heavy equipment,you know,the usual disclaimer.
Happy Snoozin',My People!!I am riding the Melatonin Cloud tonight to Slumber Nirvana.
-Rapunzel111
Rap.... I have been on cpap for a year now. Give that nasal pillow a chance and CUT OUT that pill business right now ! I was on that route for years..and i can tell you it is great to train yourself to give it up and sleep without any aid. I find that using the VPAP which is bi level and gives you less pressure to combat when you exhale did the job for me along with the nasal pillows. Try this . try that...but it will be worth it in the end to find a combination without pills Keep in touch
BaBarnabyrom So. Fla)
BaBarnabyrom So. Fla)
"He's not heavy..he is my brother" - Shriners Creed
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Rapunzel111
You're right
Hi Barnaby-
You're right about ''don't train yourself to use pills(melatonin)''.I'd have to agree with that.People absolutely positively don't need a crutch whatsoever.I never was a regular (everyday) user of melatonin,I just thought that maybe it would give me just a tiny bit more relaxation so I will stop waking up wondering what is on my face until my brain catches up with the idea that something will always be on my face when I sleep.You are right,pills are a big no no.They usually only foster a need for more of them/different kinds of them.I think a hot shower before bedtime might work better and be better for a person's health.If one develops a need for a crutch to help them adapt to CPAP they might always need it.Thanks for the advice.
You're right about ''don't train yourself to use pills(melatonin)''.I'd have to agree with that.People absolutely positively don't need a crutch whatsoever.I never was a regular (everyday) user of melatonin,I just thought that maybe it would give me just a tiny bit more relaxation so I will stop waking up wondering what is on my face until my brain catches up with the idea that something will always be on my face when I sleep.You are right,pills are a big no no.They usually only foster a need for more of them/different kinds of them.I think a hot shower before bedtime might work better and be better for a person's health.If one develops a need for a crutch to help them adapt to CPAP they might always need it.Thanks for the advice.
More on Expectations and Drugs
I was exactly where you are about a month ago (couldn't wait to get started, very annoyed by the long wait.) One thing I didn't expect was that relief came on very gradually for me. You hear about people who feel great right away, but there are others that feel relief only after months of CPAP use.
I heartily agree about the use of sleep aids. Don't start anything you don't really need. The ritual of setting up your mashine and the feeling you get from it will start out being weird, but eventually you will be so comfortable with it that it will take the place of melatonin in signaling your body that it is time to sleep. Now if I need to take a nap at an odd hour or in a time of stress, just hooking up to the machine relaxes me and gets me ready to sleep. Kind of a Pavlovian response to the experience of good sleep.
HOWEVER, I agree with the poster that said success is 50% attitude and 50% getting the right mask or masks. Don't be discouraged if you find yourself not able to go all night with the mask you start with. Keep trying new styles, sizes, brands, etc, until you have something that works for comfortable, all night sleep. Keep the old masks as back up and for rotation purposes. I use the res-med swift and ultra mirage II in rotation. The Swift doesn't leak, but after a few days it makes my nose sore. The UMII is very comfortable, but leaks after about 6 hours. Eventually I may find something that works all the time, but for now, the rotation is pretty good.
Eventually you will succeed. Just keep trying and keep positive!
I heartily agree about the use of sleep aids. Don't start anything you don't really need. The ritual of setting up your mashine and the feeling you get from it will start out being weird, but eventually you will be so comfortable with it that it will take the place of melatonin in signaling your body that it is time to sleep. Now if I need to take a nap at an odd hour or in a time of stress, just hooking up to the machine relaxes me and gets me ready to sleep. Kind of a Pavlovian response to the experience of good sleep.
HOWEVER, I agree with the poster that said success is 50% attitude and 50% getting the right mask or masks. Don't be discouraged if you find yourself not able to go all night with the mask you start with. Keep trying new styles, sizes, brands, etc, until you have something that works for comfortable, all night sleep. Keep the old masks as back up and for rotation purposes. I use the res-med swift and ultra mirage II in rotation. The Swift doesn't leak, but after a few days it makes my nose sore. The UMII is very comfortable, but leaks after about 6 hours. Eventually I may find something that works all the time, but for now, the rotation is pretty good.
Eventually you will succeed. Just keep trying and keep positive!
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Rapunzel111
Mask + Attitude = Success
Hi twillson!Yeah Man,I have the same equipment and mask that you do.Did you ever get the sensation that an alien is perched on your face in the middle of the night and you wake up and realize you just removed your mask?? Ha ha.I am doing that now.I guess that is what I get for being a Sci-Fi loving Geek.
Yes,attitude.....attitude + aptitude is what makes things happen in life.Often attitude (having a good,positive outlook) gets you through quicker and with positive help from others than just aptitude.
Aptitude is wonderful too,especially when someone on the road driving in front of you has it(which is rare!)
My attitude about CPAP is a good one.Thank God I now have the opportunity to feel like I have had some sleep for a change!
I am a painter (acrylics) when I am not at work selling advertising 8-5,and CPAP allows me the freedom to have a lot more energy to paint in my off time.
Here is my commercial:
Sleep Study =$6,000.00 covered by insurance
CPAP Machine and accessories =$500.00 covered by insurance
Getting more time in your life to paint,and enjoy doing your thing=
PRICELESS!!!!
I am glad to be in The Royal Order of The Imperial Hose Heads!
If anyone laughed because of my silly post here,then I did exactly what I set out to do.
Pleasant Dreams,My People
Yes,attitude.....attitude + aptitude is what makes things happen in life.Often attitude (having a good,positive outlook) gets you through quicker and with positive help from others than just aptitude.
Aptitude is wonderful too,especially when someone on the road driving in front of you has it(which is rare!)
My attitude about CPAP is a good one.Thank God I now have the opportunity to feel like I have had some sleep for a change!
I am a painter (acrylics) when I am not at work selling advertising 8-5,and CPAP allows me the freedom to have a lot more energy to paint in my off time.
Here is my commercial:
Sleep Study =$6,000.00 covered by insurance
CPAP Machine and accessories =$500.00 covered by insurance
Getting more time in your life to paint,and enjoy doing your thing=
PRICELESS!!!!
I am glad to be in The Royal Order of The Imperial Hose Heads!
If anyone laughed because of my silly post here,then I did exactly what I set out to do.
Pleasant Dreams,My People
-
Rapunzel111
Dark Circles Under my Eyes
I have always had dark circles under my eyes ever since I was a kid.
I have often felt like I looked like Uncle Fester from Addams Family.
I was once asked at work while at another job (by my supervisor,in private)whether my boyfriend beat me up or not,because I had a ''black eye''.I had forgotten to cover up my circles under my eyes with makeup on one eye and not the other.
Well,since I got my CPAP machine,which has been a week tomorrow,I have discovered that my dark circles are fading fast .
I can't believe it.I thought they would always be there and never go away on their own.I even looked on the web to see if there was a form of plastic surgery to get rid of them at one point.(By the way,there isn't much that can be done about this through plastic surgery.)I also thought they were caused by allergies,because I have them also.I think I might have had OSA since I was kid now.Hmm.Go figure!
I have often felt like I looked like Uncle Fester from Addams Family.
I was once asked at work while at another job (by my supervisor,in private)whether my boyfriend beat me up or not,because I had a ''black eye''.I had forgotten to cover up my circles under my eyes with makeup on one eye and not the other.
Well,since I got my CPAP machine,which has been a week tomorrow,I have discovered that my dark circles are fading fast .
I can't believe it.I thought they would always be there and never go away on their own.I even looked on the web to see if there was a form of plastic surgery to get rid of them at one point.(By the way,there isn't much that can be done about this through plastic surgery.)I also thought they were caused by allergies,because I have them also.I think I might have had OSA since I was kid now.Hmm.Go figure!
14 posts
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