New to CPAP

TTO · Post by **TTO** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 10:08 am

I'm a new user of CPAP...about three weeks. It is still rare that I can stay on the machine for 7-8 hours...it more like 4-5 hours. How long will it take to consistently get to 7-8 hours? For reference, I use a Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal Mask and C-Flex CPAP machine w. heated humidity. I've recently order a nasal pillow system to see if that will work better for me.

Also, how does one get to a point of not having to use the CPAP machine? I think my problem (cause) is my weight.

Looking for feedback from experienced CPAP users.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 10:52 am

I was going to suggest a different mask, but see you've already started that process. Do you notice any mouth leaks with your nasal mask?

Which model Respironics machine with cflex and heated humidifier do you have? Do you have the accompanying software so you can see how you're doing?

As far as how you can get to the point of not having to use the cpap machine, that's hard to say. Even with weight loss, statistics show that though OSA is not cured, the pressure requirement often goes down. Then there are surgical options, but stay away from the UPPP because it has proven to be largely ineffective long term. Thankfully, well-educated ENTs are performing fewer and fewer UPPPs as a potential cure for OSA, because the poor success rate is well-documented. The only surgery that offers an actual true permanent cure (over 90%) is the very drastic MMA/GA surgery. Or you might want to try a dental device like the TAP II combined with the Pillar Procedure.
To research these options, use the search function.

Here is a good link:
LINKS to surgery, turbinates, Pillar, TAP experiences

TTO · Post by **TTO** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:36 pm

My humidfyer system is by a Fisher & Paykal, a standalone "hot plate" like system that integrates with my Respironics machine.

Thanks for your reference links. Curious...is their a particular mask system you like or have heard good things about?

TTO · Post by **TTO** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:38 pm

Oh...and the cpap machine does not include the recording software for me to track how I'm doing.

Steve-o · Post by **Steve-o** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:10 pm

It took me close to a month before I could get used to wearing the mask and using the CPAP. For several months after that, I still found the mask to be really uncomfortable. Good news is that I'm to the point now where it doesn't bother me a bit and I actually would hate to not have it.

So, hang in there It takes a while, but it is worth it.

Steve

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:13 pm

The Pro 2 with C-Flex and the Auto and some Bi Flex use the software that is purchaced extra.

As a general rule XPAP is for life, after that we don't need it. loseing weight is not a factor for XPAP. But it's usually a good idea to get fit.

Pagarc · Post by **Pagarc** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:54 pm

It only took 3 nights before I got my first 7 hour snoozer.
On my first try at home though I only got 3 hours.

Visiting this forum and hearing others talk about their problems helped me relax and realize that I was not in this alone.

Also, thinking about the positive effects that cpap therapy would provide made it easier.