Get my equipment in the morning *1st Night Data Added*

[Fropa]

I finally got my appointment to pick-up my CPAP equipment in the morning. This site was a big help in preparing and knowing what to ask. I read about people getting low end machines so the DMEs make more profit. I had a list of things I wanted and was ready to fight for them if I needed to. It sounded like auto-adjusting machines were a better choice if you could get them so I asked if I was going to set the S9 Autoset or the Elite and she said the Autoset, good. I asked if I'd get the ClimateLine Tubing and she said yes, good. I asked about the Cleanable Water Chamber and she said I'd get that, good. So it looks like I'll get everything I wanted and have a good set-up to get me started. She said the appointment will take 45min to an hour to train me how to use the machine and pick out a mask. Is that about average for an initial appointment? Now the big decision on nasal pillow, full face, or hybrid mask.

[MaxDarkside]

Sounds super! My first appointment was scheduled for 2 hours, but took about 45 minutes to an hour. The mask, well, that is so dependent on the person and I'm certainly no expert at this. In my case, they all fit really well, but I have a hard time breathing through my nose, particularly at night when I lay down, so I went with a full face mask. "Full Face" is a bit of a misnomer, I think, because really it just covers my mouth and nose. There's so many choices, and 1000x that opinions, you just have to figure out which you like the best that you think will work for you. Ask about trading one for another if you don't like the one you first get. My sleep-store people said I could return within so many days if it didn't work out for me, but it did, so I'm set and happy.

[cflame1]

you can really get a couple that will cover more than just nose and mouth max... and a couple of people on here use one of them.

[Sheriff Buford]

I recogmend you check out (in order):
- nasal masks (less intrusive)
- full face masks
- Total face masks

If you are a mouth breather, the nasal won't work unless you want to use a chin strap of some sort. There are many fine full face masks. The trick is to get a mask that is comfortable and doesn't leak. I went thru several masks before I fell in love with mine. What works for somebody else may not work for you. A DME will allow you to return a mask for exchange within 30 days. Try the mask on at the DME and allow them to help you adjust the mask. Have them hook up a display cpap machine that is set at your setting. Move your head around and see if the mask leaks. If it leaks at the DME, it will leak badly at home. Don't get frustrated with the mask. You'll get the one that is for you. You will be wearing the mask approximately one third of your life, so it has to be comfortable. Work every issue out and come to the forum for help.

Best of Luck,

Sheriff

[Fropa]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The DME has the 30 day exchange policy so I can try several if I need to. I used the Swift FX at my sleep study and the tech said I didn't have a problem with mouth breathing/leaks. I am a side sleeper mainly so the less mask the better probably, but I do have allergy issues so not sure nasal pillows will work all the time.

[jen4700]

Let us know how your first few nights go! I'm waiting to get my equip appt. Good luck!

[Fropa]

Thanks Jen4700.

First night is over. Went to bed at about midnight. Felt like I was awake most of the night making sure the tube was where it should be and thinking I was feeling leaks. I think most of them were just feeling the air from the vent. The Swift FX was fairly comfortable. Tip of my nose was a little sore but no red marks anywhere. One bathroom break at 3 AM. At 6:30 AM I was just awake, eyes open and knew it didn't pay to stay in bed. Not sure if I feel any more refreshed than normal, but don't feel any worse even with only 6 1/2 hours in bed. Nose and mouth didn't feel dry but I still have almost all the water left in the humidifier. I had the humidity set to 3 and the temp set to 70 (about room temp). Do I need to waste that water or can I leave it in there for tonight?

Here is my data from Sleepyhead:





I've tried to find someplace to help me understand the data but so far I haven't. Any help with how to read this and if this looks good or not would be greatly appreciated. There are a few events but not sure if there bad or not. On the Flow and Pressure some areas are dense and some are more loose, is that normal?

[portiemom]

Welcome to the forum. I am sure someone will be along shortly to help you with the charts. I'm not too good at it. I have the same set up as you do, but I am using the Aloha mask. Your charts look a lot like mine, and I have been told that mine are good. Pugsey is a wonderful help here with interperting the stats, so she should be along soon to help you. I know she wouldn't mind if you PM her for help, she is wonderful. Lots of great folks here to help, good luck on your cpap journey!

[Pugsy]

The humidifier water is for your nasal mucosa and not your mouth. Use the water...it isn't wasted.
The amount of water used will vary as the ambient room temp and humidity vary.

Your reports...flow rate and pressure will sometimes appear more dense due to scale. Ignore it.

Your report is quite excellent. The leak line shows some spikes but that is normal for a first night and fiddling with mask and stuff. Stay away from the 24 L/min area and you will be fine. Overall you leak is well controlled.

Your AHI is quite good.

The other stuff...like tidal volume and such....those will vary a lot between people...short or tall...men or women...even altitude where you live. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to those details. You can google each term and see the definition and a range of norms.

Main thing for now...overall AHI...pressure line, events graph, and leak line.. work on understanding those for right now.

So for now...just get used to sleeping with an alien stuck to your face

[Fropa]

Thanks for the info pugsy. Glad to hear everything looks good for a first night. I'm sure it will take a little while to get used to warning the mask and managing the tube. Being able to ask questions here and read responses to others questions makes things much easier.

Thanks for the welcome portiemom.