First Night Jitters

[crankybear]

Well I received my resmed s9 autoset and used it for the first time last night (first time for any cpap).

I was told I have very severe apnea with an index of 71.8/minute.

I am not sure what I thought, certainly different. I did find falling to sleep to over an hour.

I was given a nose piece instead of a mask. I was told by my supplier that is the best way to go. I started out OK with it. However about half way through the night I started to feel as if my nose was starting to run. Not sure if I will get used to this or if that is a problem. I would like to know what most people are using.

Also my machine was set to ramp up to 11cm/h2o with setting of 3 with a ramp of 20 minutes. The pressure seemed high. What is an avg cm amount?

I can't believe I have to do this the rest of my life. Although my supplier told me that I will see a major change in my health in a couple months.

[wilsonintexas]

Welcome.... sorry it was not a first night miracle..... they do not happen often.


A few questions..... so lets see......

If you search for POLL you will find a few on mask type and how long it took.... from the last time I checked, most are pilloews, then nasel, then full face masks.

In this area, it is all down to whay you can stand.... sorry they pushed a pillow for me to... but could NOT stand them many many people like them ...

Your pressure of 11 is pretty much the mid range, alot of people in that range....

You will get use to the pressure. try sitting watching TV with it a few nights, without the ramp.... then you can turn the ramp on at night.

I know that yopur DME wanted you on straight CPAP for a month...... a lot of us find that auto lets a lot of the night be a little lower..BUT YOUR AHI WAS HIGH, so it may be best to let it be for a while first.... .. but then a lot of people find that the changing rpessure wakes them up...... I would give it a week, and if it is still not working, check with your DME or talk to folks bere about trying auto..

Look at your other thread and get the software (I recommend sleepyhead) it will help you see how things are going. I am sure that that will bring up more questions

[RandyJ]

Are you using your Autoset in fixed cpap mode at 11 cm?

I started therapy with a full face mask and after eight months transitioned to a nasal mask. Recently, I decided to try nasal pillows and so far like the pillows best of all. But I think the full face mask is essential for when I might be blocked up due to allergies or a cold.

I use a range of 14.5 to 18 cm, and 14.5 doesn't feel high to me. I think we get used to it. Before you know it you'll be waking up in the morning and wondering if the machine is on because you can't feel the pressure.

[Roxy]

Tonight will be my first night with the same machine that you have. I have the Quattro women Fx full face mask. My pressure is set to ramp. It will be variable, ranging from 14-20

[Pugsy]

If you start having nasal congestion or drainage then experiment with the humidifier setting. Some people need more moisture and some people need less. It makes no sense but congestion and drainage are common side effects of the humidified air. I happen to need LOTS of added moisture to keep my nasal mucosa happy and others find what I use totally unbearable. This is one of the things that you have to figure out which way works best for you.
I have used nothing but nasal pillow masks for over 3 years...my pressures have got to 18 cm and above on APAP from my minimum of 10 cm...lots of people use them with some fairly high pressures and have no issues at all.
We do get used to it believe it or not.

[purple]

Like a lot of people, when I first started it was like trying to sleep with a hurricane blowing up my nose. Now the pressure seems so low that often I am trying to determine if the machine is even blowing at all, or has a tear in the hose.

There frustrations with doing this treatment.

I went from those days when I woke up, thinking, "It can not be time to get up yet. I am still so tired."

After treatment.

I wake up and is as if I am alive in a way I have not been in years.

I wake up thinking, "Gosh there are so many interesting things that I can do today. I wanta get going."

Successful treatment is like coming back to life.

[archangle]

Welcome. It's tough sometime, but it beats dying or getting a stroke and wearing diapers and drooling for the rest of your life. You'll find a lot of advice here to smooth the way.

That is probably 78 events per hour. Still pretty darn bad.

There are three main types of mask. A "nasal pillow" that sits on your nose sounds like what you have.

There are also "nasal masks" that go around your nose.

Full Face Masks (FFM) go around both your nose and mouth.

I agree that a nasal pillow or nasal mask is better than a FFM unless you have problems with other masks.

It's hard to believe you have to do it the rest of your life, but the other options, such as surgery and oral devices, are either much more invasive or much less effective. Before too long, CPAP will probably become just another nighttime chore like brushing your teeth or bathing. For a lot of us, it's sort of a comforting ritual like snuggling up to our teddy bear.

[2kittymom]

Welcome to both of you brand newbies. The first night is certainly an experience. But, you need to just keep at it and it will get easier.
I started my CPAP therapy July 17th, so I'm still pretty new myself.
I'm surprised that they gave you a nasal pillow mask. I'm still not ready to use those. Did they show you other types of masks, and let you try them on? If not, they should have. Finding the right mask is the key to good therapy. Believe me, I tried a lot of them before I settled on a few that I think I can use.
Controlling leaks in the masks is another key. Even the nasal pillows can leak if not seated right. I tried a mask liner last night for the first time. I didn't have to adjust my mask at all. (I use a nasal mask). Also, another person recommended that instead of disconnecting the straps, if you have to get up during the night, disconnect the hose. That way the straps stay put and don't get out of adjustment.
And, do as much reading as you can on this forum. I have learned so very much. If you have concerns or questions, start a topic and ask. You will get plenty of help.
Lori

[Roxy]

I called the dme and found out how to adjust the ramp. The are also sending me mask liners which the insurance will cover ,hopefully tonoght will go better. I am so tired of being tired.