Using Nasal Pillow for first time

[mrstay]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea over 8 years ago and and had UPPP surgery in July 2005. After having several complications from the surgery and a failed sleepstudy with a full face CPAP, I decided I was done thinking about apnea and sleep studies, even though I continued to have disordered sleeping and extreme fatigue. Fast forward seven years, when I finally had another study and discovered that I now have severe apnea and oxygen level that went as low as 80%. I have frequent headaches now and do realize that I need treatment. I decided to go with a nasal pillow, had it brought to my house two days ago and am approaching my first night at home with it. I was told my level will be from 8-10. I am trying not to freak out and to maintain a positive attitude. I know I will feel better during the day and I promised my family I would do this, and I have promised myself to take better care of me. I basically "run" my family (two members are bipolar), have a 93 year old mother with medical problems who lives 300 miles away, and a full time job. I am 62, would love to retire but cannot afford to at this time. Any support I can get would be greatly appreciated!!

[tmiker]

The first time I tried the nasal pillows I said no way as the pressure seemed more intense than a nasal mask. Now I love the pillows and don't feel the pressure, I actually enjoy putting it on. I'm about the same pressure as you. Don't get discouraged and give it a week before you discard it as an option.

[chunkyfrog]

Make sure you get a full data machine.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

[cosmo]

Nasal pillows are the easiest for me to have no leaks. It seals the best.

[jencat824]

Welcome to the forum!

I know this undertaking seems hard, but you can do it. All of us here have struggled at one time or another with issues surrounding our CPAP therapy. Post any questions or any issues you are having and the wise ones on this forum will help you. I've been on CPAP therapy for 12 years, just discovered this forum about a month & a half ago. These great folks are so much help.

Something very important: listen to chunkyfrog about getting a data capable machine. This will allow you to look at your own data & know where you are doing well & what areas you need to work on with your therapy. Just let everyone here know what you need help with and someone here will help you.

Welcome!
Jen

[emt_271]

Welcome to the forum mrstay....the are some real xPAP experts here, so ask away! (I'm a newbie too, but learning)

I switched from a nasal mask to pillows on November 1st,(2012). This has been the best thing I did yet, my data has been very good. I run BPAP at 11/17 with less leak than the mask. I have the Opus 360 (thanks to the forum members). it actually is loose enough to feel like it will leak before the machine is running, but it inflates really well and seals. Overall I have MUCH less leak issues with the pillow.

I also strongly agree that you need a data capable machine so you can track/manage you own progress - the DME's just aren't that good at it!

[kaiasgram]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea over 8 years ago and and had UPPP surgery in July 2005. After having several complications from the surgery and a failed sleepstudy with a full face CPAP, I decided I was done thinking about apnea and sleep studies, even though I continued to have disordered sleeping and extreme fatigue. Fast forward seven years, when I finally had another study and discovered that I now have severe apnea and oxygen level that went as low as 80%. I have frequent headaches now and do realize that I need treatment. I decided to go with a nasal pillow, had it brought to my house two days ago and am approaching my first night at home with it. I was told my level will be from 8-10. I am trying not to freak out and to maintain a positive attitude. I know I will feel better during the day and I promised my family I would do this, and I have promised myself to take better care of me. I basically "run" my family (two members are bipolar), have a 93 year old mother with medical problems who lives 300 miles away, and a full time job. I am 62, would love to retire but cannot afford to at this time. Any support I can get would be greatly appreciated!!

Wow, mrstay, you have a lot on your plate. You need to be getting that oxygen at night! You sound very committed and you found the right place for help and support. Ask away! I'm another fan of the nasal pillow mask. If you start to freak out, send out an SOS here and people will respond. And welcome!

[mrstay]

Thanks to everyone for your support! I actually made it with the NP from 11 pm to 4:00 am. I don't think I slept well but I did keep it on, so I am really proud of myself. After 4, I went back to sleep without it, and of course I woke up 2 hours later with a headache. So my body is telling me that I really do need the nasal pillow.Now I have to figure out how to check the settings so I know what my numbers were last night.
I do have one question: Should the distilled water be refrigerated? Thanks again, everyone.

[hopingitworks]

It would help other members on the forum if you would post the type of equipment you are using. That can be done in the User Control Panel at the top left of the page. Should you need any help in doing this just ask on the forum. Once you have posted this information people will be able to help you getting your data off of the machine. That is assuming you have a data capable machine.

As far as I know one doesn't need to refrigerate the distilled water. At least, I don't.