joining the club

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
the block
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:23 pm
Location: New York

joining the club

Post by the block » Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:47 pm

I just got home from the ENT doctor and after my sleep study a couple weeks ago, I've been told I officially have sleep apnea. This was all brought on by snoring and getting tired of being nudged and woken up by my wife to tell me I was snoring. I always felt like I get a good night's sleep and slept well, but after hearing the results from the doctor and how many times I wake up, and especially how many times I stop breathing throughout the night, I'm starting to doubt what my concept of a good night's sleep is.

The doctor said I have "severe" sleep apnea, and recommended CPAP therapy. I have to have another sleep study done on 12/11 to find out what pressure settings I need. My insurance coverage is changing to a high deductible plan on Jan 1, so I told the doctor it was very important we get all this taken care of, including buying the machine, before the end of the year. He seemed confident we could make that happen.

So that said, are there any recommendations on good brands or models of machines? From some googling around, people seem to speak highly of the ResMed S9. I'm not sure how the process of picking out and buying a machine will work, ie if I get any choice or if I will be prescribed a specific machine, or if my insurance company will mandate which machine I get, but if I get a say, I'd like to have a couple in mind. I looked on my insurance's website and they'll pick up 80% of the cost, that is until the end of the year, which seems decent enough. I feel ok with having to wear a mask to sleep with, as I have a few family members that have CPAP machines and have talked up the benefits of using them. The only concern of mine is that I don't want to be restricted in how I sleep. I alternate frequently from back to side to other side to stomach sleeping. Basically I end up in every position, just because that is what is comfortable to me. I don't want to be pulling and tugging on a tube a bunch of times during the night just to get comfortable.

Lastly this sleep apnea diagnosis got me thinking about a problem I've been having the past couple of years, which coincidentally is about how long I've been snoring now. Sometimes my vision throughout the day seems impaired. Not like blurry or anything, but sometimes it seems slow. If I look side to side or up and down quickly, it's almost like I have to adjust to the new position my head is in for a second. The best thing I can compare it to is when you've been drinking and try looking around fast, your brain has to kind of catch up to what you're looking at. That's just the best example I can give. It's not nearly that bad or impairing, but it can be annoying when it's going on. Since I've learned my concept of a good night's sleep has now been a farce the past couple years, I started thinking if these vision impairments could just be going through the day while overtired without even realizing it. Does anyone know if what I describe can be a side affect from sleep apnea? Anyone else have something similar? Did the CPAP fix it?

Thanks for reading.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: Swift™ FX Nano Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Started using CPAP 1/13/14

Foggy1
Posts: 88
Joined: Wed Oct 02, 2013 11:19 am

Re: joining the club

Post by Foggy1 » Mon Nov 25, 2013 2:49 pm

I've not experienced the vision issue you mention, but I'm sure you'll get other responses. Perhaps someone else has.

As to what kind of machine...it is VERY important that you get a data capable xPAP device. The machine will write data to an SD card, which your sleep doctor and YOU can then view and evaluate. The two most popular and highly recommended brands seem to be the Philips Respironics System One and the ResMed S9. Talk to your doctor and make sure that he recommends a current model. You can check them out on our host's website (cpap.com). Stress to the doc that you want auto adjusting and data capable.

As to wrestling with a hose--wait until you get your device and mask, then come here for ideas. The advice we offer will likely depend on what type of mask you wear. Just know that you don't have to wrestle with the hose--there are solutions. I flip from side to side all night, and have yet to get tangled.

Glad you found us, and welcome!

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Julie
Posts: 20052
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:58 pm

Re: joining the club

Post by Julie » Mon Nov 25, 2013 3:43 pm

Ask your GP for a referral to a neurologist about your eyes, or else for an ophthalmologist (not optician/optometrist) consult. You don't want diagnoses from strangers on the net about something that important and/or potentially serious. I have a little idea what I'm talking about and you should have told your MD about it. Otherwise, we'll all be happy to help you get started with Cpap. The S9 Autoset is a very good machine and if your insce. allows it, rather than demanding that you go on a rent-to-own scheme, you'll be better off buying outright online than the other.