I'm new here!

[MickiJo]

Good afternoon! I am new here...and new to everything Sleep Apnea related. I was diagnosed back in January. I received my Cpap machine and I am ashamed to say that I just started using it. I have extreme claustrophobia issues. I have been using my machine for a week...every single night. I feel like crap. I am beyond exhausted! I called the company that brought all the equipment out to me and they are bringing me a new mask tomorrow. I told them that I feel like the one I currently have is too small (it's a size Small). Any and all advice is greatly appreciated and accepted. I wish I didn't have to deal with this. It really stinks.

[Bama Rambler]

Welcome to the forum.

This thing we strap to our face is not natural to any of us, so it's something we have to get used to. The fact that you've started and stuck with it a week is a step in the right direction.

If you can tell us more about your equipment we may be able to help you read the info from it and that will at least tell us if anything is wrong and if there's something glaring that needs to be investigated.

[JDS74]

Some helpful things you can do are:

1) Get a copy of your sleep study and your sleep titration study. That will give some base information about where you started.

2) Post your equipment information by going to the Control Panel. Directions are available in a link at the bottom of this post in the signature box. Select Text as this will avoid confusion. Almost all current CPAP machines within one manufacturer's line look alike.

3) Describe the problems you are having so folks with similar equipment/masks can comment in a meaningful way. This is especially true if claustrophobia or mask leak issues are giving you problems.

4) Once you have your equipment posted, list what computer and operating system you use. That way, if your machine is data capable, folks here can help you get the appropriate software so you can follow your own treatment. Not all machines, unfortunately, are data capable.

[library lady]

I'm newly diagnosed, in January as well, started using cpap on Feb. 3. I had a horrible first week with the mask. Then I found out about mask liners, and they've made a world of difference for me! I admit that things are not perfect, but they were definitely a game changer for me. You might want to ask your supplier about mask liners - or google them to find online sources..

Some people have to try many masks over several weeks or months to find the one they really like, others take to it right away. Everyone is different, and what works for one may not work for others. Our faces are not all the same, so the masks are all different, and it's a lot of trial and error.

As for sleeping with the mask, you might try training your brain that it's OK to have the alien on your face by spending a few evenings wearing the mask, with the machine turned on. It will help you get used to it. Others will be along with other suggestions for acclimating to sleeping with the hose and all that it entails. Good luck! If you have problems or questions along the way, come back here, and we will all help you figure it out.

[kaiasgram]

I wish I didn't have to deal with this. It really stinks.

Join the club ! Seriously, welcome -- if you follow the guidance that JDS provided, then we can start helping you get everything sorted out. Even under the best of circumstances this cpap adventure usually takes some serious getting used to. Hang in there, there really is a wealth of help and information here.

[MickiJo]

Okay...I updated my equipment. I am getting a different mask tomorrow. I'll change my info then. Thanks for your responses.

[kaiasgram]

Micki, can you give us the exact make and model of your machine? If you're unsure, you can look at the underside of the blower part (take the water tank out before you turn the machine upside down ) and tell us what numbers are on the label (likely begins with DS or REF I think). It does make a difference in terms of what kind of information we can get from that machine, and by extension what kind of help and feedback we can give you.

[JDS74]

You're almost there with the equipment posting.
When you select your machine, try the Preview button to see what shows up.
Some models don't show up for some unknown reason or other.
If your doesn't show up, you can include it as text in the signature block.

[MickiJo]

I selected my machine...not quite sure why it isn't posting. The machine I am using is the Remstar Pro C-Flex. The serial number is P03194363.

[Scootergirl]

I selected my machine...not quite sure why it isn't posting. The machine I am using is the Remstar Pro C-Flex. The serial number is P03194363.

I think we have the same machine - DS460s? I couldn't get it to post in my equipment profile the first time i tried, so added it to my additional info. Seems like the links on some of the machines are broken.

Welcome - I'm newly diagnosed and this is my third week on cpap. I had a Full face mask and just couldn't handle it - went back to my DME and we tried pretty much every mask they had - settled on a nasal pillow mask, the Airfit P10. I also really liked another mask called the Whisper - it's just over your nose and if it didn't make a red mark immediately on my nose, I probably would have given that a try. I do have to wear a chin strap, but I feel way less claustrophobic this way. I hope your DME brings out several masks for you to try - you really should be able to try as many as it takes to find one that you can tolerate. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

[Pugsy]

Look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit number....will be either 450 or 460.
Your current choice that isn't showing up is for the model 450...it has been discontinued and replaced by the 460 model number.
Discontinued equipment...their links don't seem to work anymore.. So if you have a model 450 machine..just add this to your comments line
PR System One Pro CPAP model 450

Now if you have model 460...that link in the equipment choices is working..the choice would be
PR System One 60 Series Pro CPAP

don't worry about the CFlex part of it...both models have it but doesn't show up in the choices for all models. Not a big deal..all the Pro models have CFlex + available

You can use software to review the data the machine collects. Check out the links in my signature for more information about the software.

[djhall]

I wish I didn't have to deal with this. It really stinks.

Would I get too many groans if I said it really... blows?

[Starlette]

Groan from me!

Welcome,

I hope you stay and find about your disorder. Plenty of people to give you ideas.
Sit back and, relax. I have provided you with something warm and good to eat . As you read the posts that relate to you.
I just milked Bessie the cow this morning. The milk is very delicious and very cold. I got up earlier this morning to bake you some chocolate chip cookies. Every ingredient that is in those cookies, I purchased from the nearest town grocery store. So, I hope you enjoy these as well.

Again welcome,
Starlette

[MickiJo]

Awwwww...Starlette...you made me cry. Thank you for the milk and cookies!

[Sheriff Buford]

Welcome!! The key is to find a comfortable mask that doesn't leak. Most folks will go thru 6 or 7 masks before they find one that is comfortable. What I like, you may not like and vise versa. We are all different... so the masks will fit us in a different way. Work all your issues here, and welcome, again.

Sheriff