New to this site

[MissDi]

I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea. I get my machine on Monday. I'm really scared. I don't know what to expect and have many fears---what if the machine fails will i suffocate??? what about wearing a mask in the summer--i don't have AC and it gets really hot---do allergies have an affect on the sleep study results?
should I have taken a sudafed before doing the study? oh man, I am so not happy i am looking over the site to get fmiliar with it, but there are alot of things here i don't understand--Miss Di

[DeadlySleep]

Every person has to start somewhere. Relax.

Do you really think we are dropping dead when the power fails?

[DeadlySleep]

Oh, and someone will post to make sure you get the right machine. If they don't have the right machine for you Monday, walk out without a machine.

[MissDi]

how do i know if it is the right machine? i have to have a cpap machine with a full face mask.

[ChicagoGranny]

Can you tell us what your diagnosis says and what is written on your prescription?

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

Read these blogs as they will help you understand which machines might be better choices and what to expect from DMEs (the people who supply your equipment).
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/
http://adventures-in-hosehead-land.blog ... -with.html

[MissDi]

I was never given a copy of my DX or my RX---Dr office handled it all and sent it to a home health agency. I have to go and pick up my machine on Monday.
I was in too much shock to even ask for it. I guess I should ask for a copy of my report...never thought of it.

[library lady]

You are entitled to a copy of your prescription, and you should call your doctor right away and ask for a copy of it, or if you can pick it up... make sure you have it before you go to pick up your machine so you are aware of what it says before you get the machine ... you should also be aware that there are many different styles of full face masks. If you will go to the website of cpap.com, our sponsors, you can look at all of the different options there are. Your DME may not have them all in stock.
You have come to the right place, ask any and all questions you need to ask. Welcome to the forum!

[Julie]

And for what it's worth, my allergic rhinitis (chronic low level hay fever) went away with Cpap.

[MissDi]

I called my sleep Dr's office and they will get back to me...I will consider stopping by and seeing if I can get a copy of the report and RX.
Thank you for the head's up to bring it with me even tho I am sure the Dr office sent it to them.
It would be nice if my night time stuffiness went away
Thank you for the replies. I am really stressed about this whole thing....

[WindowShaker]

MissDi ... It's not as scary as you think it will be. I just got my CPAP 3 weeks ago, and there already have been noticeable changes....no more falling asleep watching TV, MORE energy, lower B/P ... I feel soooo much better. It may take you a bit to get used to, but once you do, you will be amazed. The trick is to find the right mask for you...personally, I chose the nasal pillow, and I love it.....and get the humidity setting on your machine right for you....don't be afraid to turn it up if it dries you out.

Good Luck & Hang in there !!!

[MissDi]

Thank you for your encouragement.....my Dr ordered a full face mask and i am claustrophobic...i hope that the adjustment is easy and that i will feel better....
He told me that i have moderate sleep apnea--wondering if i really need to do all this???

[WindowShaker]

If you are claustrophobic, a full face mask will probably be uncomfortable for you.....when you meet with the RT to get your CPAP, ask to see all options they have for the masks.....you can choose which one to try out.....it may take you a few trials to find the one that works best for you.

[Julie]

If you are claustrophobic and need a FF mask, there are different types like the Hybrid that don't even cover your nose (look it up on Cpap.com), plus you can get used to wearing one while e.g. watching TV, with no machine on, just the mask...

[sc0ttt]

Thank you for the replies. I am really stressed about this whole thing....

You might REALLY LIKE IT! Half the time I want to run around telling people how much I love my little sleeping machine... but they might think that's kinda weird.