I have my machine, ready for my 1st night == sort of

[FrayedTrain]

Well, I guess I am ready. I went to the DME today. I have to say that trying the machine today for the first time took me by surprise. The pressure was more than I'd expected at 5. I was also stymied that I couldn't really talk while the machine was blowing. I tried, in order, a full face mask, nasal, then nasal pillows. I did find that after a few breaths it wasn't bad at all. I even felt a sense of comfort being able to breath 'more fully' with the machine. I did a lot of singing in school, South Jersey and Allstate chorus, and operatic festivals too. So I'm familiar with what a full lung feels like.

I ended up with Swift FX, because they didn't have the Airfit P10 in yet. They have it on order, and it is written that they will send it as soon as it gets in. I also only have the slim line hose now not the heated hose. My doctor was supposed to send that in the prescription, my bad for not getting the updated prescription from my doc before my visit. The DME person, an RN, called my Dr's office while I was there and requested a new prescription that included the heated hose. I thought that was a 'good sign.'

So I hope to get an early start tonight, to wear the mask while watching TV or reading before I go to bed so I can acclimate to the mask.

I think I have everything, I'll get distilled water tonight. Use the existing settings (ramp, humidity) for the first night, my prescribed pressures are 5-20.

I'm both excited to finally get treatment, and concerned over the experience. I liken it to 'stage fright.'

Tomorrow I get to be 'techy' and check out Sleepyhead. (Just a note; Sleepyhead should come with 'sample files' to import for testing/trying out the software.)

[Krelvin]

Did you ever have a titration study? Curious what your study said for pressures. 5-20 is almost like they don't know where to start. 5 is pretty low.

[BlackSpinner]

A few hours before bed set it all up and watch some tv. That way it won't be that scary when you set it up the first time before bed. I left to just before bed and just about had a panic attack thinking of all the things I was doing wrong, could do wrong, break the thing and die of asphyxiation as a result.

[strigiformes]

Well, I guess I am ready. I went to the DME today. I have to say that trying the machine today for the first time took me by surprise. The pressure was more than I'd expected at 5. I was also stymied that I couldn't really talk while the machine was blowing. I tried, in order, a full face mask, nasal, then nasal pillows. I did find that after a few breaths it wasn't bad at all. I even felt a sense of comfort being able to breath 'more fully' with the machine. I did a lot of singing in school, South Jersey and Allstate chorus, and operatic festivals too. So I'm familiar with what a full lung feels like.

I ended up with Swift FX, because they didn't have the Airfit P10 in yet. They have it on order, and it is written that they will send it as soon as it gets in. I also only have the slim line hose now not the heated hose. My doctor was supposed to send that in the prescription, my bad for not getting the updated prescription from my doc before my visit. The DME person, an RN, called my Dr's office while I was there and requested a new prescription that included the heated hose. I thought that was a 'good sign.'

So I hope to get an early start tonight, to wear the mask while watching TV or reading before I go to bed so I can acclimate to the mask.

I think I have everything, I'll get distilled water tonight. Use the existing settings (ramp, humidity) for the first night, my prescribed pressures are 5-20.

I'm both excited to finally get treatment, and concerned over the experience. I liken it to 'stage fright.'

Tomorrow I get to be 'techy' and check out Sleepyhead. (Just a note; Sleepyhead should come with 'sample files' to import for testing/trying out the software.)

Congrats and good luck tonight!

I use the P10, but my husband prefers the SwiftFX because it fits his big ol' head better and is more stable when he moves around. It's a nice mask and the most comfortable for him of all he's tried.

[Tatooed Lady]

A few hours before bed set it all up and watch some tv. That way it won't be that scary when you set it up the first time before bed. I left to just before bed and just about had a panic attack thinking of all the things I was doing wrong, could do wrong, break the thing and die of asphyxiation as a result.

nothing like being positive...as in, "I'm POSITIVE I'M GONNA DIIIEEEE!!!"

[FrayedTrain]

Did you ever have a titration study? Curious what your study said for pressures. 5-20 is almost like they don't know where to start. 5 is pretty low.

No titration study, my first sleep study was without cpap. Dr saw me and explained about the REM numbers being 38+, and prescribed APAP for home titration. He wanted to get me on treatment asap. BTW, the dr was board certified sleep dr, not just a pulmonologist.

[FrayedTrain]

A few hours before bed set it all up and watch some tv. That way it won't be that scary when you set it up the first time before bed. I left to just before bed and just about had a panic attack thinking of all the things I was doing wrong, could do wrong, break the thing and die of asphyxiation as a result.

I'll set it up as early as I can. Probably about an hour before bed. Need to help get our kid in bed and do some nightly chores, and other routine stuff. If I was on my normal routine that would mean doing stuff until I drop around midnight.

[Krelvin]

BTW, the dr was board certified sleep dr, not just a pulmonologist.

doesn't mean much. He can be just as clueless as a non-board certified one.

So you are doing a titration at home.


As for your machine, I would already be using it hours before going to bed to get used to it.

[palerider]

So you are doing a titration at home.


As for your machine, I would already be using it hours before going to bed to get used to it.

and, tomorrow, look at the data from tonight, and raise the minimum pressure as needed.

[Denial Dave]

my machine & supplies sat in the bag it came in for 2 days until I got over the shock of needing it

[FrayedTrain]

I got about 6 hours of time logged into the machine on my first night. I wouldn't say I was asleep for much of that time.

At first I kept trying to keep up with the machine, breathing in faster than I normally do (since the machine did all the work) and then struggling to exhale, especially when the machine started raising the pressure. I didn't know what to do with my jaw, I don't like to close my teeth but in the early part of the night I kept getting the 'chipmunk look'. Eventually I was able to relax my breathing, and get into a natural rhythm. For the first two hours of treatment, I had issues, kept turning the machine off to release the crazy pressure at my face. Then for the next two hours, I had only a 'few' major interruptions, waking here and there, but able to fall back asleep somewhat. I got up at the 4.01 hour mark, and figured I reached my compliance goal. Then I was able to go another two hours and get into the 'natural breathing rhythm' pretty quickly this time.

For the more comfortable parts of my treatment, the times when I was in my 'natural breathing zone'; the pressures were between ~9 and ~13. I could deal with that. Sometimes pressures went above that, not sure if that was due to a 'real' obstruction, or my just closing off my throat due to foreign effects of the pressure. I feel that I have gotten over the initial shock, and acceptance of the mask and pressure. I'm sure I will need many more nights before I fully accept this as I do my glasses. I am hopeful that tonight will be much better and hope that any other 'newbies' out there will press on with their treatment too. We can do this!

[BlackSpinner]

Congratulations on managing 6 hours!!!!

Pressures when awake have nothing to do with the sleep pressures. When we are awake we do things like hold our breathe when moving, when thinking about stressful stuff. When you look at sleephead you will see just how erratic non sleep breathing is. Since you have kids just watch them breathing when they are asleep and you will see how different it is from awake breathing.

Note the machine does not breath for you. The idea that it is controlling your breath is in your imagination (unless you have an ASV) though the exhale pressure relief can give you that feeling.

Tonight when you try to sleep find a memory from a vacation and replay it. Most people have memories of laying on a beach, browsing and being totally relaxed- replay the memory in sight, smell, feel one at the time. Or use those nature sounds & music cds.

[archangle]

Shut your mouth. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and the back of your front teeth.

You'll probably be able to talk with the mask on before long, although you'll sound like you are holding your nose.

If you feel it's timing your breathing, try turning off the EPR function.

You can press the stop button and start it again at the minimum pressure for a while.

The Swift FX is a great mask, although it sort of chewed up my nose until I got used to it. I could wear it all day now. Be sure to adjust the straps with the pressure on. It needs to "inflate" into your nostrils, and if it's sized properly, it fits rather loosely. Sometimes, a little warm water on the pillows before masking up helps it settle in and seal right.

[FrayedTrain]

Thanks for the tips, here I go for my 2nd night.

I can do this. I can do this.

[Drowsy Dancer]

Thanks for the tips, here I go for my 2nd night.

I can do this. I can do this.

You certainly can!

PS a dab of Lansinoh on the pillows can also help them settle in.