Newbie settling in

[jon k]

I feel like I've just finished freshman orientation, and I'm ready for school.

I can finally stop using my clunky loaner CPAP from the sleep lab: after 6 weeks since my sleep test, my very own, brand new ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset was delivered today by a very helpful respiratory therapist who spent an hour with me going over the machine, fitting my mask, and answering any questions I might have. I've been having A LOT of trouble with my loaner Wisp nasal mask recently, to the point that I could only bear to be wearing it about 4 hours a night. Had no idea that the loaner mask I have had for the past several weeks (which was lightly used when I got it - or at least didn't come out of a bag) was wearing out, nor did I know that with the Wisp lighter pressure with the velcro bands is better than heavier pressure. The Wisp mask I've had is vaguely cloudy in spots, like clear plastic that's been bent back and forth several times. The new one feels so much better.

Now with my own machine, a better understanding of masks, a clearer picture of who to ask for help, I'm ready to start figuring this out as much as I can. In the past six weeks I've gotten used to the constant pressure of air - in fact, with an AHI of 41 I used to dread going to sleep, now the air reassures me. I've also figured out the humidity - it seems I need rather high humidity to keep my nasal passages from bleeding, at least in the winter (it took days of a bloody nose to figure that one out). What I really need to do is figure out the mask part, so now with my own machine and data that I can look at, I can start figuring that piece out.

So tonight: new machine, new mask, and in the morning, new data (the nerd in me rejoices!), and hopefully, a better rested version of myself.

[AMK]

Hi, jon. I like the Mirage FX mask. I ended up getting the new Pico mask which is similar in construction. I like these masks because the forehead piece seems to hold the nose cushion in place better while I toss and turn and it pulls the cushion up a little so the pressure of the cushion is more evenly distributed around my nose rather than weighted towards the bottom of my nose. I have the "for her" version of your same machine. I hope all goes well tonight!

[RustyShackleford]

I'm with you Jon, I actually look forward to masking up when it's bedtime. I know I'll be able to breathe. It's worth the inconvenience! I'm two weeks into therapy and the fog is lifting already!

[Nyre]

I am so glad to hear that the therapy is working for you and you finally got your own machine with Data.

[EveOett]

Good luck with all the new gear! I am on week five and suddenly feeling like a new person. Wishing the same for you.
Best,
Eve

[jon k]

Ugh! Taught last night which meant a late night for me - got all excited about my new machine only to discover that the tech had forgotten to set the pressure correctly! My prescription is for Auto 4 - 8 cm H20, but when I was trying on the mask she took it off auto, set it to 8 to make sure I had a good mask fit - and left it there. So at midnight I'm madly leafing through all the manuals that came with the machine and the best I could do was to figure out how to set the ramp function, but I was disappointed not to have the auto feature in place my first night. I leave tomorrow so I'm really really hoping they can either tell me how to set it or come back and fix it. Grrrrrr.... Still, the data this morning was fun.

[Nick Danger]

Clinical guide for the Airsense 10 can be found here: https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf

The information you want begins on page 14. It shows you how to get to the clinical menu and adjust the pressures and modes.