I'm brand new to this and scared.

Protege · Post by **Protege** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:39 pm

Hello everyone- i just got my CPAP today, and I'm not ashamed to admit, I'm a bit scared. I'm not sure if I'll be able to use the CPAP correctly, or if I'll be able to adjust to this. I realize I have no choice in this, and this is a "Rest of my life" kind of thing, but I'm the type of person who doesn't trust and believe in something until i see the results for myself. I've only had sleep apnea for a month. Since this began, I've been taking ambien to help me sleep. On a good night, i get about six hours, but I've been waking up a bit earlier than I'd like. I'm sure my doctor would love for me to get off of this, and I'd love to, but I'm not sure if there's a safer alternative for me. I've also been experiencing dizzy spells when I lie down or get up, at different intervals, but I'm not sure if the ambien is causing it, or the apnea. Before this started, I was taking tylenol PM for 5-6 years, but I'm not sure I'll be able to return to that. I guess I'll have to talk to my doctor about this. My brother's been on CPAP for 15 years, so I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm only starting my journey. I guess this is my roundabout way of introducing myself to the forum. Hopefully, I'll be checking back with a success story. Nice to meet you all.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:53 pm

Protege wrote:Hello everyone- i just got my CPAP today, and I'm not ashamed to admit, I'm a bit scared. I'm not sure if I'll be able to use the CPAP correctly, or if I'll be able to adjust to this. I realize I have no choice in this, and this is a "Rest of my life" kind of thing, but I'm the type of person who doesn't trust and believe in something until i see the results for myself. I've only had sleep apnea for a month. Since this began, I've been taking ambien to help me sleep. On a good night, i get about six hours, but I've been waking up a bit earlier than I'd like. I'm sure my doctor would love for me to get off of this, and I'd love to, but I'm not sure if there's a safer alternative for me. I've also been experiencing dizzy spells when I lie down or get up, at different intervals, but I'm not sure if the ambien is causing it, or the apnea. Before this started, I was taking tylenol PM for 5-6 years, but I'm not sure I'll be able to return to that. I guess I'll have to talk to my doctor about this. My brother's been on CPAP for 15 years, so I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm only starting my journey. I guess this is my roundabout way of introducing myself to the forum. Hopefully, I'll be checking back with a success story. Nice to meet you all.

Welcome to the forum.
Yeah, it can be kind of overwhelming at first. Try to take it one day/night at a time and pretty soon you'll look back and wonder where all the time went.
Please fill out your profile with all of the equipment you're using and the settings.
You may want to try using it in a chair/recliner while watching TV or something like that. It'll help you acclimate to the machine and airflow.......let you get your mask and whatever adjusted to feel correct. Too many people just flop down in bed, put the mask on and lay there staring at the ceiling not being able to fall asleep.

It's "baby steps".

Den

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Bill44133 · Post by **Bill44133** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:06 pm

Welcome to the forum.. You found a good place here.. work all your therapy issues out here. Lots knowledge here...

I agree the whole process is scary.. Here is the machine and good luck is what mostly happens...
You are in good company..

I wish you well...

Protege · Post by **Protege** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:27 pm

Thanks for all the support; I have an airsense10 from Resmed. I'll have to look up the serial numbers again. Unfortunately, I don't have a TV in my bedroom; I may have to pull out my iPad. I should mention that my therapist mentioned i had no problem adjusting to the sleep apnea device at the study center, but that was when they had everything set up for me. This is me now, trying to do it myself. Oh, and I'm still trying to figure out all the terms and numbers and whatnot that I've seen on this forum. That's another thing that intimidates me. By the way, wufman, are you a man or a woman? Reason i ask is, i have a sister named "Den."

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:36 pm

Protege wrote:Thanks for all the support; I have an airsense10 from Resmed. I'll have to look up the serial numbers again. Unfortunately, I don't have a TV in my bedroom; I may have to pull out my iPad. I should mention that my therapist mentioned i had no problem adjusting to the sleep apnea device at the study center, but that was when they had everything set up for me. This is me now, trying to do it myself. Oh, and I'm still trying to figure out all the terms and numbers and whatnot that I've seen on this forum. That's another thing that intimidates me. By the way, wufman, are you a man or a woman? Reason i ask is, i have a sister named "Den."

Make sure it is not an Airsense 10 CPAP. That one is not fully data capable and I would try to exchange it if that is the model. This link will show you the machines that are data capable. https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:40 pm

Den's a man.

Well, I'm curious as to why you're taking sleep meds when most people with Apnea tend to sleep very long hours trying to compensate for the 'events' that arouse them (though they're usually not aware of them)?

Don't forget one thing - if you did sleep e.g. 8 hrs with apnea, you're much more likely to sleep less, because your sleep will be productive, not tiring as it would be with untreated apnea. Have you considered not using the Ambien?

And as was asked please, for your sake and ours as we try to help you, fill in your equipment and pressure settings.

Protege · Post by **Protege** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:14 pm

As I've said, I'm still learning about all the technical jargon associated with this; It's one of the reasons i was reluctant to join this forum, because I don't really understand it; mechanical things tend to intimidate me. I'll keep working on it. As for sleep aids, i guess I've had sleep apnea for a bit longer than I've stated, this is just the first time my symptoms have become so bad that I need to go on this. I got into the habit of taking sleep aids to help me sleep some time ago. (Maybe this is part of the reason I have sleep apnea now?) I suppose i have, and think I probably could get to sleep without them, but that too will take some getting used to.

Bill44133 · Post by **Bill44133** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:21 pm

It is going to be hard especially if you feel like hell... but Educating yourself will be part of your success... It is important... It is your health..

The upper left hand corner of the page is the User Control Panel.. and then the profile tab.. edit equipment..

I wish you well...

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:23 pm

Protege wrote: . . .
I've only had sleep apnea for a month.

Guess what? You have probably had it for YEARS, but now you have a chance to do something about it.
Welcome. Read much, you will learn. Soon it will become natural.

Cannuck 1 · Post by **Cannuck 1** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:24 pm

Welcome, you will adapt in time and you will just accept the cpap.
You have a good machine also and if the mask is a good one you will adjust even faster.
I find it very interesting since I bought a new machine recently and downloaded sleepyhead and rescan 5.5 which gives a window of what my respiratory is going on.
All the best.

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:27 pm

This Sleep Disorder Glossary might help with some of the terms. http://sleepyhead.sourceforge.net/wiki/ ... p/Glossary
When you find something you don't understand just ask. There will be someone that will help.
This will help you with filling in your equipment. wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile
If you come across where your machine doesn't show up you can just put it in your signature line.
Also at the top of the page in the ANNOUNCEMENTS threads you can find enough to make your head swim. But take it a little at a time and it will become easier.

Protege · Post by **Protege** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:36 pm

I have considered not using the ambien, I only have a week's supply left, and I'm pretty sure My doctor will want to get me off of it. But, I like to sleep. It does take me awhile to get there, but when I do.,i seem to be sleeping for six hours straight. I did try lorazepam, the anxiety medication, with limited results. I guess that will be part of the learning process. By the way, I seem to be having a bit of dry mouth BEFORE I've even started using the mask. I guess it's a sign of the apnea- is there anything i can do about that and possible nasal congestion?

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:47 pm

Protege wrote:I have considered not using the ambien, I only have a week's supply left, and I'm pretty sure My doctor will want to get me off of it. But, I like to sleep. It does take me awhile to get there, but when I do.,i seem to be sleeping for six hours straight. I did try lorazepam, the anxiety medication, with limited results. I guess that will be part of the learning process. By the way, I seem to be having a bit of dry mouth BEFORE I've even started using the mask. I guess it's a sign of the apnea- is there anything i can do about that and possible nasal congestion?

Dry mouth could be from mouth breathing...Nasal congestion..Try a nasal rinse before bed. OTC NeilMed works great for me.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:49 pm

Protege wrote:I have considered not using the ambien, I only have a week's supply left, and I'm pretty sure My doctor will want to get me off of it. But, I like to sleep. It does take me awhile to get there, but when I do.,i seem to be sleeping for six hours straight. I did try lorazepam, the anxiety medication, with limited results. I guess that will be part of the learning process. By the way, I seem to be having a bit of dry mouth BEFORE I've even started using the mask. I guess it's a sign of the apnea- is there anything i can do about that and possible nasal congestion?

Nasal cleansing. Before bedtime or anytime during the day when you're feeling congested. You need to have your nasal passages clear so you can (preferably) breathe through your nose while you sleep.

Den

.

OkyDoky · Post by **OkyDoky** » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:52 pm

I use OraJel for Dry Mouth. Just put a small amount on the tip of your tongue then rub it between your gum and cheek. It keeps the dry mouth away from me all night.

I'm brand new to this and scared.

I'm brand new to this and scared.

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Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: OSCAR 1.1 software, Rescan 5.9,ceiling pressure max 11CM +Floor Min pressure 8 CM range,EPR-3