Have just been diagnosed!

[NanaLori]

Hi to all....I have done the sleep study and went to my doctor today and told I will get a machine. A person is going bring it next week. I have no idea what...but i did request a mask that covered my mouth and nose. The night of the sleep study I asked for one that just covered my nose...but I couldn't do it when they woke me up. I felt more comfortable with the full mask...that night any way! I am very nervous about all this yet look forward to a good nights sleep.
I have ignored the problem for years...thinking if i just loose some weight. But i am tired of sleeping in a recliner...I want to sleep in my bed with my husband...all night! I look forward to everyone answering my questions...ya know real people that are doing the same as me! And I am sure I will have plenty of questions. Just reading all that are already on here has been a big help....so any advice for me when the lady brings my machine? Questions I should ask? Thanks in advance....Lori

[DreamStalker]

Contact you doctor and ask for a copy of your sleep study report (to better undestand your specific OSA characterisitcs and how to treat them) and the prescription (to leverage the lady who brings your machine -- may you need to) ... and welcome to the family.

- roberto

[Vader]

It can seem to be a tad bit overwhelming at first, but just give it a little time and IT WILL work out.
It can be a good idea to write down any questions you have, on a piece of paper, this way you can just listen to what the clinician instructs you to do.
You can go down your list of questions after they tell you what you need to know.
Also, check in here whenever you have further questions (in addition to your healthcare professionals, of course) Good luck!

[linda b]

I would suggest you spend as much time as you can reading old posts on this forum between now and the time they deliver your machine and mask. You will be surprised how much you can learn from this one site. At first it will seem like everyone is talking in a foreign language, but it will eventually begin to make sense. Towards the top of the index you will see a location to click on a CPAP encyclopedia, frequently asked questions and videos. Those would be very good places to start.

Why is all this important? Because the better informed you are, the more likely you are to get equipment that will truly be appropriate for you. And the more likely you are to succeed at this therapy. Many people who don't know better end up with second-rate stuff from the DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider) which can make it much harder on you.

Don't hesitate to ask questions -- many experienced people will be happy to help you along.

[snoregirl]

I second the comment on getting your prescription and sleep study.

You may find that you don't benefit from using a local DME or that you don't care for the machine "they bring". There are lots of brands and different options and you should decide what you need and want in a machine.

Also make sure that your insurance copay isn't more than buying from CPAP.com cash.

Make sure you get a humidifier and preferably a machine that collects data.

Double check with your insurance company yourself to see what they cover don't rely on what the "lady who is bringing your machine" tells you.

Don't count on it being set up correctly either.

[Wulfman]

NanaLori,

Along the same line of what others have said.......YOU need to decide what equipment YOU will be using. This is going to be YOUR therapy for a long time and YOU should NOT let someone else (who will be more than glad to help you part with your hard-earned money) select your equipment.

Like the others have said, do lots of reading on thie site and check out all of the equipment on CPAP.COM (the sponsor of this forum).
By the way, we don't work for CPAP.COM, we're just sold on their prices and service.....they're the BEST!

I would recommend a machine that has recording capabilities for nightly statistics so you can monitor your therapy. Also, some sort of breathing relief (C-Flex or EPR) that makes sleeping more comfortable. And, an integrated heated humidifier.

The machines I would suggest you checking out are:
REMstar Pro 2
REMstar Auto
REMstar "M" Series Pro
REMstar "M" Series Auto

ResMed Elite
ResMed Vantage

Best wishes,

Den

[kteague]

You may want to make a pre-emptive move and call your insurance beforehand to know what you're eligible for, and call the DME provider and ask what machine they typically bring because you have preferences. It's so much harder to backtrack and do exchanges than to start off with what you need to feel confident in your therapy.