if you were new at this

Flower51 · Post by **Flower51** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:13 pm

What questions do you wish you would have known to ask if you were new at this?

I'm going in for a sleep study soon and I KNOW I have sleep apnea. From reading some of your board postings, I do know this...

I'd like something simple and uncomplicated (is there such a thing?) that won't interfere too much w/sleeping on my side and if possible stomach.

My face is round with chubby cheeks and a turned up nose, if that helps.
Has anyone conquered apnea simply by sleeping in a recliner????

Thanks, Flower

mrhyak · Post by **mrhyak** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:05 pm

I'm a new CPAP user and I wish I had found this forum before my sleep study and receiving my machine. Read, Read, and Read some more. There are a lot of knowledgeable users here AND they will answer your questions. Read Rested Gals comments on choosing and testing an interface (the mask, nose pillows, etc.) many others have excellent comments and information also (see "2nd day, mask problems!" ) The biggest problem I've had is getting a comfortable fit with a mask, but the range of troubles covers it all. Even with the problems, my sleep is better than it has been in months
Good Luck
Jim

battlin_blazes · Post by **battlin_blazes** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:16 pm

one of the things I wish I had done during my sleep study, The technician tried several masks on me during the night of the study trying to find comfort for me. I wish I had requested the mask to try at home even though I couldn't get along with them in the sleep lab. as I'm sure the insurance paid for all four or five of them. so it would be nice to have them now to try in the comfort of my own home to see if I could get along with a different type mask. But I didn't know any better at that time. just a thought...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 6:12 pm

I too am a newbie - only two weeks on cpap ... hi everyone! WOW, what a difference a machine and mask can make!

But I also wish I knew about this wonderful forum prior to my sleep study ... especially with regards to all the machine and mask options. OK, I knew that my sleep study was a split PSG -- so I was prepared to possibly have to wear a mask and have CPAP treatment during the second 1/2 of the night. But, I had no idea that I'd be walking out with a machine and a mask that very next morning! Luckily, I do like my machine, a Resmed AutoSpirit with a heated humidifier. But like most everyone else, I wish I could've had a chance to try out the different masks. I ended up with (i.e. they gave me) a ComfortClassic that was OK, but it was getting kinda claustrophobic with the forehead pad thingy in my line of vision.

So after doing some heavy duty forum reading and researching, I ordered the ComfortCurve and it arrived today ... can't wait to sleep with it tonight. I'll report back.

SleepyTime · Post by **SleepyTime** » Tue May 17, 2005 6:16 pm

Oops ... forgot to login before I posted my reply above - SleepyTime

Sleeping With The Enemy · Post by **Sleeping With The Enemy** » Tue May 17, 2005 7:34 pm

Welcome to the forum, glad you were able to find us before your sleep study.

I am a hard core stomach sleeper and I guess I flip from side to side, normally I'm pretty active. However, I just had a brain tumor removed 4 days ago, so I'm pretty much laying on one side since my incision which is 15 cm long is along my hair line on my right side.

I highly suggest trying the Aeiomed Aura nasal pillow system and the Activa, they have been the absolute best. I can't wear the Aura right now because of my incision, but with the modifications that Rested Gal told me to make with my Aura, I can't wait to get back to using it when my incision heals.

Read all posts by Rested Gal and Wader, you won't be disappointed.

Good luck and keep asking questions, I did even when I felt like I was asking the same question over and over. I have been on CPAP since January 24th.

Its a life saver.

Heidi