Just had my 1st sleep study

[beccatin]

I just got my sleep study, the tech was a friend of mine and couldn't tell me the results but did tell me I need to be sure to take my time picking out a mask that is comfortable. I have read many of the questions and answers on this website. All I know is i go through every day feeling like I was hit by a train. I am very confused where to start. My insurance covers 90%. Perhaps, I should wait until my appt tomorrow. I just want to start feeling better today. Anyone out there with info on where to start. I could really use some direction.

Becca

[Georgio]

Welcome Becca,

I would say that "hit by a train" is a common description of the sysmptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. You are in the right place to learn what you need to know. I have been here 5 weeks and I am much better. Start by reading the light bulb of wisdom above. Sometimes they will set your appointments a month or so apart. Push to get the earliest appointments possible. Then call to see if they have any cancellations.

It sound like you have an appointment to review your first sleep study where you will learn if you do or do not have apnea and if cpap therapy is indicated. Don't dispair if you are diagnosed with apnea....we all have it....and it's not that difficult to treat....you can do it in your sleep!!

You may be scheduled for another nights stay where they do a "titration" or study that determines what pressure your apneas require for therapy. Then you would obtain a prescription for cpap equipment. Research here for the equipment that you want. They may try to give you inexpensive basic equipment to save money. You want an "auto'', "fully data capable" machine.

Stick around, ask questions, and the train will stop running over you!

Georgio

[smurf]

Try sleeping on your side until you get 'hosed'. That will help keep the the tongue off of the back of the throat. Some people have also tried having your bed slightly elevated at a angle to help out.

Get as educated as much as possible NOW!!!! This is the time to know something about Sleep Apnea and take control of your therapy, because no one else really will....

The great thing is there is a huge amount of wealth to be gained by a large pool of sleep experts here and now.
Good luck, and be sure to get the newest fully data capable machine with humidifier. Don't let the DME give you a POS. Decide what you want in a machine first, and then request it. I am a ResMed fan and on the 'Slinky Bandwagon'. I find what she and restedgal have to say very informative. Be careful of the other 'hosers' who suck on inferior brands.

Paid for by the Slinky for ResMed Queen Committee.

[Gerald]

I can't add anything to what Georgio is telling you......"listen" to what he is saying. Observe the equipment he's running....good stuff. You could improve on his machine by requiring an auto "AFLEX".....because an AFLEX machine can also be run in CFLEX mode. But, some folks don't like AFLEX (note that I run an auto CFLEX machine....even though my spare is AFLEX capable).

Right now, much of this is "greek" to you....but keep on "cramming" the knowledge.......and be in a "rational hurry". Don't be in an "irrational rush"....that's when you're vulnerable to manipulation (they'll try to push low quality equipment on you....'cause they make a higher profit margin that way).

Learn from the nice folks on this forum....it'll make all the difference!

[Craig-Tx]

My insurance covers 90%.

Becca,

Once you decide on a machine, (I also second the Respironics AUTO with A-Flex), check with your insurance / DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider, to find out exactly how much your 10% will cost. If it is a rental, find out how much for how long. Then check the price for the same unit on https://www.cpap.com. You will be surprised! I'm not going to say it will work out for you, but some people find that paying for a machine out of pocket is cheaper than their co-pays with insurance. (Probably not at only 10%, but it would be wise to check.)

Welcome to the board, you will do significantly better having the knowledgeable people here around you. If you have ANY questions, just ask. We're all in this together, and more than happy to help.

-craig

[MichelleFL]

Hello Becca and welcome! I am new to this as well and the feeling of being hit by a train is accurate. Like the others have said the first sleep study is to determine if you have sleep apnea and if so they will schedule you for another one called a titration. You will have all those lovely wires again plus a mask. I found out that the more I read the more I asked questions the better prepared I was to go into the 2nd sleep study. The word mask makes alot of people scared. If you look at the pillow type mask that I used the night of my titration it is very light and comfortable! Never thought I would say that as I suffer with anxiety and just about freaked when I found out I had to wear one. But it's really simple and nothing to fear, trust me. And you know what?? I felt so good and full of energy the very next day! Now I have to wait for the doctor to go over my test results to see where my levels are and then a prescription for a machine and mask will be written and then I can go and order my machine. I am so excited and cannot wait for it as I could breathe so much easier with the machine and did not feel like I was choking as I fell asleep. Until I get my machine I find that if I prop things behind my back and halfway lay on them, such as my comforter, that I feel a little more rested than if I just fall to my back where most of my apnea happens.

Good luck to you and one thing I will tell you NOT to do as I almost did.. Don't give up. Find out all you can about it and ask questions.. These nice folks are wonderful and I could not of made it this far without them..

[m1k2s3]

If your friend is a tech then perhaps they can offer some suggestions. Once you've had your appt. and you know what your results are, I'm sure they will suggest a machine and mask appropiate for you. If your a mouth breather, then they will probably suggest a full face mask - if not then a nasal mask. The machine and mask are part of the tools you use to cope with your sleep apnea. It's also learning how to cope physically and mentally too. There are some great articles on this website under the Collective Wisdom - read them all. It will help you understand some of the challenges you will encounter and some very helpful suggestions.

The really good news is that if you are will to give it a chance, you will be feeling great in a very short time. Remember, CPAP is a treatment and like most treatments, they can take time to get results - you may have to do some "tweeking" but eventually, you will get results. I will never forget that first morning after a full nights sleep with CPAP. I suddenly knew exactly what everyone else was talking about when they would talk about "restful sleep".

[cflame1]

The only thing that I'd add... seeing as some of these tend to drag on time wise... if you at all interested in beginning the process sooner, and your doc or the sleep lab have said that you'll need a titration, check to see if they have a cancellation. Sometimes that will get you in and through the lab weeks sooner.