What to do, what to do??

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
msheets83
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Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:02 pm

What to do, what to do??

Post by msheets83 » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:11 pm

So new guy here, so forgive me if I don't have fourm lingo.

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea a couple of months ago. My problem is (assuming like most) that I can't sleep with my CPAP. I have both a full mask and a nasal pillow.

When I sleep with it I wake up mid way through my sleep feeling like I'm being suffocated. So I'm at the desperation period right now. I don't know what to do, I'm at a stand still.

My stress level has been high, my restlessness has been high, I feel like I've ran a marathon every morning. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!

I've looked at several websites that (i.e. snoremate.com, mysnoresolution.com, snoremendor.com) are suppose to help.

I can't afford doing cosmetic surgery, mainly because I'm already paying for my $4000 machine that I DO NOT USE, much less add a oral appliance from a dentist that will run me a couple of thousand dollars I'm assuming.

Any help, ideas or thoughts would be greatly be appreciated.

Cliche I know, but hopeless in Chicago!!!
Michael

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ww
Posts: 523
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:58 am

Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by ww » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:42 pm

I am sure you can find some help here. Go to your profile and list all your equipment in text format and list your prescribed pressure (s). A feeling of suffocation is usually caused by using a ramp when it is not needed or too low a pressure that does not allow you to breathe. Nasal pillows are not comfortable for all users. Describe your equipment and a little more description of the problems that bother you and I am sure someone can offer assistance.

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Goofproof
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Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by Goofproof » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:44 pm

You have came to the correct place, but even we need info. By filling in your profile in text dot ICONNY form, we can better help. Also we need to know how your machine is set up. With your script, and that $4,000 you could have bought 4 very good machines of line. I hope yours can use software and a reader, that makes life easier. Welcome! Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

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ozij
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Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by ozij » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:59 pm

Hi Michael,
Welcome to the forum. Nobody needs to know forum lingo in order to participate, nor are there any stupid question on this forum.
You've already done something great to help yourself - which is find this forum.
Here are some more steps that will help us help you:
  • Take a look at your machine, find its exact name, and add it to your user profile (click on "user control panel" to get access to the panel) Use the verbal descriptions, not icons since that makes it easier for us
    Ditto for your masks
    Ditto for any other kind of equipment (humidifier?)
    If you have your PSG (sleep study) report tell us what is said
    Be a specific as you can about the reason you can't sleep - do you wake up with lots of air blowing at you? no enough air coming in? just breathless?
And:
  • Go to the first thread on this link viewtopic/t35702/Where-A-CPAP-Newbie-Should-Start.html the first post contains links to important data sources - you don't have to read the whole thread, jules updates the first post.
    Another source is "Our collective wisdom" - the yellow light bulb on top of the screen.
Those two information sources will tell you about things you never even knew you could ask.
And we're here to help you with any problem that comes up - whichever terms you use to phrase it. Just try to be as specific as possible.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck, Michael.
O.

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Panhandler
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Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by Panhandler » Tue Mar 17, 2009 12:09 am

Michael,

Don't give up. You've come to a great place for help. The questions you've already been asked by others are what folks need to know to make suggestions, and I'll bet that whatever you're struggling with, someone here has been through before. There are a lot of variables, so it may take a little while to sort them out, but things will get better.

Wally
Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity.

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junie
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Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by junie » Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:38 am

Welcome to our group there's alot of people here that can help you, I've learned so much here that I never new before
so just ask any question there's always someone to help
Judy

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ColinP
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Location: South Africa

Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by ColinP » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:13 am

msheets83 wrote:When I sleep with it I wake up mid way through my sleep feeling like I'm being suffocated. So I'm at the desperation period right now. I don't know what to do, I'm at a stand still.
When I started, my APAP was set to run between 4 and 20 cms of pressure, and I too felt as though I was suffocating at 4 cm. I find that I need at least 6-8 cm before I am comfortable. Perhaps if you check to see what mode and what pressure your machine is set at?

Colin

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elader
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Re: What to do, what to do??

Post by elader » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:18 am

Don't quit and don't leave. Register and come back to this thread.
msheets83 wrote:So new guy here, so forgive me if I don't have fourm lingo.

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea a couple of months ago. My problem is (assuming like most) that I can't sleep with my CPAP. I have both a full mask and a nasal pillow.

When I sleep with it I wake up mid way through my sleep feeling like I'm being suffocated. So I'm at the desperation period right now. I don't know what to do, I'm at a stand still.

My stress level has been high, my restlessness has been high, I feel like I've ran a marathon every morning. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!

I've looked at several websites that (i.e. snoremate.com, mysnoresolution.com, snoremendor.com) are suppose to help.

I can't afford doing cosmetic surgery, mainly because I'm already paying for my $4000 machine that I DO NOT USE, much less add a oral appliance from a dentist that will run me a couple of thousand dollars I'm assuming.

Any help, ideas or thoughts would be greatly be appreciated.

Cliche I know, but hopeless in Chicago!!!
Michael

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