What in the world am I getting into..???

[RAMBLINMAN]

Hello all,

This is kinda my first time writing on this board. It seems that I was diagnose with sleep apnea. So last night I went for my second sleep study besides being connected with the 2,159 wires and a mask. they first connected me with a mask that just covered my nose and I though well maybe it wont be too bad....what fun this was...everytime I opened my mouth air came rushing out and I didn't know what to do, It felt like I opened a valve. It was like I didn't know when or how to breathe. So then they put on a mask that covered my mouth and nose. You could just guess from this point what was going thru my mind on what kind of situation I'm getting into. Also they put the mask so tight on my face it felt like a plunger was attached. I asked why it was so tight and the nurse told me it was so they could get a good reading on what I needed. Let me tell you it felt like I was breathing in ice cubes and that I was fighting against the equipment.
Which kinda brings me to a question, If I feel like this under a controlled situation what in the world is it going to be like at home and what kinda of equipment am I going to have. Does anyone know if you get to choose your equipment or does the Dr.?
I've read some post on here and I guess this question would be to Sleepless on LI ....you mention your equipment, a Remstar Auto with CFlex...is this the same equipment that's called Remstar Plus or Remstar Pro...and what is CFlex...?
To be honest after reading some of the posting on here and also reading Sleepless experience I was kinda having high expectations of finally finding a way to make me feel better and kinda came out feeling like what the hell just happened because I didn't get much sleep at all. I guess when I see the Dr. again to go over all the results I will find out more...because god knows I have about 1.7 million questions. But if my experience is anything as successful as Sleepless then who needs to win the lottery..!!!
Thanks for anyone who could help it definitely appreciated..

Ken

[SnoreNoMore2005]

My two sleep studies were horrible. The first one they titrated me at 20cm and sent me home at 3:30 in the a.m. because I couldn't tolerate the pressure. The second sleep study I was so anxious I couldn't even fall sleep. I was more anxious, depressed, and fatigued than ever afterwards.

That's the bad news.

The good news is that after I got an autopap and started using it, with the advice and support of the wonderful people in this forum, I am now feeling about 1000% better.

I'm sure you will too. The sleep study is sometimes a necessary evil just to officially diagnose what your problem is and to get a Rx for a cpap or hopefully an autopap. Once you start using it you'll see it can make a world of difference.

Good luck to you.

SnoreNoMore2005

[WAFlowers]

REMstar plus is a straight CPAP machine -- constant pressure (barring the CFLEX thing, see below) all the time and no smarts to detect and record events.

CFLEX is a proprietary thing that slightly lowers the pressure as you exhale. It is reported that it doesn't have much effect below 10 by some here. It is also reported that it is really beneficial at pressures of 13 and above.

REMstar Pro (now Pro 2) has a processor to detect events and memory to record what is happening. You can download that memory into a PC using proprietary software to see how the treatment is going.

REMstar Auto has even more processor power. It detects events and modifies the delivered pressure (within a set range) to optimize your treatment. Many people here, myself included, and some doctors believe that it is more comfortable to only give you higher pressures when you need it then lower the pressure when you aren't having any events.

OK, I'm not Sleepless in LI, but you won't hold that against me, will you?

[OldSeaRock]

Ken,

All I can say is that once you get the machine and mask, you'll be on an adventure that will hopefully help you get the sleep that you need in order to feel like a "new person".

Ask the Doctor questions and then frequent this board. Many here will help guide you to sleep success.

The sleep studies are much more uncomfortable than being in your own bed... so don't let that part deter you.

Learning to use the machine/mask does have a learning curve but it's definitely worth the time. Hang in there!

[RAMBLINMAN]

Well first of all I just want to say thanks for your replys.

Are you tell me that this Remstar Plus is a better unit than the Pro version?

I like the idea of having to get data and view it on my computer and maybe be able to adjust settings to make it work more effectively. Being a technician tweaking and trouble shooting is kinda what i do...lol ( Like I need to more work at home).

But most important I would want to get the best equipment out there and automation which i feel would work with me rather than me fighting with it would sounds alot better. Also who determined what equipment you use...and not to mention was it cover buy medical insurance, providing the ones that have some?

And don't sweat it Flowers ..I wont hold anything against ya......LOL, but do want to say again any input is and will be greatly appreciated

[rested gal]

I like the idea of having to get data and view it on my computer and maybe be able to adjust settings to make it work more effectively. Being a technician tweaking and trouble shooting is kinda what i do...lol

You definitely have the makings of a great lab rat (that's a compliment on this message board, btw) and definitely should have an AUTOpap -- to tweak and troubleshoot your own treatment.

[ozij]

If I feel like this under a controlled situation what in the world is it going to be like at home

About a million times better because:
1. You'll be the one in control
2. You'll learn how to connect the mask so it doesn't hurt
3. You'll make sure you have a heated humidifier, and you'll know how high or how low to have it.
4. You'll buy a new pillow if the present one is not good enough.

As for what you've got yourself into: You've just joined the company of a bunch of zany (spelling?) human elephants, aka hoseheads, stomping over most of the traditions of being patient(s) learning tons about their therapy from their friends all over the world, giving tech support, emotional support, and info, ranting, venting, questioning, caring, laughing sometimes crying, empathising, helping - and enjoying themselves.

Oh, and sleeping with xPAP machines.
When they sleep that is.

Welcome!
O,

[rested gal]

Does anyone know if you get to choose your equipment or does the Dr.?

Depends on your doctor, your DME, and your insurance. But most of all it depends on just how strongly you feel about picking out what YOU want. If the three "controllers" I mentioned all say NO to what you want, you still have the final say if you're willing to spend your own money and buy your equipment online. Just be sure to get a copy of your prescription.

Do a search on this message board for the posts by WAFlowers. Click the "Profile" button below his post, then under "All about WAFlowers", click "Find all posts by WAFlowers." He dug into the message board like a champ...researching, researching, researching...figuring out what he wanted and choosing it himself. Bypassing the DME and insurance hassles altogether.

Some have even been lucky enough to work it out with their insurance company to get reimbursed in whole or in part when buying their cpap equipment online. But you do need to know what you want to get. Asking questions here (and "Search"ing a LOT) will get you up to speed fast.

As ozij said, there's no comparison between what you went through at the sleep study, and what you can do treatment-wise much more comfortably for yourself.

[RAMBLINMAN]

LOL....

Well to say the least it looks like I have alot of research to do.... and no doubt it's really good to hear it will get better. I guess the saying is true things have to get worst before they get better.

One thing I would like to know is what does "DME" mean.....?

I'll definelly will look at Flowers post....

[gerper]

I'm knew to this also...i have had 2 sleep studies...fired the first doctor...and am close to firing the second doctor.

My problem is swallowing air. It didn't happen in either of the sleep studies and began about a week after i started on my first cpap machine. I am now on a c-flex but still swalloing air so i'm off to a gastro doctor on friday to see if something else is going on.

The easient part of this whole process has been acclimating myself to the mask. I use the ResMed Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System. Within 2 nights I didn't even know i had a mask on.

Now if i could only get over the air swallowing and bloating...may a good nights sleep!

[WAFlowers]

Oh, oh! RG is trying to elevate me to her lofty level as one of the prime reference people. I don't think I'm ready for that after such a short time!

Ken, I was trying to give you the info to understand that the Pro is better than the Plus. The Pro lets you see what it happening; with the Plus you are shooting blind ... working in the dark. As to whether or not the Auto is better depends on if the auto algorithm works for you. If it doesnt you can turn it off and it becomes a more expensive Pro model, essentially.

DME stands for Durable Medical Equipment and in this context actually implies the supplier of same.

Be sure to spend at least as much time researching masks as you do machines. You'll become intimate with the mask; the machine will just be a nightstand companion.

[capt]

Welcome Ken! Actually your discomfort when you opened your mouth when you were having your sleep study done might become a good thing for you when you begin your treatment. Hopefully it will assist you in not opening and breathing through your mouth. It can be a real benefit not having to use a full face mask or tape to keep your mouth closed. As everyone has said, you are a special and most important person now. I think it is important that you take as much control as you can in determining what equipment you need for your treatment and determining how the equipment feels and works for you. Do not let anyone, insurance company, doctor, sleep specialist, or technician stand in your way in getting what you think is the best equipment for your treatment. Remember that they deal with what works for most people. You no longer care what works for most people, but how it works for you! All the best!

[RAMBLINMAN]

Okay, I see what you mean Flowers.....

I would always want to get the best equipment that has alot of features even more than what I need, So if I was to go with RemStar I would want the Pro.....and if I decide on another brand say for instance ResMed I guess it would be the AutoSet Spirit...I'll have to read the brochures on both. also have to see what my insurance carrier will do for me.

And also Capt....During my sleep study I started with just a nose mask and it really wasn't bad......in fact I had this feeling the my mouth was actually being pulled closed and when or if I opened it it was like breaking the suction and then air was rushing out of my mouth.....let me tell ya what a very very strange feeling it made me feel confused about how and where all this air was coming from and I had stopped breathing not knowing what to do ( sounds weird but true) so in the middle of the night the nurse came in and said she had to change my mask to a full one......I wonder if it was actually needed or by me opening my mouth whether it was on purpose or not made the change. I mean after all I guess they were watching all night.

I wonder if I can get both kinda of mask and try the nose only one....aleast it's alot less than a full face mask if you know what I mean.

[rested gal]

I mean after all I guess they were watching all night.

Not necessarily. Might have been reading a book, catching up on paperwork, fixing a snack, surfing the 'net...glancing up at you on the screen every once in awhile.

[ozij]

It's the Respironics Remstar Pro 2 that gives the info you want. The Pro gives only compliance data - avoid it. It's been discontinued.
O.