Newbie with CPAP - hit and miss sleep

[MaryC]

Hiya,

I am in the chat now, everyone is friendly and helpful and thank you for that.


I got my CPAP (Respironics) about 3 weeks ago (mid-Apr 09). I could not get used to the default mask I was given, so I got another mask called a pillow that fits into my nostrils. This allows me to sleep on my sides better. Some nights I can get 3-5 hrs on the machine. Often I wake up and want to just take it off right away. I am about 70 AHI per hour. My setting for the air is 11 - (just checked so (mid-range). I have asked the sleep technicians many questions, but this hit and miss sleep is frustrating. I think I average about 2-3 "good" nights a week.

I think I am making some progress, but I am frustrated it is not happening more quickly. I know it is one day at a time.

Any suggestions?

It now takes me quite a while just to fall asleep, but I know I need to relax and so on. Thank you for helping us newbies.

[Hawthorne]

What machine do you have? What mask are you using? Go into "User Control Panel" (click on it - top left) and put in your machine and mask. Choose "text". That way your machine and mask will show up every time you post and forum members will know what equipment you have and will be better able to help you.

If you have trouble getting your profile set up, let us know. You could name your machine and mask in a post, that would help if you have trouble getting your profile set up.

What is your pressure(s) set at?

I am assuming that 70 AHI was during your sleep study. Am I correct?

[Julie]

Hi, we would love to try and help you, but need more information. If you're registered as a member (vs. "Guest") then click into the Member Pages and go to your Profile. Fill out your machine (the full name of your model and whether it is a Cpap, or an Apap (automatically adjusting pressure as you sleep), and not just the brand, the type of mask you use, the prescribed pressure (number) setting the doctor or DME entered into your machine, and whether or not you have software (and necessary card reader to go with it) allowing you to follow your progress on your computer. Then we have somewhere to start! Most of the time, masks are the "problem" and as there are so many out there, it's very likely you'll be able to find the right one for you.

[MaryC]

Sorry, I was going to add the info last night, but I couldn't remember all the names. So I have added them now (next day) and I think they are accurate. Not knowing all the brand names and series without looking over and over is a bit confusing.

I did a bit better last night, maybe slept with it for about 3 hours total. I plan to call the sleep technician for more assistance. My pressure is midrange, 9, I believe. I am not yet good at reading the computer screen on the machine. I might try that as time permits.

[Hawthorne]

I am assuming that AHI and leak rate are not enabled to show on your LCD screen on the machine then. With the little door flipped up, use the right arrow button and scroll through to see all that is enabled. If you keep pushing the button you will go through some things that are enabled or available there and you will end up back at the home screen that says "Respironics".

Are you renting the machine? Do you think your sleep tehcnician will be upset if you enable it if it isn't already enabled? You could ask him/her to enable that for you at least. You want "AHI and Leak Rate" enabled.

Also, the name of your machine will be written right on top of the machine (just below the little flip up door that covers the LCD screen). Then you can be sure you listed the right machine here on the forum. You can see your pressure setting in the LCD screen, if you lift the little flip up door and push the on/off button. The machine will come on. The pressure will display on the LCD screen. Push the on/off button again to turn off the machine once you know the pressure.

Come back and let us know, for sure, what machine you have and what your pressure setting is.

It does take time to get accustomed to sleeping with all this and you seem to be showing improvment as time goes on.

[MaryC]

I bought mine through insurance. I haven't paid my co-pay portion yet, which is estimated to be about $200. I will go read my computer screen soon and come back later.

Here are some readings (the lab has taken one reading already from the smart card) RemStarPro M Seriex

7 Days Average: 4:24
30 Days Avg: 3:06

7 Days, 4 sessions

11 cm H20

[MaryC]

Come back and let us know, for sure, what machine you have and what your pressure setting is.

It looks like 11. I checked the LCD screen and then I edited my posts above.