Introducing myself...

[Kemosabe]

Hi folks!

Long time reader, first time poster.

For years I've suffered excessive daytime sleepiness, but about six months ago it got so bad that I was unable to overcome it with legal stimulants (i.e. caffeine, Sudafed).

I moaned and bitched about it enough that my DW scheduled a visit to the doctor. (I suppose I'm a typical guy, hates to go to the doctor) lol

The doctor asked me questions that I now understand were the sleep index questions and recommended that I see a sleep doctor. Three months of wrestling with the insurance company and I finally got to go. [rolls eyes] He asked me similar questions and told me I needed to do a home sleep study.

They sent me home with a Spirit Auto and a ComfortGel mask. I had a lot of trouble sleeping with the mask but apparently I slept enough for him to deem that I had moderate SA. Sheesh. Two weeks passed, then I had another night on the mask for titration. 10cm H2O was the result.

He set me up with a DME who quoted $115/mo, half to be paid by my insurance. That seemed excessive in light of how reasonable CPAP stuff is online if you shop around. So I decided to pay for the whole thing myself in one chunk rather than weedle my insurance co to do the right thing (rather than the easy way out as they are wont to do).

I'd done enough reading here and elsewhere to know I wanted an AutoPAP w/HH, I knew that the ComfortGel wasn't the right mask for me. So I ordered a Remstar Auto w/HH and a Mirage Activa mask.

I've had it now three days and I can't remember feeling so rested and clear-headed. I know recovery can be slow, but I sure am feeling better already.

Finally I want to thank all of you for being here for me when I needed you most. Without your input, I can't imagine it would have turned out so well. I would have been stuck with whatever CPAP and mask the DME had laying around rather than one that I can live with longterm. Bet I wouldn't have ended up with a HH either.


Bless you all,
Kemosabe

P.S. if your Activa leaks, pull the skin near the leak directly away from the mask with a finger then release. This stops most cell/skin interface leaks for me.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage, activa, Titration, CPAP, DME, auto

[rested gal]

Great post, K!

And nifty tip about dealing with a minor leak.

[fnorette]

Masked Stranger -

Yo-Yoing???

[dsm]

I am sure we really do seem like old friends here & I am pleased you think so


Yours is a good story a man after my own heart - I also took the bull by the horns & got my own gear.

A good attitude will assure you of success. This place is great for getting inspiration. When we are feeling down we just go read Mike Moran's posts.
- If they don't lift your spirits there are others who will.

Cheers

DSM


(PS My nick name is Ton Tow - got it after winning a tug-of-war)
(PPS your picture looks strangely familiar

[frostman]

Maybe these silver bullets will explain things.....

Great story, very wise of you to read so much before making the plunge, I have the same machine and mask, works great. I do soak mine in a vinegar and water solution every 2-3 weeks for real cleaning, otherwise I just use wipes. Keep the straps real loose

[Kemosabe]

I am sure we really do seem like old friends here & I am pleased you think so

(PPS your picture looks strangely familiar

I feel I know you well too. Thanks for the wb.

Yours is a good story a man after my own heart - I also took the bull by the horns & got my own gear.

I was too exhausted from fighting the insurance company to get the sleep study, to be able to start round two over the equipment. Anyway I figure that I'll break even in about a year considering that my cost would have been about $60 a month.

I guess it's somewhat more than a year as I invested in an 80 amp/hr AGM battery and a trickle charger as well. I live deep in a redwood forest. PG&E in it's infinite wisdom has overhead power lines here. Without fail every winter (when we get a good rain), some trees fall over and take out the power, for few hours at least and sometimes up to a week. I figure I have about three to four nights' backup power. If it goes longer than that I'll have to recharge it at a gas station in town or at work. OTOH, I'm not looking to move that heavy sucker.

Masked Stranger -

Yo-Yoing???

Yes. Yo-yoing.
I'm probably one of the most famous yo-yoers you're likely to ever talk with. I've got more yo-yos than the Smithsonian. heh heh

I figure it's good clean fun and it keeps my hands flexible despite the best efforts of my arthritis. It's a great aid to relaxation as well: if you try to think of your troubles and tribulations whilst yoing, you're bound to catch a yo-yo in the face.

Plus, despite my obvious descent into middle age, teenagers still think I'm cool. Go figure.

Great story, very wise of you to read so much before making the plunge, I have the same machine and mask, works great. I do soak mine in a vinegar and water solution every 2-3 weeks for real cleaning, otherwise I just use wipes. Keep the straps real loose

Thanks for the welcome and the great Activa tips. IMHO, correct fitting and loose straps are the key to Activa success. That and tweezing a the part of the mustache directly under the nares. I had I small annoying leak that wouldn't stop until I did so.

[tlc95066]

Hello there Kemosabe!
Welcome to the land of answers! This is one of the best places to ask questions and get answers.

I suspect that we have the same sleep doc since we live in the same county. Please feel free to PM me and we can "compare notes".

Welcome to the club!
Teri

[Jere]

if you try to think of your troubles and tribulations whilst yoing, you're bound to catch a yo-yo in the face.

I love that attitude.

As far as I am concerned, you have already made an invaluable contribution. Welcome!

[WAFlowers]

Who was that masked man? .