Just got back from Sleep Study

[Usual21]

This was my second sleep study ever. First one was about 10 years ago. I was told that I needed to use a CPAP machine and I took it home and hated it. Joined Weight Watchers the next day and dropped 65 lbs in 4 months and no longer needed the CPAP. Fast Foward ten years. The weight is back and my apnea is worse than ever.

So i found one the most respected Dr's in the field here in NJ, and scheduled a study. I went in last night around 9:30 and was all plugged in by 10. Lights out where around 10:30 and I then I was woken up at 6. Here is some of scary info I received from the tech.

First of all, he started my out on a BiPAP titration of 8 over 4. The data he showed me this morning shows that I was asleep in 30 seconds after he walked out and in REM sleep within 90 seconds. He said that this was probably the fastest he had ever seen. The level of 8/4 was not enough as I had events. I had approximately 117 in the first hour. He then started slowly increasing the pressure until I was fully asleep with no events and no snoring. He had me at 20 over 16. CRAZY.

At one point I stopped breathing for 28 seconds and the lowest my oxygen in my blood got was down to a 66. He couldn't stress it enough about how much I need to use the machine. Seeing this info was more than enough to convince me that no matter how much I hate the mask, I NEED TO DO THIS. I'm glad I found this forum to express my thoughts and get feedback.

Have a great Sunday.

[jmcsmomma]

The shakeup is seeing how long you stop breathing, THAT is for sure!!! 87 seconds at 69 percent oxygen here:(

[robysue]

Things to consider to make your second stab at CPAP easier/better than your first:

1) Look for posts from a user named Janknitz. She has some links in her signature about what you need to know about CPAP machines and masks and DME (durable medical equipment providers) BEFORE you talk with the DME.

2) Make sure you get a full data machine---one that records efficacy data as well as compliance data. Sometimes seeing nice low AHI numbers helps with the motivation: If you know the machine is preventing the vast majority of your events, it is easier to stick with therapy long enough to actually get used to it. If you can get your hands on the software that lets you look at the data in more detail on your computer, that's even better for building the motivation to stick with therapy long enough for masking up for the night to become a routine bedtime habit.

3) Take plenty of time with the selection of a mask. The mask is critical: If you can't stand the mask or if the mask just isn't working, it's too easy to fall into the "CPAP doesn't work for me" mind trap. Keep in mind that most DMEs have pretty generous mask return policies during the first 30 days of treatment. If your chosen mask is NOT working out, contact the DME and try a different mask. Some folks need to try as many as six or more masks before finding one that works.

4) Call your sleep doctor's office if you have any problems with starting CPAP therapy that are causing you to lose sleep or feel worse on therapy than you felt before starting therapy. Insist on speaking with a nurse or PA about the problems and see what they offer as potential solutions. If all they offer is: It takes time, try to monitor the problems but don't be afraid to call the doctor's office back to report the problems are still there (or getting worse) and that you really need some help getting through the adjustment period. Don't just let them brush you off and then suffer in silence.

5) Post any problems you have adjusting to therapy here. You'll get lots of friendly advice from folks who've faced the same problem before. Some of the advice may not work for you, but very likely some of the advice will be exactly what you're looking for to solve the problem.

Good luck as you embark on this adventure for the second time.

[amelia76]

This was my second sleep study ever. First one was about 10 years ago. I was told that I needed to use a CPAP machine and I took it home and hated it.

I had a similar experience with my first sleep study ten years ago; like you I tried the machine and hated it. I had my second sleep study recently and after getting the results I knew I had no choice this time - I started using CPAP ten days ago with excellent results. I also use hypnotherapy which helps me a lot.

Have a look at my post: "About to start with CPAP - advice please!"

I wish you luck. You'll find lots of good advice here.

[rested gal]

Great introductory post, Usual21. And great attitude you have for your second go-round with "cpap."
Welcome to the forum!

Things to consider to make your second stab at CPAP easier/better than your first:

1) Look for posts from a user named Janknitz. She has some links in her signature about what you need to know about CPAP machines and masks and DME (durable medical equipment providers) BEFORE you talk with the DME.

Here's a link to one of Janknitz's posts where you can find clickable links at the bottom of her post, to take you to her great blog info:
viewtopic.php?p=569049#p569049

2) Make sure you get a full data machine---one that records efficacy data as well as compliance data.

"Efficacy" data is AHI (apnea/hypopnea index...how many events are sneaking through despite treatment) and Leak information. Here's a link where you can see names of machines that do record full data (names in blue.) And those that don't (names in red.)
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

3) Take plenty of time with the selection of a mask. The mask is critical

Amen!

5) Post any problems you have adjusting to therapy here. You'll get lots of friendly advice from folks who've faced the same problem before. Some of the advice may not work for you, but very likely some of the advice will be exactly what you're looking for to solve the problem.

Amen, again.

Good luck as you embark on this adventure for the second time.

Ditto!

[Slinky]

Ahh! Two "birds" w/some great advice.

Amelia, I LOVE your owl.

And, RG, your cardinal so brightens your posts. Our calendar for February has a picture of your cardinal that could have been taken the exact same day and place except the snow isn't so noticeable for the beautiful contrast. But the bright, cheery red is!

[sleepnationtv]

Hi,

You may want to check out http://www.sleepnation.tv we are a video community here to help with your cpap issues.

[Usual21]

Hey everyone,

Sorry I hadn't responded earlier, but life was hectic this week. My son's birthday plus my students were driving me up the wall for some reason this week.

Anyways, my DME came today and gave me a PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. I'm actually excited to use it tonight. I know I have apnea bad. My pressure is 21 over 17. I now have two masks since I have the one from the study and an extra one that the DME game me. I also downloaded the Rescan software. I don't know if it works with my machine. I hope so since it was free, .

Thanks for all of the advice and links to more advice. I'm really glad I found this forum!

Till next time,
Oscar

[cflame1]

Usual/Oscar... Rescan is for Resmed machines... Encore is for Respironics machines. I believe that somebody already sent you something for your machine.