Newbie just diagnosed, w Provent, no machine yet

[Tee]

I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and promptly went on a trip, so did not go in and get a machine. I did buy 10 Provents and they have actually made me feel better. First about the Provents. They do make me feel better, but I have been sort of waking in the night and taking them off. When I can keep them on for more than 4-5 hours, they work great. I start out mouth breathing, but must go to nose breathing once I fall asleep. For those interested, I got them for $21.95, but she submitted it to my insurer. I have not heard if the claim was paid or not yet. I do get a slight headache when I wake up if I have them on for more than 6 hours. I suspect a little CO2 retention. I can go about 3 nights with the same patch, although they are supposed to be used once and thrown away. I am way too cheap to do that!

In terms of a machine, I have to contact my insurer soon to see what they pay for, what our deductible is, etc. I have been reading this forum for a few days and am overwhelmed to begin with, but the fog is lifting. Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experiences. I felt so good after just half a night on the machine during my sleep study that I am looking forward to the machine at home. Crossing my fingers it goes well. I was diagnosed with moderate apnea, with average 15 episodes an hour, but no deep sleep. I had a long wakeful period between, so lost a bit of the night for my study, but they were able to diagnose me and test the cpap.

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself.I am sure I will be full of questions soon. I kinda knew I had this for the last few years, just too stubborn to go get checked out. With just that one night in the sleep lab and the changes with the Provents, I now know how tired I was and how good I can feel!

[Sheriff Buford]

Tee: welcome to the forum! You are probably like most of us. Make sure you get a fully data-capable machine and know that you will "mask-shop" until you get the right mask for you. Check with the DME (the place you get your mask and equipment) and talk about swapping out masks until you get the right one. I have always said that your success with cpap therapy mainly depends on you finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak. What works for me may not work for you, and vise versa.

Read the threads (up at the top) on success stories and what newbies need to know before you start the process.

Happy papin'!!

Sheriff

[ameriken]

Welcome to the forum! Keep us up to date. It's a great group here with folks that have awesome technical experience, and familiarity with equipment, software, etc. If you ever run into road blocks or difficulties, it's also good to know there are other folks out there who are experiencing something similar who may have some suggestion that can help you out.

Good luck and I wish you great success!

[robysue]

Tee,

Welcome to the forum.

Before meeting with ANY DME about your equipment, please READ and RE-READ JanKnitz's excellent blog post What you need to know BEFORE you meet your DME. She gives ample advice about how to avoid getting stuck with a machine that records nothing but compliance hours.

[sleepyvetech]

Hey Tee!
Welcome to the forum. I am still really new too (2 months w/ my CPAP). This is an awesome forum. These folks will help you with ANY questions, so don't hesitate to ask. My CPAP has been a lifesaver for me~ literally. I haven't napped in 2 months, and am more active than ever. someone said to me, "you won't know how bad you felt until you feel better". There is no truer statement. I hope everything goes as smooth for you as it did for me!

[VVV]

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself.I am sure I will be full of questions soon.

IMO, your most critical next step is getting a CPAP machine with efficacy data capability and software.

"The system" will likely be working against this happening. You have to take charge.

[Resister]

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself.I am sure I will be full of questions soon.

IMO, your most critical next step is getting a CPAP machine with efficacy data capability and software.

"The system" will likely be working against this happening. You have to take charge.

I agree! Because having a machine with no data STINKS!

Welcome to the forum

[Tee]

Hey, thanks for the warm welcome. I am out of town for another week, but am anxious to get my machine. I have read nearly everything here in anticipation.