It's all new to me

balba · Post by **balba** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:06 am

I am a new at this. I joined the forum February 9, 2006, but I've been logging onto the forum reading different comments since December 2005.

After having a sleep study done, my doctor told me back in November of 2005 that I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I had a return visit to be measured for a CPAP a week ago today. I am now waiting for the hospital and my insurance company to complete all necessary paper work and so forth, then the CPAP will be delivered to my house.

I just wanted you guys out there to know that I am very grateful to you. In the beginning of all of this sleep apnea stuff I was a mess. I felt terrible with all of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and I felt very isolated. After stumbling upon this forum I found that it was not only informative, but it gave me a lot of encouragement. I truly begin to feel better about sleep apnea and not so very alone.

For those of you out there who has also stumbled upon this site, don't be afraid to reach out and share. You are not alone there are many people who cares and are having or have had some of the same problems that you are having.

I am grateful for such a site as this. Thank you all for being supportive and encouraging.

Balba

deprived · Post by **deprived** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:02 pm

well thank you! i have only used my new cpap machine one time & now have came down with a terrible cold which i still have. I am overwhelmed. I have the same mask that i used for the sleep study and it leaked all night long. i pulled the straps tighter but it hurt my nose so bad. then i also had marks on my face! i took it off at 3am. i came down with a cold & here i am. I stumbled on this site & was so encouraged to hear i was not alone. I am a person who sleeps from one side to the other side. The mask I am currently using isn't going to work for me and i am considering looking at the Breeze. I have not even been billed yet with my insurance. do i have to keep the other mask I was given? I do not want to pay for it. I am a true beginner here. its only been 8 days since i have had this in my home. help! ~sleep deprived

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:34 pm

Both of you newbies might like to go into your profiles and complete the optional section regarding what equipment you are currently using. Also, if you add your pressures into the additional comments section, that helps the forum so much in trying to help you. Thanks.

Regarding the cold, I can't say whether initial cpap use causes it or not. But, if you have a heated humidifier, then play with the settings. Turn it up, down, or off. Sometimes that makes a difference.

Try nasal sprays to open up the sinuses to help you breath.

Try going without the cpap for a couple of days and see if that affects your cold. If it's a true cold, you probably can't wear your mask anyway.

Many use a full face mask when they have a cold. I don't have one but sure wished I did when I had a horrible headcold in December.

Good Luck.