Finally got my CPAP - lots of emotions going on

[Robbnva]

so I posted not too long ago that I had to get one, well today is the day I got my machine. It seems pretty simple, it came with a humidifier that attaches and the mask I chose seemed to fit pretty good. I do like the fact that it starts out slow and eventually moves up the the prescribed amount.

I am excited because if this helps, I will hopefully sleep better and my wife won't have to deal with my snoring
but I am nervous that I won't be able to fall asleep with it on, or it will wake me up in the middle of the night.

the machine I got is a ResMed S9 Autoset

any one else have this?

anyway, any thoughts, comments, tips, etc would be appreciated.

[Breathing]

Congratulations! I got the same machine one month ago today. I had never slept well, but never knew it because I didn't snore. Since getting the CPAP machine I sleep well, I feel awake when I am awake, and I am much happier.
There is a lot of "bad press" about CPAP treatment which I think causes a sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. I found the mask a little strange at first, but after a couple of minutes, I don't really notice my breathing any more. I spent a few nights figuring out how to get all of the straps and the hose just right - I have finally pointed the hose straight up over my forehead and let it lay up above the pillow. There are a lot of people here with tons of great advice in each little thing that might come up.
Enjoy a good night's sleep and then post about it!


btw- once I found out that I had sleep apnea, and CPAP would treat it, I was thrilled. I couldn't WAIT to get a machine, and had to wait almost a week. It was like waiting for Christmas! I was so happy to get it, I ran home and tried it out right away, and went to be early that night so I could use it. What a great thing to have a completely non-invasive, not painful, relatively inexpensive treatment for a potentially deadly condition.

[BostonGal]

I'm a newbie too. 3 weeks and counting. If you have been reading the posts from this forum, you may have a miracle the first night...or things can be less than a miracle. The wise people here say it can take some time to feel the benefits so give it time...and come here if you have any questions. They are very helpful and supportive of newbies. I'm thankful I found the forum.

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.
Please add your equipment to your profile so that later if you start a new thread about something we won't keep asking what equipment you use.

The mask is the hardest part. It has to be comfortable enough to let us sleep but need to avoid leaks as much as possible.

Practice using the machine for a while before going to bed..like when watching TV or reading.
First few nights are a little rough for some people just because it is all so new...having this alien entity plastered on our face blowing air up or nose. Don't be disheartened if you have a few rough spots...even long term users can have some problematic nights.

Don't know which mask you are using but just the biggest error with just about all the masks is that people tend to get them too tight.
There are some videos to help with fitting. Hopefully your mask or something similar is listed.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/education

Software is easily obtained. SleepyHead works with the S9 Autoset and I have all the links in my signature line.
ResScan is also available if you want it.
There is a video that shows how to manage ResScan.
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/
Send me a private message if you wish to try ResScan and I will get you a source for the latest version. It's free.

Be sure to look in the glossary in my signature...We pulled common report terms from all machines and put them in the glossary.

Read, read and read some more. Ask questions if something is not clear to you.

I hope that you have minimal issues tonight. Some people take to this therapy like a duck to water and some people have some problems. Even if you have a few problems I bet someone here has had the same problems and can help you with ideas.

If you are using a nasal pillow type of mask...get some Lansinoh ointment for the nostrils because that area is virgin territory and is not used to having something on it. If any mask hurts...causes pain...abrasions or discomfort to the point that you can't sleep with it then it is either too tight...wrong size...or simply not the right mask for you.

[mikewithe]

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to being a hose head! I too am a newbie to CPAP (only 11 nights in and just now starting to feel better during the day than I did pre-treatment). I know that this whole thing can be overwhelming. A squid attached to your face, a machine humming next to your bed all night, etc, but don't be too nervous. Everyone here is dead helpful and will jump in with all sorts of advice to get you sorted if you have any questions at all. Just remember that the important thing is to not give up. Your life depends on it. If you need ANYTHING, just ask.

[Robbnva]

ok I think I chose the right equipment in my sig. the only one I am not sure about is the mask cause it's upstairs but I know it's a mirage headgear

[Mary Z]

You got a fine machine. Don't be nervous, follow the same nightly routine as usual. Even though this is controversial (long half life , may change sleep architecture) you may find a dose of 25- 50 mg of benadryl (diphenhydramine, an antihistamine for allergies or itching which causes drowsiness) for a few nights may be helpful in helping you to sleep.
The diagnosis of Sleep Apnea is a life changer so be kind to yourself and take time to adjust. A lot of emotion is normal. This is a life changer. Keep your wife in the loop, perhaps take her to doctor's appointments. You need her support which I'm sure she will gladly give if she understands your AUTO will keep you healthier and around longer.
Good luck, keep us up to date with your progress. Your feedback helps others. Just my humble observations.

[CatButler]

Welcome,

It is rough, even as I began to feel less miserable, I was a bit depressed because I had to wear this stupid thing for the rest of my life. Its just natural and I think as you feel less miserable and more active the depression starts to ease. There are some times when you get frustrated. There will be bad nights and good nights. A lot of the things that make the bad nights have been experienced by someone here who is willing to help.

Good luck

[wilsonintexas]

I am also a newbe and have the same machine. Welcome. I let my technicial talk me into a mask to try that I did not like..... but I signed up for the change it trial..... I gave it a good try, but changed masks after 3 days, I simply could not adjust to the first mask....... No problems at all on the second mask.....

It really does not matter which mask it was, that will be something only you can decide.... Do not be afraid to say, this is not working let's try something else. MY only concern is that the company I have only allows 1 switch out.

My second recommendation is to down load a software package like sleepy head, and learn all you can. Your machine records a lot of information, but only keeps some of it for 7 days. Down load sleephead, look at your data.

DO NOT FREAK OUT... You have been sleeping for years with nothing..... (I AM NOT SAYING THAT HIS IS NOT SERIOUS IT IS..... MY o2 levels were dropping to 73%, not good..... ) but only saying that it may take time to adjust to the mask and the pressure.

My technicial did not know about sleepyhead, had never seen anything other than summary reports, and was surprised that I took the time to find and look at my data. I was the first one she had to take the time to look at my own data.. I simply can not understand that.... I can not understand anyone NOT looking at their data.

So welcome on board, and good luck........ let us know how it goes.

[Robbnva]

Ok so I feel like I was awake all night, much like when I did my sleep study. About 5:00 I took it off and my wife immediately noticed my snoring. When I asked if I snored any other time, she said idk I was sleeping.

So she gets a good night sleep, I still have some getting used to it to do.

[Sheriff Buford]

Your efforts will pay off.... don't give up. Your body has to adjust to having the mask on all night. Once you do, you'll start seeing good results.

Sheriff

[squid13]

My wife said that cpap was the best thing in the world for her. She gets a good nights sleep and I'm tethered to that hose and can't move around a lot like I use to do. So we both win I feel good and so does she.

[Robbnva]

yeah, 2 days now my wife has slept like a baby, unfortunately I haven't. I guess it's my turn to suffer for a while. hopefully i'll get used to it soon enough.

getting ready for night 3, god I hope I can get some sleep, I have to be productive at work tomorrow.

[zoocrewphoto]

Congratulations! I got the same machine one month ago today. I had never slept well, but never knew it because I didn't snore. Since getting the CPAP machine I sleep well, I feel awake when I am awake, and I am much happier.
There is a lot of "bad press" about CPAP treatment which I think causes a sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. I found the mask a little strange at first, but after a couple of minutes, I don't really notice my breathing any more. I spent a few nights figuring out how to get all of the straps and the hose just right - I have finally pointed the hose straight up over my forehead and let it lay up above the pillow. There are a lot of people here with tons of great advice in each little thing that might come up.
Enjoy a good night's sleep and then post about it!


btw- once I found out that I had sleep apnea, and CPAP would treat it, I was thrilled. I couldn't WAIT to get a machine, and had to wait almost a week. It was like waiting for Christmas! I was so happy to get it, I ran home and tried it out right away, and went to be early that night so I could use it. What a great thing to have a completely non-invasive, not painful, relatively inexpensive treatment for a potentially deadly condition.

My story just about matches yours. I started 5 weeks ago, same machine. Also excited to get it, and I took a nap that day to get started early.

[jweeks]

yeah, 2 days now my wife has slept like a baby, unfortunately I haven't.

Hi,

Being a little pragmatic, your wife getting good sleep is a huge day one victory for CPAP. If nothing else, you are scoring a lot of points here, so feel free to milk it for all it is worth.

As far as you go, believe it or not, you are doing great. I couldn't even use the machine the first night...I was too chicken, so I just sat and stared at it. The 2nd night, I only lasted about 2 hours. You are doing way better than I did. Another thing to consider is that you probably haven't been sleeping right for years, so your brain has developed all kinds of work-around strategies. Now that CPAP is helping on the breathing front, your brain has to learn how to sleep all over again. This is going to take some time. Just like you adapted to the breathing problems, now you have to re-adapt to being able to breathe better using CPAP. Some people get an immediate pop from CPAP day one, but others of us take some time to get there. The journey is worth it, so please stick with it.

-john-