Using a CPAP tonight for the first time!?

[crankybear]

I have been diagnosed with severe sleep disorder. The overall apnea-hyopnea index was severe at 71.8 events per hour. I received my resmed s9, thanks to all of the information and guidence of cpap and asking the right questions.

I am looking for any advise for a first time user.

[Pugsy]

What is the model name showing on your machine just above the left knob?

First time tonight? Play with the machine before bedtime...use it while watching TV while getting the mask adjusted or whatever.

[NJDav]

My first night with CPAP was only a month ago, again with a S9 Autoset.

My advise would be to just accept that you have to use it, and try and make the best effort you can to use as much as possible every night.

Also use the ramp function, I found if I didn't I felt like I was drowning in air. The ramp helps you get used to the pressure.

Good luck

[crankybear]

The model says EPR

[Chikorita]

Hello and welcome.
The first night is exciting and a bit scary too.
Try not to sleep during the day or drink caffeine in the afternoon.
Have everything ready before you plan to go to bed.

Take time to feel comfortable with the mask and machine.
I kicked hubby out of our bed for a few nights while I got adjusted.
Don't expect it to be easy to adjust and make the deicision not to give up even if it becomes difficult.
And remember that the people on here are knowledgeable and very kind in sharing their wisdom so ask lots of questions.
Sweet dreams.

[Pugsy]

EPR is not a model name...EPR is exhale pressure relief.

Does it say Autoset or does it say Escape Auto?
Upper left ...
lower right says EPR....look upper left above the knob


Just wanting to make sure you got the AutoSet and not the Escape Auto....you mention S9 APAP....the Escape Auto is also and APAP but doesn't offer full data that the AutoSet does.

[crankybear]

My machine is an auto set not the escaape. What type of data does the machine record. The supplier told me the first month he is using it as a standard cpap and after reviewing data he will then be able to use the apap portion. He also said not to use a heated hose yet. After I left, I wondered why he would have said that.

[wilsonintexas]

It records all sorts of things that you will want to know... The first ones are your AHI... how good is it working... the second (at least at first) is your leak data... if this is not under control (24 for you) then the machine can not help you.

later ther all kinds of other things....

DO NOT EXPECT YOUR AHI TO BE ZERO..... below 5 is fine.... even then there may be quality of sleep issues, it can take a while to adjust...


Look at Pugsy's signature line for sleepyhead software. It is a free package developemd by a member that helps read and look at the data. IT DOES NOT DESTROY YOUR data, so down load it, probably tomorow, and then get back with us.

It takes a while to get use to.... expect some strange noises as you learn to adjust the mask.... the first night is usually..... let's say... interesting...

down load sleepy, head, then we can help you understand the data. Start reading teh flossery of terms.... then ask questions...

See you in the morning.

[Pugsy]

He also said not to use a heated hose yet. After I left, I wondered why he would have said that.

It is a bit odd but if it is warm and humid already (where you live) the added warmth of the heated hose might feel rather warm on the face. I use a heated hose all year round but I turn the temp down during these summer months.
Feels too much like a sauna at my winter temps.
The heated hose really helps in the winter when air is normally drier and we add the moisture to the air and bedrooms are much cooler and condensation in the hose occurs.. It isn't really much of a problem in the summer time.
Some people switch out the heated hose for regular hose during the summer. So using a heated hose is probably not a critical issue during the summer unless you like your bedroom around 60 degrees.

Click on the SleepyHead User Guide (link in my signature here) for examples of what you will see using SleepyHead.

You can also use ResScan if you wish and to see examples of what it shows you can watch this video.
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/
Up to you which one you want to use. SleepyHead is Beta software and it has a few minor bugs but they aren't huge and more than offset with the ease that the software is to work with.
Doesn't matter which software you want to use...Use them both if you wish.
SleepyHead has a Mac version. ResScan doesn't.
If you want ResScan speak up and someone will point you to it.

[deerslayer]

My first night with CPAP was only a month ago, again with a S9 Autoset.

My advise would be to just accept that you have to use it, and try and make the best effort you can to use as much as possible every night.

Also use the ramp function, I found if I didn't I felt like I was drowning in air. The ramp helps you get used to the pressure.

Good luck

***********************************************************************************
Good Advise !
it will change your life & improve your health Greatly. It may take a while to settle into a routine that works for you.
You have proved just by being here to be above the learning curve * CONGRATS

[Lakejumperboating]

I've been ising mime for over two years. You may not be able to wear it for the entire night and may only be able to keep it on for a few hours. Everyone's tolerance at first is different. I used sleep meds after the first couple of ties to help me get used to it. Lt is know how you are doing.