Newbie...just wanted to say, "HI"

[fishy]

Hey all. I was just told today that my sleep study showed I have apnea. I havent had the official post-sleep study briefing, my doc just called to let me know. He said it was pretty bad and he is going to go over options but is going to recommend a CPAP machine.

So I want the baddest, flyest, mac-daddy, pimped-up, best CPAP machine out there.

Seriously, is there a consensus on what type of machines tend to be the best?

Appreciate any advice.

Fishy

[chunkyfrog]

Welcome to the sanctum of the enlightened.
The best thing to read BEFORE you go for your machine is this.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Questions?

[fishy]

What does a "data capable" machine do for you?

[ughwhatname]

It gives you data so you can be an informed patient. You want data-capable. Someone here created a software program where you can download your data and get charts on your AHI, pressures, your leak rate, flags for events, etc. etc. I download my data every morning and review it while eating my breakfast.

What does a "data capable" machine do for you?

[kteague]

Believe it or not, there are machines out there that only report the hours of use (compliance data) which is required by some insurances to insure a patient is using the equipment. The data you want to get is treatment data. It will tell you about any residual apnea and hypopnea events, along with other information. Not having this data is like flying blind. If sleep studies were perfect in that they always capture everyone's worst case scenario and nothing changes over time or from night to night it wouldn't be an issue, but none of that is true, so a data capable machine can keep you informed on your current status on the prescribed pressure.

[fishy]

Thanks guys! It;s been 3 long years since I've has a good night's sleep. Believe it or not, my psychiatrist attributed my nightly wakings to anxiety (I was having nightime panic attacks). So of course I am now on more drugs than I care to mention. this could be a game changer for me.

[sleepnasta]

Thanks guys! It;s been 3 long years since I've has a good night's sleep. Believe it or not, my psychiatrist attributed my nightly wakings to anxiety (I was having nightime panic attacks). So of course I am now on more drugs than I care to mention. this could be a game changer for me.

hi and welcome! i'm a newbie too. just started on cpap less than a week ago. my equipment is listed in my signature and so far i'm happy with it. i have anxiety too and panic attacks which really suck. i haven't taken any meds for them so far. i've read that sleep apnea can do a number on you in so many ways, including causing anxiety and depression. i hope your cpap helps you feel better in more ways than one.

[Pugsy]

Might want to read this also.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

[jencat824]

Welcome!
Not to start on a negative note, but let me welcome you by saying whatever machine you chose DO NOT GET A F&P ICON. Now having said that, look to the folks here to guide you in your choice of the best data capable machine available. You must insist on data capability to get the most from your treatment. Good luck in choosing that biggest, baddest, most data capable machine out there!
Jen

[kteague]

Thanks guys! It;s been 3 long years since I've has a good night's sleep. Believe it or not, my psychiatrist attributed my nightly wakings to anxiety (I was having nightime panic attacks). So of course I am now on more drugs than I care to mention. this could be a game changer for me.

Being repeatedly suffocated all night sounds like good cause for panic attacks! From what I read on here, being misdiagnosed with anxiety and/or depression is not uncommon. You may find as you receive effective treatment for your OSA your medication needs might change. Please work closely with your doctor and follow recommendations for any changes. I made the mistake of stopping a med once against recommendation for weaning. Not my finest moment.

Good luck going forward.

[wiguy]

Thanks guys! It;s been 3 long years since I've has a good night's sleep. Believe it or not, my psychiatrist attributed my nightly wakings to anxiety (I was having nightime panic attacks). So of course I am now on more drugs than I care to mention. this could be a game changer for me.

Being repeatedly suffocated all night sounds like good cause for panic attacks! From what I read on here, being misdiagnosed with anxiety and/or depression is not uncommon. You may find as you receive effective treatment for your OSA your medication needs might change. Please work closely with your doctor and follow recommendations for any changes. I made the mistake of stopping a med once against recommendation for weaning. Not my finest moment.

Good luck going forward.

Yes. I had an appointment today with my primary. I am coming down off my hefty dose of anxiety meds. I am looking forward o the transition and what it will do for me.