New to CPAP and Forum!

[mightyorion]

Hello Everyone!

I a 27 y/o male that was recently diagnosed with OSA. I was full of questions upon being diagnosed, what did I do to cause this? Is it normal for persons to be diagnosed at my age? I'm 6'0" 170lbs and a runner and thought that I was healthy. Anyways, I've stumbled across this site while browsing for information on the web and this seems to be an incredibly informative and supportive board. I look forward to speaking with the members and contributing in any way I can. FWIW: Last night was my first time on the CPAP machine that was prescribed to me. It is a ResMed S9 Autoset w/ H5i (I think that's right) humidifier with a SlimLine tube and Swift FX nasal pillows. My machine told me that I slept for 6.6 hours, had an AHI of 1.6 and a leak rate (that was still within "Smiley Face" limits) of 4L/hr. Are these normal numbers? Ok...Ok... before I begin to ramble I'll stop.

[oak]

Wow. Sounds like you are getting off to a great start! So glad you got good equipment, too! Welcome to Hosehead Land.

[mightyorion]

Thanks Oak! Its nice to hear that I got good equipment, I was really at the mercy of my insurance so I had just primed myself to accept what was given.

[chunkyfrog]

Welcome to the forum.
Never let anyone tell you this was your fault.
It's the luck of the draw, the genetic dice roll.
We play the cards we are dealt--we can still win; but we must play smart.
It looks you are off to a good start.

[hyperlexis]

Hello Everyone!

I a 27 y/o male that was recently diagnosed with OSA. I was full of questions upon being diagnosed, what did I do to cause this? Is it normal for persons to be diagnosed at my age? I'm 6'0" 170lbs and a runner and thought that I was healthy. Anyways, I've stumbled across this site while browsing for information on the web and this seems to be an incredibly informative and supportive board. I look forward to speaking with the members and contributing in any way I can. FWIW: Last night was my first time on the CPAP machine that was prescribed to me. It is a ResMed S9 Autoset w/ H5i (I think that's right) humidifier with a SlimLine tube and Swift FX nasal pillows. My machine told me that I slept for 6.6 hours, had an AHI of 1.6 and a leak rate (that was still within "Smiley Face" limits) of 4L/hr. Are these normal numbers? Ok...Ok... before I begin to ramble I'll stop.

The ahi numbers are very good and the equipment is likewise very good. And the SFX is one of the most discreet masks out there which is good for sleepovers. You'll be fine.

Good luck!

[mightyorion]

Wow! Thank you all for the quick and comforting replies! I do have a question about the H5i humidifier, I apologize if this is listed somewhere else but I'm not what you'd call forum savvy.. I noticed last night that as I was using the instruction booklet and setting the humidifier to 3, a message stating "Warming Up" was displayed. The manual said this takes 30 minutes, is it necessary to allow the warm up period prior to using the machine? I was so exhausted that I just put the machine on after a few minutes. It felt as if I was not getting enough air at first, but I pushed through it for a few minutes and adjusted. Also, is there a general humidity setting that is best to start at before tweaking it? I can say that I'm not a fan of nosebleeds, and humidified air being supplied directly to my nose sounds much better than the alternative.

[oak]

Wow! Thank you all for the quick and comforting replies! I do have a question about the H5i humidifier, I apologize if this is listed somewhere else but I'm not what you'd call forum savvy.. I noticed last night that as I was using the instruction booklet and setting the humidifier to 3, a message stating "Warming Up" was displayed. The manual said this takes 30 minutes, is it necessary to allow the warm up period prior to using the machine? I was so exhausted that I just put the machine on after a few minutes. It felt as if I was not getting enough air at first, but I pushed through it for a few minutes and adjusted. Also, is there a general humidity setting that is best to start at before tweaking it? I can say that I'm not a fan of nosebleeds, and humidified air being supplied directly to my nose sounds much better than the alternative.

Well I will try to answer, although I am pretty new also.

"warm up" on my machine happens automatically, and I don't have the heated hose or anything. it's probably a factory setting. no, you definitely dont have to wait for it to warm up before using the machine. the less stuff you have to deal with just prior to going to sleep the better.

if you felt like you weren't getting enough air at first, your ramp is probably set too low on the lower (beginning) setting. you can adjust this, and you can also adjust the length of time you want it to ramp.

On the humidity, I have tried from 2 to 5, and I gotta say, 5 was way too much for me. Everyone is different and also different masks seem to require different humidity, at least for me. I am set right now to 3 and I use swift fx mask. just experiment.

[mightyorion]

Well, lessons learned. I must have tightened my headgear a bit more than was necessary because I woke up sore in areas around my head that have never been sore before. Haha, I should have known better. Also, I noticed that my AHI went up into the 2 range as well as it seems the average pressure is above what the minimum level prescribed by the Dr. was. I know its going to take some time to get used to this, but I'm just trying to be as involved as I can be to get the most out of this.

[hyperlexis]

Well, lessons learned. I must have tightened my headgear a bit more than was necessary because I woke up sore in areas around my head that have never been sore before. Haha, I should have known better. Also, I noticed that my AHI went up into the 2 range as well as it seems the average pressure is above what the minimum level prescribed by the Dr. was. I know its going to take some time to get used to this, but I'm just trying to be as involved as I can be to get the most out of this.

If the straps are that tight if hurts anywhere, then they are definitely way too tight. The FX has narrow straps so there is less surface area, but it still shouldn't hurt. You will get the hang of it eventually, including trying other masks, including nasal and full face versions with different headgear systems. With time you will learn what works and is most comfortable to you.

Check out the ResMed mask fitting videos on their website and youtube, etc. They can help instruct you how to get a leak free but not overly tight fit. And your number is fine. Below 5 is very good. You and your DME don't need to obsess over nightly numbers. Trends over time yes, but not one or a handful of nights. They wont give a sufficient picture.

Good luck!

[squid13]

Here is a good video to watch for the S9 AutoSet. http://www.cpaplibrary.com/machines.html

[rdfry]

Wow! Thank you all for the quick and comforting replies! I do have a question about the H5i humidifier, I apologize if this is listed somewhere else but I'm not what you'd call forum savvy.. I noticed last night that as I was using the instruction booklet and setting the humidifier to 3, a message stating "Warming Up" was displayed. The manual said this takes 30 minutes, is it necessary to allow the warm up period prior to using the machine? I was so exhausted that I just put the machine on after a few minutes. It felt as if I was not getting enough air at first, but I pushed through it for a few minutes and adjusted. Also, is there a general humidity setting that is best to start at before tweaking it? I can say that I'm not a fan of nosebleeds, and humidified air being supplied directly to my nose sounds much better than the alternative.

using the humidfier isn't required, I hardly ever use mine and have been a xpap user for over 15 years. You also have the right to recieve the best equipment from your dme and don't let them try to tell you otherwise.