Hi everyone

[drifterdon]

Hi everyone,
I have been lurking for about a week or so and thought I would introduce myself.
I would never had guessed that I have severe sleep apnea but after going to several different eye doctors for what started as dry eye syndrome and ending up with the beginnings of glaucoma, I was referred to a sleep doctor and low and behold here I am.
I have been doing lots of research on the web, forums, and videos and am bound and determined that I can do this.
I was sure I could never get to sleep at the hospital sleep lab all wired up but I did. I was also sure I couldn't sleep with a hose attached to my face but I did.
I go see my sleep doc day after tomorrow (She will also be my DME), and get info and equipment. The admin there told me they have PR System One full data machine. I just don't know which one yet.
Anyways, I'm glad I found this great resource.
Don

[chunkyfrog]

Welcome, drifterdon.
For the record "full data" MUST include AHI, LEAK, and all that other stuff, especially waveforms.
"Compliance" is considered "data" as well, but is only of value to the DME and insurance.

[drifterdon]

After getting some education here, I queried them pretty good abut the machines, and I will except nothing less than a DS-460.
Thanks

[kaiasgram]

Hi Don, did you do the drawing in your avatar? Welcome to the forum. My daughter is a professor at WWU.

It sounds like you've done your research. The only suggestion I have right now is that you compare prices before accepting a machine -- the doctor-as-DME arrangement is the reason I'm suggesting this. When the doc stands to gain by directly selling the product she is prescribing, it's just worth some comparison shopping for you, the patient/consumer of the product. You have no obligation to purchase your machine from this doctor.

[drifterdon]

Hi Kaiasgram,
I wish I could draw like that but no I used a program I got from the app store. I no longer have it on my machine and don't remember what it was called. I will keep looking for it if you are interested in it.
I know I don't have to use my doc as my DME also, but my insurance is pretty good so no real need to shop around if they have what I want.
I will tell them if they don't give what I am expecting, that I plan to go elsewhere. So far it sounds positive though.

[drifterdon]

Things went well today at the sleep docs.
They had just what I wanted all ready to go except the mask which required fitting. The one I chose wasn't even one of the ones I had researched but it felt great.
Tonight is night one and I look forward to some quality sleep.

[cpierc01]

Good Luck tonight. Take your time with it and do not get discouraged.

[sleeplessinaz]

Take your time and don't feel bad if you try other masks before you find the perfect one for you. I went thru about 5 or 6 masks or more before settling on a nasal pillow mask. Good luck and keep us posted!
Carrie

[Thewino]

Hi Don,

Welcome to the board. You were smart and did all your research first.

Just like sleeplessinaz, I would like to offer that if your first mask doesn't work well, keep trying different ones. I also had to run through seven or eight before I found mask comfort.

I bid you good night.

TheWino

[drifterdon]

Thanks all for the well wishes.
I did pretty good last night but quality sleep isn't what I would call it.
I worried a lot about leaks not knowing fully that some is normal around the hose connections etc., not to mention wearing a mask to bed.
I felt like I had a real problem sleeping but do feel rested today.
After downloading to Sleepyhead I show and AHI of 6.7 but with only my first night of use I'm not sure it really means anything yet.
I'm sure tonight will be better.

[cpierc01]

Sounds like you are getting off to a good start. Just keep it up. Good Luck tonight just try to relax.

[Julie]

I'm not sure what you mean by leaks around hose connections - those aren't supposed to happen and could mean the connections weren't properly done... or are you interpreting e.g. the CO2 vent patch to be a leak when it's supposed to be a vent (and should never be covered by bedding, etc.)?

[drifterdon]

I thought I read somewhere that there are inherent leaks in all masks.
Maybe that was not right.

[RogerSC]

I thought I read somewhere that there are inherent leaks in all masks.
Maybe that was not right.

Yes, masks are deliberately vented using vent holes/ports, but should not leak around hose connections.