New here and not sure where to start

[Hornnumb2]

Here are the results from the first night and I am waiting on second night results.

1 obstructive apnea
203 central
148 mixed
17 respiratory related arousels
101 obstructive hypopneas
AHI of 71
RDI of 74
Lowest oxygen saturation 67%

Waiting for results and prescription but have no clue what to look at with so many different machines and masks. Thanks for any guidance. Michael

[OkyDoky]

Start by making sure you get a data capable machine. Look at this site and note the machines that are not data capable. https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd You want to make sure you don't get one with the red NO.
The biggest manufacturers are Phillips Respironics and ResMed. You have fixed pressure CPAP machines, Auto APAP machines (which can also be run in CPAP mode), and bilevel which have a larger pressure difference between inspiration (IPAP) and expiration (EPAP) these can also be in fixed mode or Auto. Usually a bilevel is used with higher pressures or if more exhalation relief is needed.
I use a Resmed machine at home and find it comfortable but have a Respironics for backup and travel. Respironics are 12 volt machines and run a little easier on battery.
There are also other more specialzed machines that depending on your Rx might be needed.
Two things you need to do is get a copy of your Rx to have in case you need to buy something outside your DME. Such as cheaper price or when traveling. And get a copy of your Sleep Study and Titration (which is the second night where you wore the mask).

[kaiasgram]

Here are the results from the first night and I am waiting on second night results.

1 obstructive apnea
203 central
148 mixed
17 respiratory related arousels
101 obstructive hypopneas
AHI of 71
RDI of 74
Lowest oxygen saturation 67%

Waiting for results and prescription but have no clue what to look at with so many different machines and masks. Thanks for any guidance. Michael

Do you know what kind of machine you were titrated on? You had a lot of centrals in your diagnostic study.

[kteague]

Do you know what kind of machine you were titrated on? You had a lot of centrals in your diagnostic study.

Was thinking the same thing. Please do not hastily accept a machine without knowing that your specific needs are being addressed. Will be interesting to see that titration report.

[ChicagoGranny]

have no clue what to look at with so many different machines and masks.

Don't get stressed. This will start to become clearer soon.

Regarding machines, your doctor should specify the appropriate machine. But, when you know the exact machine model, come back here and get advice on it before accepting delivery of the machine.

Regarding masks:

How to Choose an Initial CPAP Mask for Newbies

1. If you had a sleep lab titration and liked the mask that was used, and that mask was recommended by your medical team, then go for it.

2. If not 1., then did your medical team recommend a nasal mask or a full face mask (FFM)? For many people, nasal masks are easier to use assuming they don't mouthbreathe, leak air out the mouth or get air inflating the cheeks while using CPAP during sleep. If you have any of these problems, you may need to use a FFM. (Despite what you may see in the forum, there are many of us that find FFMs are easy to use, do not leak and are not uncomfortable.)

3. Once you have decided whether you need to start with a nasal mask or a FFM mask, begin looking at the mask descriptions and images at https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php . This is the website of this forum's host.

4. For a newbie, you should select a popular mask that gets high rankings from the reviews. Some people in this forum get excellent usage out of masks that are not popular and do not get good reviews. They might rave about the mask to you. But for a newbie, you want to start with a popular mask with high rankings. After you get some experience, you can experiment with masks that pique your fancy but are not popular.

5. Once you have a category (nasal or FFM) of masks selected, you can go to that category on CPAP dot com's web page and sort by Biggest Sellers and then by Rating. You can check the ratings and read reviews.

6. When you receive your mask and machine, you should watch the mask manufacturer's videos (On CPAP dot com's web page) for instructions on use and adjustments.

7. If you have any problems using the mask, please start a new thread here and ask for help.

8. It's not unusual to try different masks before settling on one that works well for you. If you find yourself buying a fourth or fifth different mask, the problem may be with the way you are trying to use the masks, instead of the mask itself. Please get help from the experienced forum members.

- ChicagoGranny

[Hornnumb2]

Here are the results from the first night and I am waiting on second night results.

1 obstructive apnea
203 central
148 mixed
17 respiratory related arousels
101 obstructive hypopneas
AHI of 71
RDI of 74
Lowest oxygen saturation 67%

Waiting for results and prescription but have no clue what to look at with so many different machines and masks. Thanks for any guidance. Michael

Do you know what kind of machine you were titrated on? You had a lot of centrals in your diagnostic study.

It looked like a resmed S9 but I am just going by looks.

[Hornnumb2]

have no clue what to look at with so many different machines and masks.

Don't get stressed. This will start to become clearer soon.

Regarding machines, your doctor should specify the appropriate machine. But, when you know the exact machine model, come back here and get advice on it before accepting delivery of the machine.

Regarding masks:

How to Choose an Initial CPAP Mask for Newbies

1. If you had a sleep lab titration and liked the mask that was used, and that mask was recommended by your medical team, then go for it.

2. If not 1., then did your medical team recommend a nasal mask or a full face mask (FFM)? For many people, nasal masks are easier to use assuming they don't mouthbreathe, leak air out the mouth or get air inflating the cheeks while using CPAP during sleep. If you have any of these problems, you may need to use a FFM. (Despite what you may see in the forum, there are many of us that find FFMs are easy to use, do not leak and are not uncomfortable.)

3. Once you have decided whether you need to start with a nasal mask or a FFM mask, begin looking at the mask descriptions and images at https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php . This is the website of this forum's host.

4. For a newbie, you should select a popular mask that gets high rankings from the reviews. Some people in this forum get excellent usage out of masks that are not popular and do not get good reviews. They might rave about the mask to you. But for a newbie, you want to start with a popular mask with high rankings. After you get some experience, you can experiment with masks that pique your fancy but are not popular.

5. Once you have a category (nasal or FFM) of masks selected, you can go to that category on CPAP dot com's web page and sort by Biggest Sellers and then by Rating. You can check the ratings and read reviews.

6. When you receive your mask and machine, you should watch the mask manufacturer's videos (On CPAP dot com's web page) for instructions on use and adjustments.

7. If you have any problems using the mask, please start a new thread here and ask for help.

8. It's not unusual to try different masks before settling on one that works well for you. If you find yourself buying a fourth or fifth different mask, the problem may be with the way you are trying to use the masks, instead of the mask itself. Please get help from the experienced forum members.

- ChicagoGranny

The tech had me wear a triangle nasal mask, I told him that I normally breathe through my mouth and he just said to try and keep it shut. Hopefully have the report in a few days. Thanks

[kaiasgram]

It looked like a resmed S9 but I am just going by looks.

The S9 is a whole line of machines with quite a few models in the line. The report from your titration study should tell us what machine(s) they tried you on.

[Hornnumb2]

One other question while waiting on report, I know there is probably a million answers to. I am a mouth breather so should I go with a full face mask or try to keep my mouth shut and use a nasal mask?

[Okie bipap]

I didn't think I was a mouth breather, but obviously I am. I have tried nasal pillows and constantly wake up with massive amounts of air blowing out if my mouth and my lips flapping. I sound like I'm giving someone a Bronx cheer. I have given up on nasal pillows and use a full face mask. I am looking forward to trying the Amara View in a few days.

[ChicagoGranny]

One other question while waiting on report, I know there is probably a million answers to. I am a mouth breather so should I go with a full face mask or try to keep my mouth shut and use a nasal mask?

FFMs are made for mouth breathers. My FFM works great. Wouldn't have anything else.

[grayghost4]

It was probably a S9 TX machine that they used in the lab:

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/commercial- ... ap-tx.html

which can be set to emulate all the different models of the S9.

[Hornnumb2]

They had me wear a nasal mask in the sleep study, should I start with one of those or just go for full face. I wish these things weren't so expensive so you could try a few different one but that's costly.

[OkyDoky]

They had me wear a nasal mask in the sleep study, should I start with one of those or just go for full face. I wish these things weren't so expensive so you could try a few different one but that's costly.

When you meet with your DME they should give you an opportunity to try different masks. I did end up starting with the nasal mask used in my study. It took some time and a mask liner to get it to work. Ask about your DME return return policy. My DME allowed me one exchange in the first 30 days. I thought I would be able to keep my original mask but I had to return it to get a different one. I didn't like that idea (what if the second mask was worse than the first) so I ended up buying my second mask.
CPAP.com does have some masks where they have free return insurance and some where you can buy the insurance. This allows you to try the mask for 30 days.
If you had no problem with mouth breathing during your study and have no problem breathing through your nose, I would go with less on the face.

[otrpu]

Hornnumb2,
I've been a mouth breather most my life. Have used FFM since starting CPAP in 2003. Sometimes have trouble getting seal with my usual FFM due to the large seal area. Best solution I've found so far is The RespCARE Hybrid FFM. It's a combination nasal pillow/mouth seal mask with a much smaller seal area. Also, has a provision to help keep mouth closed. Might want to take alook at it.
Cheers,
otrpu