Greetings All [3 Week Update]

[dhoppe]

My name is Dan and I currently reside in SE Michigan. I've had a troubled 10 year issue with sleep and believe that I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. About 5 years ago, my Doctor sent me for a sleep study based on feedback from myself and my wife. After being hooked up to what seemed like 300 wires, I was never able to drift off to sleep during the study and was diagnosed with Chronic Insomnia. I should have pressed the issue more at the time knowing that wasn't my problem but hey, I'm a guy and when it comes to Doctors, we can be a little obstinate at times! Fast forward 5 years to a time when I find that my sleep has only gotten worse, my snoring has driven me to sleep apart from my best friend and soul mate, and I don't have the energy to play with my Grand Daughter. After finding a new Doctor, one who seemed to care about my well being, I was sent for another sleep study just a few days ago. While I again had a difficult time falling asleep, I did finally manage to doze off. The lab technicians shared with me that my breathing stopped on average about 35 times an hour. So, before my next visit to the sleep clinic, I find myself here, trying to learn as much as possible about sleep apnea and the challenges I will face when I strap the mask on.

[ChicagoGranny]

dhoppe

When we sleep on our backs, gravity is pulling the tongue and soft palate directly into the airway causing blockages. So, until you get your CPAP gear, avoid backsleeping. Sleep on your sides or stomach. Many people get some relief, but not a cure, from obstructive sleep apnea by staying off the back.

the challenges I will face

Just do it! You've been through the tough part. Now comes the easy part.

[LSAT]

Read the Announcements section at the top of the Main page

[OkyDoky]

Welcome Dan,
Are you going for an in lab titration for pressure settings or getting an Apap machine to determine needed pressures?
When your testing is complete be sure and get copies of your Sleep Study and your Prescription. There will be a time that you need them and having them allows you to determine where you want to buy your equipment. Check with your insurance about in network DME's and how they cover CPAP.
Look for full efficacy data machines. A DME might say the machine is full data but it is only compliance data which is only helpful to document usage. If a problem comes up with your therapy you and your doctor need full data to figure it out without having to go through another sleep study. Here is a link to a site that will help you to know machines to avoid. If it has a red NO do not buy. I also would stick to the top 2 Manufacturers, ResMed or Respironics. https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd
As questions come up ask and someone will help. Also please stay with this thread and people can keep your history in one place without having to repeat questions.

[dhoppe]

dhoppe

When we sleep on our backs, gravity is pulling the tongue and soft palate directly into the airway causing blockages. So, until you get your CPAP gear, avoid backsleeping. Sleep on your sides or stomach. Many people get some relief, but not a cure, from obstructive sleep apnea by staying off the back.

the challenges I will face

Just do it! You've been through the tough part. Now comes the easy part.

Thanks Granny, I've been sleeping on my side for several years now as sleeping on my back, which is my preferred position, caused me to wake myself gasping for air. The side sleep does at least allow me to drift off. Thanks for the encouragement!

Read the Announcements section at the top of the Main page

Thanks LSAT, I'll make sure to hit that section as well!

Welcome Dan,
Are you going for an in lab titration for pressure settings or getting an Apap machine to determine needed pressures?
When your testing is complete be sure and get copies of your Sleep Study and your Prescription. There will be a time that you need them and having them allows you to determine where you want to buy your equipment. Check with your insurance about in network DME's and how they cover CPAP.
Look for full efficacy data machines. A DME might say the machine is full data but it is only compliance data which is only helpful to document usuage. If a problem comes up with your therapy you and your doctor need full data to figure it out without having to go through another sleep study. Here is a link to a site that will help you to know machines to avoid. If it has a red NO do not buy. I also would stick to the top 2 Manufacturers, ResMed or Respironics. https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd
As questions come up ask and someone will help. Also please stay with this thread and people can keep your history in one place without having to repeat questions.

Thanks for all the info Oky, I will be going in for a titration for pressure settings. I'll be sure to request a copy of all the results when I go back. I'll also discuss with my PCP, who was my referring Doctor when I see him tomorrow.

[yippeekia]

Welcome! I am so glad that I found this place. I found the diagnosis to be isolating, even though my Dad has had a CPAP for years. This forum has been very helpful to me and I encourage you to refer back to it as challenges arise. There is a lot to learn, it is nice to be amongst people who have faced similar challenges.

Best Wishes!

[Sir NoddinOff]

Two tips since it's early days for you. One: Be sure to get a data capable CPAP machine when the time comes. Two: Keep that upbeat attitude! Let us know how it goes.
Here's an up-to-date CPAP database that will tell you which machines are data capable with AHI and leak info etc:
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment/cpapmachines

[chunkyfrog]

. . . Be sure to get a data capable CPAP machine . . .

Note, some DME's will consider compliance and a data card to mean "data capable".
You need to demand AHI, and LEAK --numbers, not a smiley face!

[Sharin]

I don't know if this will help but I use a nasal mask that has a chin strap attached. They saw in all my sleep studies the difficulties I had. First they just tried the nasal mask w/o a strap but I kept opening my mouth. The chin strap has stiff plastic on each side and my chin rests into it. It seems to help a lot. All the chin straps I bought separately, never worked. The only really big is I have with this type of mask, it stretches out quite easily. It is supposed to last 6 months. I have to replace it every month. So I figure it is worth it at $24.00 extra a month. Hope this helps you.

[ChicagoGranny]

a nasal mask that has a chin strap attached

What does this have to do with the OP?

[dhoppe]

. . . Be sure to get a data capable CPAP machine . . .

Note, some DME's will consider compliance and a data card to mean "data capable".
You need to demand AHI, and LEAK --numbers, not a smiley face!

I found AHI on the definitions page but I'm not finding LEAK. What does that stand for?

[ChicagoGranny]

LEAK. What does that stand for?

Unintentional leak - Leak from the mask that was not designed. A small amount of leak will not affect the therapy, although if it leaks toward your eyes, it may cause discomfort and drying of the eyes. A high amount of leak can result in loss of therapeutic pressure and you may revert to breathing events.

Design leak - CPAP masks have vents for expelling breathed air to prevent CO2 buildup. The air that goes through these vents is called design leak. The vents should never be blocked.

Total leak - The sum of unintentional and design leak.

[Sharin]

Sorry was 3:00 am and having trouble sleeping. Maybe posted to wrong spot. New to board and trying to figure everything out. Won't happen again.

a nasal mask that has a chin strap attached

What does this have to do with the OP?

[ChicagoGranny]

Sorry was 3:00 am and having trouble sleeping. Maybe posted to wrong spot. New to board and trying to figure everything out. Won't happen again.

Don't worry. We have longtime members with thousands of posts who do much worse.

[dhoppe]

I'm ready to do this! Just got home with my machine and mask. Getting ready to download Sleepyhead so I can geek out and track the progress. Can anyone recommend a good starting point for humidity level?