Just diagnosed looking for tips before going to DME

[Guest]

HI I am a newbie. i just got back from the doctors who gave me my results of my at home sleep study. Apparently the news for me isn't good. My overall Apnea index was 47.1/hour of sleep and my SPo2 was 63%. The dr gave me an RX for an airsense 10 for her with a heated water chamber and heated hose. I dropped of my RX and they said they would run the insurance and call me to make an appointment. So I was wondering what can you guys tell me about what to expect when I go to get the machine. What mask would you suggest I start with? I am hoping to avoid the face mask because I am claustrophobic. Any help would be appreciated. My head is reeling right now with everything.

[GettingBetter]

HI I am a newbie. i just got back from the doctors who gave me my results of my at home sleep study. Apparently the news for me isn't good. My overall Apnea index was 47.1/hour of sleep and my SPo2 was 63%. The dr gave me an RX for an airsense 10 for her with a heated water chamber and heated hose. I dropped of my RX and they said they would run the insurance and call me to make an appointment. So I was wondering what can you guys tell me about what to expect when I go to get the machine. What mask would you suggest I start with? I am hoping to avoid the face mask because I am claustrophobic. Any help would be appreciated. My head is reeling right now with everything.

Sorry to hear you are going through this. It can make your head spin.

The home study oxygen level is a little scary - mine was 66% in lab and I was placed on supplemental O2. Did they mention anything about supplemental O2?

Hope all gets better for you.
GB

[Okie bipap]

Your machine is a very good one. Many people will offer suggestions for a mask, but that is a personal choice. What works and is comfortable for one person, may not work for the next one. The first thing you need to decide is if you are a mouth breather. If you are, you will probably need a full face mask (ffm). If you are not a mouth breather, you can use either the nasal pillows or a nasal mask. I breath through my nose during the day, but I have been unable to use the nasal pillows because I cannot keep my mouth closed while asleep. Don't be discouraged if the first mask doesn't work out for you. I tried several masks before I finally found one I could use. Ask your DME what their policy is on returning masks. Some will allow one trade out during the first thirty days and other will allow more. Some, on the other hand won't any.

[Julie]

Look at the Hybrid mask on Cpap.com - could be the best of both worlds for you.

[laxmom]

Gettingbetter: the doctor didn't say anything about supplemental O2, is that something I should call the office and ask?

Okie bipap: This may sound stupid but how do I know if i'm a mouth breather at night? I know when I am sick I am but if i'm asleep i'm not sure how to know. The DME said I can exchange the first mask within 30 days for a 2nd mask but that mask I have to keep for 3 months before insurance will let me try another mask if I don't like it. That's why I was hoping to get some idea of what to try first.

[teachcsg]

Good cpap machine so you shouldn't have trouble there.
I think one of the main issues with liking or not liking your cpap is the mask you choose. I would ask about their mask policy (as Okie bipap wrote) and try a nasal, nasal pillow and full face mask. I had customers who were mouth breathers without the cpap but once they got their cpap machine they stopped mouth breathing and were fine with just a nasal mask.
Don't feel like you only have one chance. If you dont like the mask most DME's will let you change it out within 30 days. Give it try.
I would say, dont feel overwhelmed or scared. CPAP is very common now and many people wear them. It takes 2-4 weeks to get used to wearing one so give yourself time to get used to it. Dont feel like 'if I dont like it the first night I'm doomed!" You may find that you take to it like a fish to water or (as the majority of people do) it will take you a few weeks and some mask trial and error before you really get used to it.
Enjoy the process. Realize that your body and sleep patterns are different from everyone else and you have to find out what works best for you. Lots of people have been where you are now and have done great. You will too. Just give it time and persevere.
Good luck and keep on asking and learning!

[GettingBetter]

Gettingbetter: the doctor didn't say anything about supplemental O2, is that something I should call the office and ask?
Yes, ask! My Doctor wrote a prescription and I purchased a refurbished machine for about $500.

Okie bipap: This may sound stupid but how do I know if i'm a mouth breather at night? I know when I am sick I am but if i'm asleep i'm not sure how to know. The DME said I can exchange the first mask within 30 days for a 2nd mask but that mask I have to keep for 3 months before insurance will let me try another mask if I don't like it. That's why I was hoping to get some idea of what to try first.

[Michelle-OH]

My dme actually had a lot of loaner masks you could try, the first tech I worked with didn't share that little bit of info. at all, so don't be scared to ask questions. Also, even with insurance I had to pay as much for my 'upgrade' mask, Airfit P10 as what some online sites charge, so you might want to look into online purchases. My cpap ended up costing less thru an online provider than what my rental would have cost me for the 9 month rental my insurance required. And, I supposedly have 'great insurance'. It's all very daunting at first, good luck!

[Julie]

You can't know, once asleep, if or when your mouth opens, so it's best to be sure it doesn't affect therapy. Many of us have FF masks on hand if only for times we get colds and have congested noses.

[grayghost4]

Welcome to the "Club"

Many of us with sleep apnoea "snore" therefore the DME will call us mouth breathers ....But many of us can use a nasal or nasal pillow mask. Sometime with the aid of a chin strap or soft cervicle collar to help keep the mouth closed.

Some good nasal masks .... P10.... Swift FX... and one that I like is the Pilaro Q.

there are also some good high-bred mask one new one is the Amara View..

[Lucyhere]

HI I am a newbie. i just got back from the doctors who gave me my results of my at home sleep study. Apparently the news for me isn't good. My overall Apnea index was 47.1/hour of sleep and my SPo2 was 63%. The dr gave me an RX for an airsense 10 for her with a heated water chamber and heated hose. I dropped of my RX and they said they would run the insurance and call me to make an appointment. So I was wondering what can you guys tell me about what to expect when I go to get the machine. What mask would you suggest I start with? I am hoping to avoid the face mask because I am claustrophobic. Any help would be appreciated. My head is reeling right now with everything.

When I got the results of my sleep study my head was reeling too. My numbers were close to yours, but when I got comfortable with the machine and mask, it turned out that I didn't need supplemental 02. However, I still suggest you confer with your doctor on this. Some masks you might consider are the Airfit P10, the Swift FX and the DreamWear. All three have minimal contact with your face. You can google the masks to see what they look like. Also, do a search here... (top of the first page). There are several threads on each of the masks. Best of luck on your journey!

[palerider]

Apparently the news for me isn't good. .

sounds like the news for you is *great*! better sleep on the horizon!

[palerider]

the doctor didn't say anything about supplemental O2, is that something I should call the office and ask?

no, it's not. don't worry about it at all... if you need it, your doctor will let you know. the vast majority of people don't need extra oxygen once they've gotten their apnea taken care of by the machine.

[Janknitz]

If you are not a mouth breather check out the DreamWare mask. It's very minimalist, lightweight and comfortable. I think it's a great beginner mask as long as you can keep from mouth breathing in your sleep.

[chunkyfrog]

If you are curious about this mask, it is very different from any other, and very minimal.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dre ... -pack.html