Rookie CPAP User

[ParsonBrown]

Weekend update:

I got the F&P Brevida on Friday from Pugsy (thanks so much for the generosity). Compared to the Amara is quite simply amazing. It's not perfect, but it's let me know I'm headed in the right direction. My AHI with the Amara was in the teens more or less...with the Brevida it has been in the 4-5 range.

I need to take a shot of something to give me a chance of opening up with it. Xlear seems to help or at least try to help. It at least allows me to keep my mouth closed.

The wife informed me that I am snoring a little with the Brevida. Not very loud and only sporadic. It feels like it is leaking on me...doesn't bother me, but just feels like it, but the CPAP is reporting a 100% leak free through the night.

I think I need the M/L mask. I have to tighten the mask up a bit too much, I think, and it is causing a bit of discomfort at my upper lip. This could also be residual from the Amara messing me up.

I got to the ENT today. At least on the phone, they talk like the goal is to eliminate the need for the CPAP...either way they are super on board with helping me get where I need to be.

I also plan to touch base with CPAP people to schedule my mask exchange this week if I can. Now that I have something at least passable, I've got my finger off the panic button LOL.

[ParsonBrown]

Please note :These are in a smoking household (tho I don't smoke) they may have picked up the scent in the air. I know some are super sensitive to smoke smell so I mention it.

Thank you so much! This site is hands down the most generous to new members I have ever seen, and I have been on a lot of forums over the years!

Unfortunately the smoking house is a nonstarter for me. Instant nasal congestion in the presence of cigarette smoke.

[ParsonBrown]

Went to ENT and that was an interesting visit. Here is the nickel version:

1. I have a deviated septum. It is not severe, but it is on both sides and the left is the worst.
2. The Dr. Reviewed my sleep study with me. He would not have prescribed a CPAP based on the results. Me not knowing what any of it means...he showed me the moderate diagnosis was based on only 2hrs of data from one night. The second night with significantly more data only scored me with an AHI of 8.
3. Doctor is recommending I discontinue the use of the CPAP until we can sort out the sinuses. He feels there is a good chance that I don't need it and that I can sort out the sinuses and snoring without it. If I do there is a lot of stuff in front of it before it would be a requirement.
4. Saline mist and nasalcort is what I'm doing for now.

I'm kind of still at square one I feel, but at least now I have someone properly take a look at me and we have a plan. I'm not going anywhere just yet. I've got a ways to go still LOL...

[ParsonBrown]

2 nights without CPAP and using Nasacort per doctors orders...the wife has not heard me snore at all and I have slept through the night until nearly time for my alarm to go off (4-4:30 arousal and I get up 5).

I cannot believe how much the Nasacort has helped. Within a few minutes of taking it my nose is opened up and I'm breathing.

Certainly not trying to discourage anyone from the CPAP, but don't want to be remiss in sharing my story as it unfolds. It might help someone.

[ChicagoGranny]

I cannot believe how much the Nasacort has helped. Within a few minutes of taking it my nose is opened up and I'm breathing.

She told you so! Second reply in this thread:

... I would recommend following up with an ENT on the possible polyps. Maybe you have some allergies? It can’t hurt to try Flonase a couple of hours before bedtime to see if it helps. It takes a week or so to kick in, so give it time. And you might ask the ENT whether a referral to an allergist would make sense.

...