Complete newbie seeking advice

[mikein3d]

My health care provider is Kaiser. Earlier this week, i took the do it at home test. The next day the sleep lab called to tell me I had severe sleep apnea. Which did not completely surprise me. They told me for most patients the next step would be to meet with a respiratory therapist in a classroom setting, however next available appointment in in late May. So another option would for them to send me a CPAP right away, so that I could start using it sooner rather than later.

As the conversation continued I explained some issues I had with the test, I never got to sleep the entire night. They decided to have me do the test a second time. I assume when those results come back I will presented with the same options, get the machine now, or wait to talk to a respiratory therapist.

My initial thought was to start using the machine as soon as possible, but doing some searching, which led me to this forum, I realize I am in way over my head. Now I’m thinking maybe I should talk to the respiratory therapist before making these decisions. Is that a reasonable approach?

[jimbud]

I explained some issues I had with the test, I never got to sleep the entire night.

They can usually tell if you have Apnea without you sleeping all night.
Most people have trouble sleeping under the ordeal of the sleep test.

Get the machine (a full function machine like the Resmed Airsense 10 Auto), come back here and get advice on setup and therapy while waiting for your appointment with respiratory therapist.

From what I have heard on this forum, Kaiser is not the greatest to work with so you will probably be back here at sometime in the future anyway.

Just my opinion only.
What ever you decide. Good luck.

JPB

Be SURE to get a Full Function Machine that is supported by the software Oscar. Very important to insist on it. (Resmed or Respironics are best)

[Miss Emerita]

All things considered, I recommend getting a machine. I also recommend that you request a copy of your sleep study, or at least ask what the breakdown of events was (obstructive apnea, central apnea, hypopnea).

You say you're not completely surprised by the diagnosis, and something led to your getting a sleep test in the first place. So it'd be good to see what's going on, which you will if you use a data-capable machine.

It's common to feel you didn't sleep much during a sleep test, but it's easy to slip in and out of a light sleep without remembering it. That's a pretty common scenario.

I'm a Kaiser patient in Oakland, and I went to the post-diagnosis class. We were shown how to put a mask on and tried hooking the mask up to the machine. We got copies of our sleep studies and some information about what the terminology meant.

Now here's an important point. We were sent home with Phillips Respironics Dreamstation machines for a week for "titration" (meaning adjustment of our pressure settings, which can be done remotely). At the end of that week, we gave the PR machines back to Kaiser and got ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset machines as our keepers.

I can't emphasize enough how much better the ResMed machine felt to me, and also how much better people here seem to do with ResMed vs. PR. So please clarify what machine they would be sending you, and ask specifically for the ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.

Also, they sent me home with a triangular nasal mask that had a stabilizing piece across my forehead. It left welts on my nose and bruises on my forehead. I complained, and they gave me a ResMed P10 nasal pillow mask. Much better! If you breathe through your mouth during the day, you will need a full-face mask; if you normally breathe through your nose, I would recommend starting with the P10. It is minimalist and has a great diffuser for the air that comes out the vent. They should give you a starter pack with all three sizes of pillows.

Once you get a machine, we'd be happy to help you with advice about using it.

[mikein3d]

Thank you both for your responses, I don't feel quite so alone now. I am not clear on what specifically was wrong with my initial test. The person who called said she needed to check something and would call me back. She called several hours later and said the doctor wanted to do a retest and they didn't charge me for that one. Still waiting on the results of the second test.

[Miss Emerita]

So it sounds like you've had a second test but don't yet know the results? Also don't know why the doctor wanted a second test? Did the offer to send you a machine come after the doctor said to have a second test, or before?

It sounds like the doctor saw something that needs some follow-up. Maybe they offered to send you a machine before the doctor weighed in?

[mikein3d]

I am waiting for the results of the second test. I assume I'll be presented with options going forward at that time. The medical staff have all been awesome to me, I just need to get better at asking them good questions

[mikein3d]

After 3 sleep exams and a class I’m finally getting my first CPAP machine. They didn’t tell me which one but should be here in a week.

[Miss Emerita]

Three! I’m glad a machine is on the way. Keep us posted!

[zonker]

After 3 sleep exams and a class I’m finally getting my first CPAP machine. They didn’t tell me which one but should be here in a week.

mike?

when you get your machine and start in on your therapy, would you be kind enough to post further here in this thread, rather than start a new one? it makes it easier to keep tabs on you and see what you've done and what advice you'll be given.

thanks!

[mikein3d]

Mike is me.

I will for post my experiences back on this thread. I appreciate all of your replies and advice.

[mikein3d]

5 months after I began this journey, 3 sleep studies, 2 different diagnosis and a misplaced order my CPAP machine arrived yesterday. It’s a Resmed Airsense 10 Auto, with a water tank, and nasal air pillows. I opened the package anxious to try it out, but there is a note in there that says to call the sleep clinic for setup. There is also an invoice that has already been paid but also includes several pages that is difficult to read and sounds like I’m signing my life away if I sign it. Is that normal?

[Julie]

If you're renting the machine for a few months before buying it, maybe that's the paperwork? What did you agree to do? Will you have to sleep at least 4 hrs/night to keep the insurance people happy for a ccuple of months?

[mikein3d]

If you're renting the machine for a few months before buying it, maybe that's the paperwork? What did you agree to do? Will you have to sleep at least 4 hrs/night to keep the insurance people happy for a ccuple of months?

I bought the equipment with my insurance company paying most. I haven’t agreed to anything at this point that I’m aware of. My insurance company has not informed me of a 4 hour per night requirement yet, but I do understand from reading this forum that it is common

[mikein3d]

I wore it for the first time last night. I don’t think I slept at all. I didn’t feel a lot of pressure through my nose, I kept up a steady inhale exhale through my nose. One interesting thing, I felt like a pocket of air between my gums and upper lip, which caused me to open my mouth. When I did that I got a rush of air out of my mouth, is that normal?

[Pugsy]

I felt like a pocket of air between my gums and upper lip, which caused me to open my mouth. When I did that I got a rush of air out of my mouth, is that normal?

Search the forum for discussions about "chipmunk cheeks".....it's a common and annoying complaint.