Just wanted to say HI and thank you all for providing a place to get solid info about CPAP. I've just recently been diagnosed, have had a couple sleep studies, and just today picked up my equipment.
Having just read thru the first page of this forum, I went into my meeting today equipped with some helpful knowledge. For this, i thank you! I was able to talk somewhat intelligently with the DME, ask the right questions, inquire about better equipment, and walk away with what i believe to be the right equipment for me...
- RemStar Auto
- Activa
Altho' my original prescription was for a CPAP, I was able to convince my doctor to change it to a BiPAP. She seemed surprised that i knew as much about the equipment as i did (and i dont know much), and was very open to changing the prescription.
Again, for this i thank you.
I also wanted to mention my experience with my insurance. After reading the thread of horror stories involving purchasing from the net, I'd expected sky-high prices from the DME i was referred to, but their price on the RemStar Auto was $970. That didn't seem too bad to me.
Teej
Hi! I'm new
Hi Teej,
That's wonderful. Great to hear you've been given some help.
Let us know how it goes for you. Hopefully it will all go perfectly and soon you'll be buzzing around with newfound energy. Whether it's perfect or less than perfect, let us know. I know I like to know, for it helps me as well. I've been on my machine since November, yet I still keep learning from people here, no matter if they are relatively new to this or have been at it a long time.
So keep in touch.
Linda
That's wonderful. Great to hear you've been given some help.
Let us know how it goes for you. Hopefully it will all go perfectly and soon you'll be buzzing around with newfound energy. Whether it's perfect or less than perfect, let us know. I know I like to know, for it helps me as well. I've been on my machine since November, yet I still keep learning from people here, no matter if they are relatively new to this or have been at it a long time.
So keep in touch.
Linda
Thanks, Linda. Hi, Guest.
My first night was less-than-ideal. I didn't sleep at all, frankly, and gave up on the mask about 5 am. It wasn't that the mask wasn't comfortable; it was surprisingly so. I just couldn't get my mind to stop racing.
I'd read that it might take awhile to get used to sleeping in the headgear, but i hope it doesn't take too long. I'm TIRED!
But yes, i'll keep you informed. Glad to hear things are going well for you. Did it take long to adjust?
teej
My first night was less-than-ideal. I didn't sleep at all, frankly, and gave up on the mask about 5 am. It wasn't that the mask wasn't comfortable; it was surprisingly so. I just couldn't get my mind to stop racing.
I'd read that it might take awhile to get used to sleeping in the headgear, but i hope it doesn't take too long. I'm TIRED!
But yes, i'll keep you informed. Glad to hear things are going well for you. Did it take long to adjust?
teej
Last edited by Teej813 on Fri Jun 03, 2005 1:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Teej,
It does take time to adjust. My prescribed pressure is particularly high and I still struggle with it. But it gets better. And everyone seems to adjust a little differently. Some take to it right away, others it takes more time. We all seem to have different situations. Depends how long and to what degree your body has been suffering from sleep apnea. And compliance may depend on this and other factors. And the first nite is hardly ever perfect.
I suggest that you really pay attention to how it's going. You might even jot down things, kind of like a journal. I didn't do that, but I did in a way, when I described my experiences here and with others. This forum is a great way to do it.
Try and watch how your body reacts. Are you feeling any more energy during the day? Less exhausted? Maybe a little? Not at all? Has your behaviour changed? Less daytime naps? If you get drowsy driving, has that improved? Things like that. If you see some improvement, that is cause to celebrate. If things don't go well, it's not you. It just might mean some change in the equipment or some adjustment.
Point is, don't give up. That is the worst thing you can do. If you give up on using the mask for part of the night, no problem. I do that alot. But I say try to use it some every nite. If you skip a nite, fine. But better to try each nite. I have skipped. And sometimes I get bad headaches if I do.
My first nite with the mask and all was funny. I woke up abut 5 am, and I heard an odd sound. Still lying in bed, I looked down and saw my mask lying on the floor next to me. My first reaction was feeling sad. I said to myself, "Ahhh. It didn't work!" And I couldn't figure out when that mask must have come off.
But then it dawned on me. I had woken up in the same position I had been when I went to bed. I had not moved from that position for the whole 5 or 6 hours. That hadn't happened in.... years!! I had been up and down, waking up from fitful sleeps, etc. So, this first nite I must have had that mask on for at least a few hours, and it had been enough to work, to work well enough to give me my first nite of normal sleep, even if it wasn't a long sleep.
I say this because you may have some trouble getting adjusted. But watch for the improvements. See if you feel any better at all, maybe not right away, but soon. And let us know. It sounds good that the mask is comfortable for you. That is so important.
Keep in touch.
And I bet it all gets better real soon.
Linda
It does take time to adjust. My prescribed pressure is particularly high and I still struggle with it. But it gets better. And everyone seems to adjust a little differently. Some take to it right away, others it takes more time. We all seem to have different situations. Depends how long and to what degree your body has been suffering from sleep apnea. And compliance may depend on this and other factors. And the first nite is hardly ever perfect.
I suggest that you really pay attention to how it's going. You might even jot down things, kind of like a journal. I didn't do that, but I did in a way, when I described my experiences here and with others. This forum is a great way to do it.
Try and watch how your body reacts. Are you feeling any more energy during the day? Less exhausted? Maybe a little? Not at all? Has your behaviour changed? Less daytime naps? If you get drowsy driving, has that improved? Things like that. If you see some improvement, that is cause to celebrate. If things don't go well, it's not you. It just might mean some change in the equipment or some adjustment.
Point is, don't give up. That is the worst thing you can do. If you give up on using the mask for part of the night, no problem. I do that alot. But I say try to use it some every nite. If you skip a nite, fine. But better to try each nite. I have skipped. And sometimes I get bad headaches if I do.
My first nite with the mask and all was funny. I woke up abut 5 am, and I heard an odd sound. Still lying in bed, I looked down and saw my mask lying on the floor next to me. My first reaction was feeling sad. I said to myself, "Ahhh. It didn't work!" And I couldn't figure out when that mask must have come off.
But then it dawned on me. I had woken up in the same position I had been when I went to bed. I had not moved from that position for the whole 5 or 6 hours. That hadn't happened in.... years!! I had been up and down, waking up from fitful sleeps, etc. So, this first nite I must have had that mask on for at least a few hours, and it had been enough to work, to work well enough to give me my first nite of normal sleep, even if it wasn't a long sleep.
I say this because you may have some trouble getting adjusted. But watch for the improvements. See if you feel any better at all, maybe not right away, but soon. And let us know. It sounds good that the mask is comfortable for you. That is so important.
Keep in touch.
And I bet it all gets better real soon.
Linda
Hi teej
I had a similar problem on my first night with a comfortable mask. It is all so new, that in can be overwhelming. The noise, and thinking of the fact that this forever, and - paradoxically wanting to be awake so I could be aware of the change in my sleep ...
It's a lot on your plate for the first night, accept it as such - your mind had to race, and eventually, it'll get used to things and relax.
Good luck!
O.
I had a similar problem on my first night with a comfortable mask. It is all so new, that in can be overwhelming. The noise, and thinking of the fact that this forever, and - paradoxically wanting to be awake so I could be aware of the change in my sleep ...
It's a lot on your plate for the first night, accept it as such - your mind had to race, and eventually, it'll get used to things and relax.
Good luck!
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
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Guest
Thanks, Lin. I attempted a nap today hoping to give myself a chance to adjust to the mask. I actually slept for an hour, and i can honestly say i know i slept well. Even if it was short (i woke while rolling over and felt the weight of the hose tugging at my face), it was refreshing. So i'm optimistic.
How high is 'high'? My pressure is only 5. I understand that's very low. I also learned that my oxygen level never dropped below 97% during the sleep study. At this point, these figures don't mean much to me. But i have learned enuf t oknow that they indicate that my problem isn't severe. For that, i'm grateful.
This mask is comfortable. The only problem i see with it is when it interferes with my mouth. It's larger and longer than a couple other masks that were suggested. I'm hoping i made the right choice.
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. I can see how being part of a group like this will help me adjust.
Thanks, O. I noticed in prep for my nap this afternoon that my mind wasn't focused on the mask like it was last night. So i'm hoping that's a positive sign!
teej
How high is 'high'? My pressure is only 5. I understand that's very low. I also learned that my oxygen level never dropped below 97% during the sleep study. At this point, these figures don't mean much to me. But i have learned enuf t oknow that they indicate that my problem isn't severe. For that, i'm grateful.
This mask is comfortable. The only problem i see with it is when it interferes with my mouth. It's larger and longer than a couple other masks that were suggested. I'm hoping i made the right choice.
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. I can see how being part of a group like this will help me adjust.
Thanks, O. I noticed in prep for my nap this afternoon that my mind wasn't focused on the mask like it was last night. So i'm hoping that's a positive sign!
teej
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Guest
[quote="Anonymous"]Thanks, Lin. I attempted a nap today hoping to give myself a chance to adjust to the mask. I actually slept for an hour, and i can honestly say i know i slept well. Even if it was short (i woke while rolling over and felt the weight of the hose tugging at my face), it was refreshing. So i'm optimistic.
How high is 'high'? My pressure is only 5. I understand that's very low. I also learned that my oxygen level never dropped below 97% during the sleep study. At this point, these figures don't mean much to me. But i have learned enuf to know that they indicate that my problem isn't severe. For that, i'm grateful.
This mask is comfortable. The only problem i see with it is that it sometimes slips and interferes with my mouth. It's larger and longer than a couple other masks that were suggested. I'm hoping i made the right choice.
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. I can see how being part of a group like this would help folks adjust.
Thanks, O. I noticed in prep for my nap this afternoon that my mind wasn't focused on the mask like it was last night. So i'm hoping that's a positive sign!
teej
How high is 'high'? My pressure is only 5. I understand that's very low. I also learned that my oxygen level never dropped below 97% during the sleep study. At this point, these figures don't mean much to me. But i have learned enuf to know that they indicate that my problem isn't severe. For that, i'm grateful.
This mask is comfortable. The only problem i see with it is that it sometimes slips and interferes with my mouth. It's larger and longer than a couple other masks that were suggested. I'm hoping i made the right choice.
Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. I can see how being part of a group like this would help folks adjust.
Thanks, O. I noticed in prep for my nap this afternoon that my mind wasn't focused on the mask like it was last night. So i'm hoping that's a positive sign!
teej
Ok, i'm forum challenged. I thought i was logged in, but apparently not. Then i went to edit my post and created a new 'quote' somehow.
Anyway.. nothing to see here.. ignore the newbie mistakes, please.
teej
Anyway.. nothing to see here.. ignore the newbie mistakes, please.
teej
Last edited by Teej813 on Sat May 28, 2005 7:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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neversleeps
- Posts: 1141
- Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:06 pm
- Location: Minnesota
I agree, it gets screwy. When I first pull up this site, I have to literally log in twice before my username appears at the top (at the logout button). After, I only have to log on once. Strange, but I've gotten used to it.Teej813 wrote:Ok, i'm forum challenged. I thought i was logged in, but apparently not. Then i went to edit my post and created a new 'quote' somehow.
Anyway.. nothing to see here.. ignore the newbie mistakes, please.
teej
Like your avatar. Assuming that is you, you seem like quite the healthy sleep apneac. This reminded me of when I went to a lecture on sleep apnea and met several fellow sufferers there. Most of us, not all, have, how should I put this, health issues. One fellow I met looked so gosh darn healthy, that when I introduced myself, I blurted, "Say, you look too healthy to have sleep apnea!" Hahah. But he did, and was struggling. He had even suffered severe depression over this.
I only bring this up, because so often new people come on and wonder why they have this, when they don't fit the usual description of sleep apneacs. But people of all types, weights, sizes, ages and backgrounds can have this. Not much of a comfort to people, huh?
Linda
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Heidi
I think it does take some time to get use to wearing the mask once you fine the right mask.
I swear, for most people, we do learn to sleep with the mask on without too much difficulty. It does take time and that is why we are here to support each other and give suggestions, etc. when needed.
It does get better and by the looks of your pic, you are tired, stick with it!!!
Heidi
Sleeping with the Enemy
I swear, for most people, we do learn to sleep with the mask on without too much difficulty. It does take time and that is why we are here to support each other and give suggestions, etc. when needed.
It does get better and by the looks of your pic, you are tired, stick with it!!!
Heidi
Sleeping with the Enemy
Thanks, Never. It's happened a couple times now. Guess i just need to double-check that i'm logged in before i post.
Weird, that.
Lin,
The pic is me, but it's about 5 yrs old now. This whole sleep thing has steadily gotten worse over the past couple years. So actually, my doctor has caught it early. She's good that way.
Heidi,
I was surprised that the mask was as comfortable as it is. The two masks i tried during the sleep study were terrible. I didn't know enuf at the time to ask about brand, but they may have been older models. I don't recall either of them having gel, and one of them didn't even have a forehead cushion. ugh.
And yes, i'm tired. I've been able to get in a couple short naps using the mask. But i've yet to make it thru a full night with it. I'm trying to be patient, and having so many folks here as encouragement has helped!
Dan,
Originally, my DME suggested a lower-end Respironics. I'd heard good things about the Activa, so i asked to try it out. Once i saw the design and actually tried it out, i was convinced it was the right choice.
Guess time will tell if i was right.
teej
Weird, that.
Lin,
The pic is me, but it's about 5 yrs old now. This whole sleep thing has steadily gotten worse over the past couple years. So actually, my doctor has caught it early. She's good that way.
Heidi,
I was surprised that the mask was as comfortable as it is. The two masks i tried during the sleep study were terrible. I didn't know enuf at the time to ask about brand, but they may have been older models. I don't recall either of them having gel, and one of them didn't even have a forehead cushion. ugh.
And yes, i'm tired. I've been able to get in a couple short naps using the mask. But i've yet to make it thru a full night with it. I'm trying to be patient, and having so many folks here as encouragement has helped!
Dan,
Originally, my DME suggested a lower-end Respironics. I'd heard good things about the Activa, so i asked to try it out. Once i saw the design and actually tried it out, i was convinced it was the right choice.
Guess time will tell if i was right.
teej
auto cpap
I also wanted to mention my experience with my insurance. After reading the thread of horror stories involving purchasing from the net, I'd expected sky-high prices from the DME i was referred to, but their price on the RemStar Auto was $970. That didn't seem too bad to me.
Not sure about this quote business, but the above price seems a bit higher that those on yahoo auctions now. Several Remstar auto are listed. bidding is about 100.00 bucks. The often go for less than 200.00 bucks.
Everything is relative, I suppose