new user

andilsw · Post by **andilsw** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:43 pm

Hello. I will be a new user as of tonite. Guess I'm a little bit nervous about this whole thing. Can't be any worse though than being afraid to go to sleep since I found out how often I stop breathing each hour. Was supposed to get my machine last Thurs but because of big snow storm, everything closed down for 2 days and then Christmas. I have found this site very helpful while waiting for my machine.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:02 pm

Welcome andilsw,

Hope you found some info here to help you get the equipment that will work for you. Let us know how things are going for you. You will find many people willing to help you along... and your questions may do the same for others.

GaryinMT · Post by **GaryinMT** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 8:13 am

Hello I am also new at this. Just had my sleep test sunday night so don't know the specifics yet. I googled c-pap and found this site and have already learned alot. Thanks to every one here. Gary

DeeShepp · Post by **DeeShepp** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:38 pm

Hello I am a cpap user for about a year and nine months. I have days that I have not used it . I do sleep better and wake up rested when I do. I found this site without looking for it. Sometimes my allergies make it too uncomfortable to use. It is scary to think if I am not using cpap I am not breathing as I should and I could die from that. I just joined today Dec 28,2004 at 6:10pmest. Have a Happy New Year everyone.

hushette29369 · Post by **hushette29369** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:21 pm

I'm fairly new to this too. I was diagnosed in July but did not get my equipment until late August. Because of my insurance (Cigna) I was not offered a home visit to help set up the equipment and make sure my mask fit properly. I still don't think it fits right. If I barely turn my head air leaks out of the side. I used to get moisture inside the mask, which eventually ran into my eyes. I must have done something right because I really don't have that problem now. I got a chin strap in the mail about 2 months after my other equipment, but no information on why I needed it or anything. Does anyone know how to wear the chin strap and the mask? My mask is a small, but the bottom of it touches the top of my upper lip. Is that right? Also, sometimes the mask leaves a red bruise on my forehead or under my eyes. I guess I have it too tight, but the escaping air wakes me up. I'm glad I found this site.

I am glad that I have my cpap though. I didn't realize how tired I really had been. I had even been taking quick naps at traffic lights. This really does make a difference. I'll never be without it again.
hushette

TC · Post by TC » Thu Dec 30, 2004 4:31 am

Hushette:
I use a similar setup to you. The chin strap helps keep my mouth shut during sleep and stops me mouth breathing. This allows me to use a nose mask (my preference) instead of a full face mask.

My chin strap is setup so that the strap comfortably fits (and stays) over the top of my head just in front of my ears. I put it on first and then the mask. Both stay in place without any problems, and my mouth breathing is negligible unless I wish it. Speaking to my wife however takes on a whole new dimension.

My experience with the mask is that it always works 90% of the time. As long as I keep my face off the pillow the mask doesn't leak. This of course leads to some interesting contortions 'cos by nature I am a belly sleeper. I have retrained myself to be a side sleeper, but like dieting I lapse now and again, and again and again.

The biggest issue is finding the right balance in tightness of the mask. I admit that I do change my setup weekly, but I think that's just fussiness on my part. Just experiment until it sorta feels right - perfect just won't happen, but approaching perfect can. You know it's working when you actually wake up in the morning, not come to in a fog.

My experience with CPAP has been positive for both me and more importantly for my family.

stacy · Post by **stacy** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 7:42 am

well hello im stacy and i have been a c-pap user for only a few months. im having a hard time adjusting.the darn instructin manual reads like stereo instructions. im a little afraid and just wanted to to talk to some one who would know what i am feeling thanks

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 8:45 am

Hi stacy,

Please tell us about how you are having troble adjusting. Most of us have had troubles from time to time and can help if we know what you are experiencing.

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 8:51 am

Stacy,

Be sure to take "muck's" advice.
He definitely knows what he's talking about. He knows this forum like noone else.

Welcome!

Linda