New member & New BIPAP user - Thanks for sharing info!

[Southernwind]

Hello Everyone!
I've been enjoying researching this subject since just before my first sleep study in mid-October. Before I share my experience, I'd like to thank everyone for their candid sharing of information which has been very helpful for me. I look forward to continued learning and the possibility of also sharing some helpful info for someone else in the future.

I was very apprehensive about having the study for a long time, and probably needed the therapy for even longer. That first test was not a very good night with all the wiring and the surveillance; most of the problems with it were probably in my mind. The results of that night were : 21 obstructive apneas, 110 hypopneas, 0 mixed apneas, 0 central apneas are noted. The average rate was 24.1 per hour.

The titration study night was on 12/17 which I also dreaded, but turned out to be much better than I had imagined. After getting all wired up, they hooked me up to a comfort gel nasal mask (my request over the full face) and a BIPAP with heated humidifier. The evening went quite well, and I was able to sleep on my back for the first time in years without feeling breathing discomfort. Results were as follows:

The sleep efficiency was reduced. The sleep latency was prolonged. The REM latency was normal. Occasional awakenings were noted. (not quite sure about what this means, but will research)
At the optimal BIPAP pressure of 17/10 the respiratory disturbance index was 2 events per hour. No snoring was noted.
My AHI readings through the night ranged from 119 to 2.0 when the technician found that the BIPAP level of 17/10. Lowest SaO2 measurement was 84% with an overall mean of 93%.
Following that test, I awoke really groggy, but felt good overall. I worked with my care team to get the machine as quickly as possible.

Two days ago I picked up my PR BIPAP Pro with Sys one Humidifier and Comfort Gel Nasal Mask. I’m doing very well with the machine in first couple of nights, and not having and difficulties. Things are looking up, and I hope they keep going well (or even better!)

My advice for anyone dreading the sleep test process and the potential of being hooked up to a BIPAP/CPAP machine is to do whatever it takes to overcome your fears, and give it a try. You never know, it may turn out to be much better than you ever thought.

Best Regards in the New Year!
Southernwind

[brazospearl]

Welcome to the forum, Southernwind! Sounds like you're off to an excellent start.

[rested gal]

Nice post, Southernwind. And nice avatar pic!

You're so right about this:

My advice for anyone dreading the sleep test process and the potential of being hooked up to a BIPAP/CPAP machine is to do whatever it takes to overcome your fears, and give it a try. You never know, it may turn out to be much better than you ever thought.

I agree with brazospearl that it sounds like you're off to an excellent start.

Hope your therapy continues to go well.

[Southernwind]

Thanks for the nice responses ladies! I have suddenly found it important to check this webpage, and I think it's a good thing.

Had a wow today. Was a little tired after a very late new years eve this morning, and took a one hour nap (w/ machine of course), and woke up feeling great. Seemed like a dreamed for most of it, and rose with high energy levels, that feel quite nice.

I gotta think that this is a result of using the machine, and hope that it keeps on happening more often with the therapy.

Best of the New Year to All.
SW