New and confused

[Chester]

Actually I have known that I have sleep apnea for over a year but I have been in denial. I have been tired for the last year and half. Wake up most days with a head ache. My wife has to sleep with ear plugs so when our 3 year twins need something in the middle of the night I am the only one that hears them unless they come in next to the bed!
I usually wake up around 4-5 times each night.
I am only 33 years old but I am about 75 pounds overweight.
My sleep study was done over a year ago. The first night I was monitored. Had about 30-35 events per hour average. Went back the next night to have the CPAP machine put on but could only stand that for about 2 hours and left. Never went back.
Well, I have always had very large tonsils. After my second round this year with a sore throat my family doctor sent me back to the ENT.
The ENT strongly urged me to try the CPAP machine again, get serious about losing weight and consider having my tonsils removed.
Talk about an eye opener. I want to be around and be able to play with my kids, etc. So I started researching and found this website.
Sorry about the length of this post so far!!!!!
I don't know what to do! I just about flipped out with that darn mask. I have researched the masks on this website. I am thinking I could handle the Cushion Curve but it has some mixed reviews.
My wife and I both are going on a diet and will begin an exercise program.
Then there is the question of removing the tonsils. Not so willing to have someone go in there and "root" around, then be out of action for 2 weeks with possible complications.
~
If anyone has anyone advice, support or otherwise, I would be much greatfull.
I know I need the CPAP machine but really don't know where to start. So many choices and none of them look comfortable.
I am a side and back sleeper if that helps.
Thanks
Chester in Nebraska

[Wulfman]

Hi Chester.

Welcome to this very friendly forum.

Glad to hear that you got your eyes opened......

Did the doctor ever give you a prescription for a machine?
If he/she didn't, you'll have to do whatever it takes to at least get that.....it may have to be another sleep study since it's been a year.
If it were me, I'd hold off on the tonsil removal until getting on the machine (first) and see if that helps.
Until you get through the sleep study and find out what pressure you need, it's a little early to decide on a mask and machine (although it's a good idea to study what all of the options are and become familiar with the brands, models and their features). On the other hand, the mask (interface) is usually the key to effective treatment, so at some point, if you have the option to try different ones.....please do so. Also, check out the mask sizing guide on CPAP.COM (along with the rest of the equipment). They are the hosts of this forum.

Don't let the thought of this therapy get to you......it's NOT bad.

Do lots of reading on this site and feel free to ask questions.

Best wishes,

Den

(Born and raised in Huskerland)

[Linda3032]

Hi Chester and Welcome. I was going to say what Den said - forget the tonsils for now, alot of us have them.

It's wonderful that your wife is so supportive and is willing to diet with you - that has to be half the battle of losing weight. Plus, you will both be healthier.

Den's right. Read all about the machines, masks, opinions, etc. If you see polls and 75% of the people don't like a mask, then you more than likely wouldn't either - let us be your guinea pigs.

Also, check well in advance what your insurance company requires - if you have insurance. See if they require you to rent first. See if they will let you buy outright. See if they will let you purchase your own and get reimbursed. Ask how much they will allow you to spend on a machine.

Definitely ask your doctor about getting an Auto CPAP - called an APAP. Most hoseheads prefer APAPs, and they can be set as CPAPs also. Kinda like a 2 for 1 deal.

Read and search this forum. Ask questions. The more you know, the more comfortable you will feel regarding this "world of oz".

Good Luck and let us hear from you again.
Linda

[damac100]

One thing you might want to consider when looking at machines is whether or not it has the ability to provide you with daily sleep data.

I have found that having the ability to see, day to day, what's actually going on while I sleep has taken alot of the mystery out of the process.

It is very helpful, at least to me, that I dont have to wonder if I'm tired in the morning cause of the usual environmental bothers or because I had a higher than usual number of apnias.

With the machine, software and card reader combo I have, I can see, day to day, how much time total time was spent in apnia, how many apnias, ect ect and I can see how it changes from day to day.

Having that little bit of, more or less, objective feedback has really helped me stay with this, so far.

[dsm]

Chester,

Welcome aboard. Indeed you will find this forum a great place to get help.

Masks are one of the great challenges of the manufacturers - the perfect mask doesn't exist which puts the heat on us poor users to find the 2nd best (which hopefully does exist ).

The wealth of knowledge here is a great start in getting help.

Good luck

DSM