Aussie Newbie Intro

[Chikorita]

Hi there,

Thought I'd introduce myself. Just signed up today and haven't read much yet. Here's my story:

A month ago I was at a Church weekend away and someone told me what sleep apnoea was. I was pretty sure the symptoms sounded just like me. Fast forward to today when I received the results of my sleep study.

Yes, I have obstructive sleep apnoea. I'm not excited about it by relieved to find the reason why I'm so tired. Have another study booked to work out pressures etc on 15th June. My Doctor is great but I'm sure there lots I need to learn. Hoping to hear other's stories and learn what to expect.

Thanks for all the info that you've already posted on here. Lots of reading to do.

Chikorita

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.
Some reading for your education if you haven't seen it already.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/
What you need to know before meeting with your DME

and this one about which machines offer full data.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

The Forum Wiki (top right) has a lot of useful information also. Read, read and read some more.

[Sheriff Buford]

If you have sleep apnea, make sure you get a full data machine. Make sure your doctor specifies it on the prescription, and make sure your doctor prescribes a mask "suitable for the patient". Make photo copies of your prescription. Talk to the DME (the place you get your machine, masks and supplies) about returning your mask within 30 days until you get the one that is right for you. While trying on the masks, get the DME to help you adjust the mask and to use a display machine set at your pressure. Lie on the floor, and roll around and see how the mask responds. If it is not comfortable at the DME place, it will not be comfortable at home when you are trying to get some good sleep. There are 3 types of masks:

- nasal: if you are not a mouth breather at night, this is probably your best bet because it is less intrusive. You can prevent mouth breathing by tape, chinstraps and other home made devises. Search this site.
- full face: for mouth breathers. There are many types and models. A full face mask covers the mouth and nose, a hybrid masks (a Resmed Liberty) is considered a full face mask but covers the mouth and utilizes nose pillows (pillers').
- Total face: most intrusive, but eliminates nose soreness (inside - that nasal masks may cause... and outside - that full face masks can cause).

Note that finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is the key to successfully treating sleep apnea. Masks are a personal thing. What works for me and is comfortable to m,e may not work for you, or be comfortable to you.

As Pugs said, educate, educate and educate yourself a little more is also key. Note that DME's are in the business to make money and your well being may not be their top priority. Since the first few visits are when a DME makes the most money, they will be your best friend. Afterwards, don't be surprised that they won't return your phone calls. This is why they will resist the 30 day trail period for swapping out masks.

Work thru every issue you have here on the forum.

Sheriff

[Gerryk]

Welcome to the boards. I would also suggest that you talk to your sleep doc and tell him you what to be involved in your therapy and you were told to get a data capable machine not just a compliance machine. With a data machine your doctor can tweak your settings and once you find out a little more, you can also do that if you are comfortable doing it.

Most people who are actively involved in their therapy are successful cpap users.


Again welcome aboard.


Gerry

[Chikorita]

Thanks for your replies. My brain is about to explode from all the new info. One consideration is that I am in AUstralia where things are different to the US. I have't yet worked out how different but I will. Does anyone know where I can find people online who are in Australia? I have run out of time to read more info today but will be back. Appointment for pressure titration study is on 15/6 so there is time for me to learn. So glad I found you guys and thanks so much for the info you've all posted.

[Pugsy]

We have a lot of Aussie members here....both displace and living in Australia.
Hopefully they can offer some insight on how they managed to get the equipment they wanted.
Our US DME stuff is useless for you.

[BostonGal]

Hi. You might want to change the title of your post to include "Aussie" to get the attention of your countrymen.

I'm a newbie too. 3 weeks in.

It hasn't been easy but it hasn't been horrible either. I listen to folks here and just give it some time and be patient and persistent. Hopefully you will take to it easily, but if you don't, give yourself some time to adjust.

[Chikorita]

Good idea about the title edit. Have done it now. Thanks.

[greg-g]

Hi and welcome.
There are a few Aussie about.
I'm in Tassie, I guess that counts (It's a small island state that's often left off the map for those non Australian's).
My only real comment at this stage is to second those above and try and get a data capable machine, and preferably one with automatic pressure adjustment.
Depending on your situation, if your are on heath care you will probably have a battle to get a data capable machine as they cheapskate which is a real false economy. Otherwise you will have to pay the Australian price any you may get $500 or $1000 back from your heath insurance. It is an expensive exercise, but I prefer my heath.
In my experience some doctors will only prescribe automatic machines, and some prefer set pressure. Try and get the automatic if possible as it can always be run on fixed pressure if required.
I personally like the ResMed S9 Autoset as a lot of members have this machine and its as good as anything else on the market. The software is readily available.
Please PM me if you would like to discuss any issues directly. I'm just about to reach my 2 year mark.

[-tim]

If you have your sleep study in hand and a prescription, its cheaper to get on the next plane to LAX, find a doc in the box, buy a cpap machine there and bring it back than it is to buy it locally.

And I'm talking about the ResMed S9 machines made in Sydney.

Get an Auto (not escape, Elite or what ever they call the cheap unit) if you can.

The ACCC has taken Resmed to court twice and won over bad pricing. I expect a 3rd time.

-tim (Yankee in Melb)

[SleepyToo2]

The Elite version is fine - it is the Escape that you want to run away faster than a speeding bullet. The Elite captures full efficacy data that can be analyzed with software (I am not a ResMed user, so I won't make any comments about which works).

[lullaby]

Hi from Sydney. The most important point to learn as an Aussie is NOT to buy your equipment locally. CPAP prices are 2 to 3 times more expensive here than in the US and that's for ResMed equipment made here in Sydney! Yes, ResMed are an evil company who try their hardest to stop us Aussies ordering their equipment from the US. However, i'm happy to point you in the right direction for purchase suggestions if you pm me.

[Chikorita]

Wow, that really worked changing the title to include 'Aussie'. I'm going to bed now. Will pm with questions about buying OS. Thanks HEAPS.

[emeraude]

Hello Chikorita,

Welcome! The Blue Mountains is truly a beautiful area, a bit cold in winter for me though...

I'm an expat Aussie living in Japan but soon to be back home. I'm new to these forums too but the folks here are extremely helpful and are better in giving you advice than I. Feel free to post when you are unsure about anything. Well, I just wanted to say welcome.

Emeraude

[xenablue]

Hi Chikorita!

Welcome! I'm a ex-pat Aussie from the Hawkesbury area - now living in Wisconsin, USA.

You'll learn so much here from the great people on this forum.

Cheers,
xenablue