Thanks to cpaptalk.com

I've been lurking here for a while and was doing quite a lot of research before I finally got around to getting my GP to authorize a sleep study. Thanks to all of the helpful information on this forum, I knew exactly what to do and have ended up with a very positive experience. Coventry covered BOTH of my sleep studies (the initial diagnosis night + the sleep titration night) 100% at a local affiliated sleep diagnostic service center. My AHI was measured at 23.6 during normal sleep but it quickly went up to 65+ when I fell into REM. The sleep titration revealed my ideal pressure setting to be 13cm, and I was set up with a local DME (who were VERY nice, contrary to most things I read about DMEs). Before I called my GP, I called the DME to see if they had the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet in stock, and they did. They also told me that if I wanted that machine, I did NOT need a specific prescription for it. So I scheduled an appointment and got set up with the machine yesterday, which I paired with the climate controlled hose and the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow. The best thing about my insurance (which work pays 100%) is that apparently EVERYTHING is covered 100%. I had no copays or deductibles to pay at all, with the exception of $25 copay that I paid to see my GP. Insurance will be renting the machine for 10 months, and then I will be free and clear!

Now onto my results: Last night, my fiancee (first time she's slept in the same bed as me since December) noted that I "didn't snore at all." Even though she sleeps with earplugs, she couldn't sleep in the same bed as me because according to my phone's "SnoreClock" app, my snoring was sometimes reaching in excess of 60dB. I haven't downloaded the ResMed or SleepyHead software for more detailed results, but that hopefully will be done soon (maybe tonight if I have time). The "myAir" scoring put me at 96/100 because I ended up taking off the mask 4 times last night (but I think it was counting the times even when I was "practicing" by watching TV with it on). With the EPR set to 2cm and the humidifier set to Auto, it was quite comfortable and apparently my AHI score for last night was 3.7! Woohoo! I did note that my throat was a bit dry in the morning, but I don't mouth breathe at all when I sleep, so I'm assuming that it's just getting used to the CPAP therapy. Anyway, thank you to all of you who post and led me to make this life changing decision! I know it's rare, but even after one night, I feel 100x better. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go instead of groggy and wanting to go back to sleep!

Welcome!
And thank you for the positive message.

brentwoodkris wrote:I've been lurking here for a while and was doing quite a lot of research...

Thanks for doing that. Not too many people do.

Now onto my results: Last night, my fiancee (first time she's slept in the same bed as me since December) noted that I "didn't snore at all." Even though she sleeps with earplugs, she couldn't sleep in the same bed as me because according to my phone's "SnoreClock" app, my snoring was sometimes reaching in excess of 60dB.

I did note that my throat was a bit dry in the morning, but I don't mouth breathe at all when I sleep, so I'm assuming that it's just getting used to the CPAP therapy.

Congrats on the great first night experience; as you noted, most people don't have that "refreshed" feeling right away after starting therapy. However, considering how badly you snored previously (I don't think anyone can reach 60dB if they've got their mouth closed) and the fact that your throat was kinda dry this morning, I'd bet that you're doing some mouth-breathing. (Maybe not enough to compromise therapy, but the data will tell you a lot more; the leak line will help you know how bad it is and if it needs correction). Just thought I'd mention that so you can look for any excessive leak when you look at the data.

Happy sleeping!

I second that sentiment. This place has been an invaluable resource, the best I've had. Not only have people answered my questions and given advice, but just pouring through posts and gaining incredible information has been extremely helpful. Thank you to those here who take the time to help us newbies out.

BleepingBeauty wrote: Congrats on the great first night experience; as you noted, most people don't have that "refreshed" feeling right away after starting therapy. However, considering how badly you snored previously (I don't think anyone can reach 60dB if they've got their mouth closed) and the fact that your throat was kinda dry this morning, I'd bet that you're doing some mouth-breathing. (Maybe not enough to compromise therapy, but the data will tell you a lot more; the leak line will help you know how bad it is and if it needs correction). Just thought I'd mention that so you can look for any excessive leak when you look at the data.

Happy sleeping!

Thanks for the heads up, and you're probably right. My fiancee always just left the room and never told me whether I mouth breathe, so the only resource I had was my RT during my 2 sleep studies, who said that I didn't mouth breathe (but admittedly that's a super small sample size). I'm excited to check out the more complete data set when I download the software soon!

Glad to hear you are doing well, that sounds like the best experience ever, a lot like mine. I had U.M.W.A Union Ins, earned by working 25 years.

Success comes from attitude, yours was right, it makes the task easier, my motivation was a matter of life or death. I've always been one to tackle problems head on, take no prisoners.

Keep up the good work, and you might get the software to better track your treatment. Search for Sleepyhead, to learn more. Jim