Newbie

stetsongirl · Post by **stetsongirl** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:47 pm

Hi, I'm stetsongirl. Just registered yesterday and wanted to introduce myself. I just had my sleep study last week. It was a split study and I was placed on a CPAP for the last half. Waiting to here from my doctor and get my prescription. I work for a very large DME company. We have over 600 stores in 48 states. Although I'm familiar with CPAPs because of my work, nevertheless, Iamb so anxious to get started that I can't sleep at night Actually, couldn't sleep at night before the test, duh! Anyway, the doctor said she'd let me choose my own equipment. I'm starting with the Comfort Curve, because I have claustrophobic issues. My question is this, what are the pros and cons of an auto CPAP fs standard?

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): auto cpap, CPAP, DME, Prescription, Comfort Curve

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:45 pm

Welcome Stetson Girl,

Auto vs standard is the auto will adjust to your needs at any given time and will adjust your pressure accordingly. Also most will let you track your events and progress via software you can get. Some like it and some don't but if you get an auto right off, you can turn the auto feature off, if you go standard, you are frozen to standard. I personally like straight cpap but I like the option of going auto every now and then and checking my status and adjusting my pressure when needed.

As far as claustrophobic issues and a mask, I hear this so much and soon it is not an issue. I highly recommend your starting with the Resmed Activa and I recommend all newbies get it as their first mask. It just is the easiest, best working, leakless, and comfortable interface their is IMHO but read the forum and yhou will find that most agree with me. You can go to others and experiment from there, but start with the easiest first. Many have trouble getting the CC to work. Just my advise, ask around. Anyway, keep us informed as to your experiences and progress.

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:59 pm

Welcome stetsongirl!

Nice chatting with you yesterday -- I see you figured out how to register and post -- good job.

I love my auto -- keeps me at a lower pressure until I need it -- the straight 14 was giving me problems with my ears and bloating.

I like the PB, as they are small and light for travel, and have a small footprint in my crowded bedroom (so many books, so little time!). Don't forget to get a heated humidifier!

I am kind of claustrophobic and find the NasalAire II congenial. It has a minimal headgear and you can wear your glasses (if you do) and read before nodding off. Just be sure to get the prongs BIG enough -- too small will leak and move around and make your nose hurt! Get some Ayr or Simply Saline gel for your nose -- it's ok to put inside your nose and won't damage the mask material like petroleum based products (vasaline).

Good luck!