Keep on Trying

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
drivett

Keep on Trying

Post by drivett » Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:46 am

I've struggled on & off again with CPAP for over 10 years-could never the keep the mask on, machine noise would drive me nuts, just wanted to breathe through my own nose.
Anyhow, this summer really worked at it & rented a new machine Resmed S8 and nasal pillows mask.
Loved the nasal pillows mask but again after 1.5 hours found mask on floor.
Figured out it was due to congestion-tried to relieve congestion with neti pot, salt sprays, nasonex-didn't help.
Tried a whole variety of full face masks but still couldn't get comfortable.

Anyhow, now I have finally found a pretty good cure-Bought the Resmed S9 APAP machine-what a difference in noise level. If you are having a problem with CPAP noise this is awesome-barely hear it. Open the window & can hear street noise again-puts me to sleep.
Also, bought Quattro Full Face Mask & it is very very comfortable for a Full Face Mask & doesn't leak. I'm at a 6-10 pressure range.

Now I do wake up, but the mask is on. So for me it is improvement and even after 2 hours of use I feel better and the rest of night I sleep much better even if the mask is off.
I will keep working to keep the mask on all night.
Also, have an appt. with ENT to see why I get congested so easily.

Anyhow, it is getting better-it's a struggle but finally I have made some progress.

My advice to fellow apnea sufferers is to work with a HELPFUL/KNOWLEDGEABLE Cpap provider, do a lot of reading of blogs and articles, experiment with different equipment and keep trying.

Don't rely on your doctor. In Canada I find they are more interested in diagnosing apnea, writing a prescription,and then getting you out the door. They are not interested in helping with compliance or analyzing usage data.

It will get better.
Dave

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OutaSync
Posts: 2048
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:49 am
Location: Virginia

Re: Keep on Trying

Post by OutaSync » Thu Oct 28, 2010 9:09 am

Dave,

I'm glad that you finally found something that works for you, even if it took 10 years . Thank you for sharing your story.
Diagnosed 9/4/07
Sleep Study Titrated to 19 cm H2O
Rotating between Activa and Softgel
11/2/07 RemStar M Series Auto with AFlex 14-17
10/17/08 BiPAP Auto SV 13/13-23, BPM Auto, AHI avg <1