Need advice for starting again

Snoring/gasping problems, so at 40 went to doctor at wife's urging. Was diagnosed with sleep apnea by sleep study. Tech said worse than most but don't remember other specifics. Used triangle gel nose mask, but could not sleep through the night with it on. Used less than 60 days and put it away. Tried it periodially since, but not in past 5 years. Now 50, about to get remarried, and snoring is absolutely terrible...not to mention I'm exhausted all the time. Considered snoring surgery but most are invasive and results mixed. Used CPAP again beginning a week ago, slept through the night since, and feeling better. Committed to making it work.

Would like feedback: 1) should I go back to doctor and get a new sleep study? Not sure if SA changes over time, if CPAP is still appropriate, what advances made since old machine and mask, etc. Dr. would give me prescription for new equipment without sleep study, but don't want to shortcut a process that could be helpful, but also don't want to waste my time...all that and they say I have sleep apnea and need a CPAP machine. 2) I know this is a secondary consideration for most, but I have to ask: it's not appealing to think about wearing a mask with a girlfriend/new wife. I am committed to managing my SA/snoring, and know she cares about my health rather than me looking like a spaceman, but still would like to minimize the contraption. The Swift FX Nasal Pillow looks like a good option. Would like positive/negative experiences and/or direct me to post where this already discussed.

Thanks for the help!

1) I would do a sleep study every year just for the data if my insurance would pick it up. If its a problem with out of pocket cash and it was me (I am no doctor) I would not get another one.

2) I had a full face mask to start but I am married and the wife could not care less, my problem with the mask was if I had a itch or something on my nose I had to break the seal on the mask and it made all kinds of noise etc. Not such a bother to the wife who could sleep through an atomic bomb but I hated it. I also stopped treatment and recently restarted. I also considered and ended up getting the Swift FX. MUCH MUCH better but remember with masks it really is different for each person, some people hate the Swift FX and others swear by it. I like it as I can itch my face without disturbing the seal (I have yet to pull it off without knowing in the middle of the night), it seems easier to sleep on my side and is VERY light. The vent for the mask is rather quiet as well. I would place your CPAP in a nightstand drawer like I did which I close most of the way, with that and my new mask my wife asks each day "were you wearing your mask last night?" This is because if I put it on first (which takes 2 seconds, another plus) and then turn on the machine and close the drawer it makes almost no noise. When your done in the morning just refill your water, quick wipe of the mask and put in the drawer and close it.

What machine do you have? By the way I know what you mean about minimizing. I know my wife does not care and it does not bother her but I, like yourself wanted something nice and easy and the above did that. When I am ready to sleep it takes just a few seconds and I am on my side setup and ready to go. I recommend sleeping on the side of the bed so when you are on your side (if thats what you do) you are facing away from your girl, the vent will not be blowing air on her then. Let me know if you have any questions about the Swift FX, I just started using it and have no problem letting you know how it goes, so far so good though.

Please take the time to register here at the forum. Then please add your equipment to your profile so we can see at a glance what you are using.
Here's how.
wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile

The machines have changed greatly in the past 5 years. Software has improved. Ability to monitor you own therapy much improved. Let's see what you are using now and check to see if you have any data available. You can always visit the new sleep study idea a little later.

I use the Swift FX. Prior to its release I used the Swift LT which is a similar nasal pillow mask. I wouldn't use anything else but each person has their own preferences. What one person loves the next person can hate. You won't know till you try though. There is a mask trial available so $ are wasted. You might give it a try. The Swift FX is available.
$14 covers S & H at $7 each way.. One week trial.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials.html

Also at the above website is information about the new machines. You might take a peek at that area.

I would say absolutely yes on the sleep study. The apnea could have worsened, and machines do change and it would be good to get something current.

The only thing I can say about the nasal pillows, is if you're a mouth breather, then it might be a waste. There is no way I could use one because I am a big time mouth breather. Yeah, there are chin straps and mouth taping, but if you have to go to that extent, then why even use a nasal pillow.

I know the aesthetics are important, but like you say, it's secondary. Just be sure your therapy takes precedence so that everything you do makes you totally comfortable, you know you are breathing well, and are leak free. It's be a pity to get those pillows and then find you are breathing through your mouth and then have to start the taping thing.

Good luck!

Regarding mouth breathing and using nasal pillows. I usually tell people that if they normally can breathe through only their nose during the day that it is possible to try to use a nasal only interface (either pillows or over the nose mask).
Meaning if a person doesn't have a lot pf problems with nasal congestion or physical reason for not breathing through their mouth.

I thought I was a mouth breather because I often woke with dry mouth and sore throat BUT I had no issues breathing through my nose during the day. I was just snoring so bad that I got a sore throat and mouth was dry from gasping for air when events were smothering me. It was just a habit. I had no physical reason to "need" to breathe through my mouth.

Even if a mouth breather part time there are some things that can be tried in conjunction with a nasal interface mask to make it a success. So if someone really wants to try something like the Swift FX it sure doesn't hurt to try it. It all depends on what you want and how badly..

Now if there is a badly deviated septum or horrible nasal congestion for some reason that can't be cleared with usual remedies then yes, likely a recipe for disaster.

I had my reasons for not being able to use a full face mask of any kind. For that reason I badly needed nasal pillows to work and I was able to succeed. It all depends on if a person HAS to mouth breathe for a physical reason or just does so out of muscles relaxing or habit. I don't even own a FFM. When I get a cold..I just use the nasal pillows..crank up the humidity and take something to clear my nose a bit.

Pugsy is the voice of experience and reason....her advice is good.

If you purchase a top of the line APAP that is fully data capable, reporting software, humidifier, an oximeter, and reporting software to go with it, you can do your own sleep studies EVERY night.

It's my opinion that you can do much better on your own than wasting your time doing sleep studies. All three of mine were a waste of time and money. Obtaining good equipment and learning from others on this forum is the way to go.

As for worrying about what a girlfriend or new wife thinks about your CPAP use, I think you shouldn't be concerned about it. If you're a good man....kind....reasonable.....caring.....you could wear anything....and you wouldn't drive off a good woman.

In your age group, good men are highly prized by good women.....simply because good men are rare. Your woman wants you to live with her for as long as possible....simply because her world is happier...and safer while you're around. You are very valuable to her....and she doesn't want to face the world alone.

Buy good equipment and good measuring tools....then, get really serious about providing the best therapy to yourself. I predict your woman will eagerly help you achieve what you need to do.

G

Thanks for taking time to reply...good info. I have a Remstar Plus, unidentified nasal gel mask and no water/humidifier. Think I'll take Pugsy's advice and try the Swift FX on the one week trial. Have a high-deductible insurance plan so will probably be paying for upgrades out of pocket, which is not a huge deal. I'm studying the features/benefits/costs of different machines and humidifiers, but would love a quick tutorial about your experiences with CPAP, APAP, etc. to be me started. Not sure if it takes a sleep study to determine which on is right for me? Don't want to buy the wrong one, or buy a Farrari if a Ford F-150 works fine. That said, this is important so don't want to shortcut what I need. Seems like the machines that have the software/monitoring info could be helpful.

Slept through the night the past week since starting again, and feeling better. Sore throat this morning, but allergies are kicking up around here, and humidifier on different machine might help this?

Will look for machine feedback and anything else you might think helpful. Thanks.

Whatever machine you get (be it CPAP or APAP) get a full data capable machine meaning AHI, leaks, pressure, flow etc.
A sleep study is not necessarily need to determine whether CPAP or APAP is best choice unless you have something other than plain jane obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP offers a single set straight pressure. That is what you have now.
APAP offers a range of pressures available during the night. Some people find this works best. BTW an APAP can be used in CPAP mode (so 2 machines in one) Some people find they like CPAP better.

I can use myself as an example for APAP use. Pressure variations don't bother me (they do some people).
My OSA is worse in REM sleep. I use APAP with a 10 cm minimum pressure (enough to prevent most of my events) and a maximum of 20 cm. Some nights I need a pressure of 18 or 19 to deal with the events. They often appear to correlate with REM stage sleep. Of course I can't tell for sure. This works for me and I rest well. I wouldn't want to use 18 all the time.