New to board

[kcellwood]

After more than a year, my wife finally convince me to talk to the doctor about my sleep apnea. I have had my study done and was diagnosed with severe OSA. I have also had my follow up study hooked up to the CPAP machine. I must say that the following day using the machine just one night during the study was 'strange'. Felt very good and was wide awake. I sure did dream while using the machine, something I hadn't really done much for quite some time. Not sure if that is common or is good or bad. Dreamt so much so that when the tech came in to wake me in the morning she mentioned it. I am now waiting for my equipment. I hope to get it next week. I am kind of excited to start this treatment base the the results of just that one night. I hope I am not disappointed.
I have only talked to my doctor on the phone so do not know all the results other than it was classified as severe. The tech on the second night told me a few things about the test results. I would stop breathing up to 49 times an hour and the longest was 47 seconds. I didn't get the exact O2 levels but the doctor mentioned it was dangerously low.

[herefishy]

Welcome - sounds like you are on the right track. You'll get lots of advice better than what I can give you, but the one thing I can say is that mask fit is maybe the most difficult part of the whole thing, so when you go in to get a mask, lie on your back and turn on a machine if they have one there for you, then try on several masks if it is offered.

[kcellwood]

Not sure how this whole process works. I undersood that someone comes to the house with the equipment but I could be wrong. I think I had the Swift nasal pillows during my study. I requested the pillows at the study based on research and a fellow co-worker's experience. I found them quite comfortable but that is based on one night's use. I do know that a company call Lincare is where my equipment is coming from. I think my Dr recommended them. Do I get to choose my machine or is that something that is supplied based on my test results and needs?

[poppi2]

You will need to do some research to prevent the DME from dumping a non data "brick" on your doorstep.

Shortly, someone will post some links to help you navigate. I wish I had found this forum before I got my first machine. Earl

[kcellwood]

Do I have a choice on what machine I get?
Will the insurance or Dr dictate that?
I never talked to the sleep Dr.who evaluated the results. Everything is being done through my primary care dr. Would like to know what I can or can not insist on.

[Bill44133]

You want a machine that records your sleep data, and not just compliance data. You want to be able to monitor how you are sleeping like if you are snoring, or your mask is leaking to badly. You can tell your doctor to write a specific machine down in the prescription. Everything related to the process needs a prescription.

Welcome to the board, and good luck.

[chunkyfrog]

Here's Jan's blog:
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Read as much as you can.