Newly Diagnosed Yesterday (still sinking in)

gregoryjames wrote:Followup.. finally got things through my insurance and will be getting the Resmed Airsense 10Autoset APAP on Monday. Not sure what type of mask for sure although they said they will be starting me with a nose mask as a start.

Thanks for all the support and I will let everyone know (and sure will have plenty of questions) starting next week!

I started out with a nasal mask which worked great much of the time but I've always battled sinus congestion and have switched to a full face mask now as my "daily driver". I always kept a full face mask on hand anyway in case of a cold or some other issue that precluded using the nasal mask.

There can be a world of difference between masks - fit, comfort, leaks, exhaust, etc. Just remember that you can always try a new mask and usually can get your money back if one does not work out in the first few weeks. If you buy through a site like our hosts you'll either see "mask insurance" included as part of the purchase price, or you can pay a little extra to add it on. This gives you 30 days to test drive with very little risk. Without that I would have spent hundreds to find the right mask or worse not found the right one at all. I think it was number 7 or 8 in my trials of different models and sizes that finally worked for me.

From what I've read here it's the manufacturers that allow for the return of ill fitting new masks, and if you get your equipment through a DME don't let them jerk you around if a mask is not working. They get the same deal as everyone else from the manufacturer.

gregoryjames wrote:
I am truly a newbie at this. The thought of wearing a device every night (possibly for life) when I am only 43 right now is really daunting at the moment

Hi Gregory,

I know that I was self conscious about the mask and machine, but I was no sleepy beauty snoring like a chainsaw! My family described it as "a wood chipper" or "revving up the V8".

I am SILENT now. I sleep better, and so does everyone around me!

Best of luck to you,
Maureen

I can see why long term use of a machine may seem freaky. After 40nyears of being tired every day, the machine at night is a welcome addition to me. I cannot describe what its been like waking each day and wanting to get out of bed. Up by 6 daily, no alarm. It's a WOW thing.

Best luck for you journey.

Thanks for the advice.

Got the unit today - they gave me the Resmed Mirage FX to try for the first attempt. It does not have an SD card in it but I have one available I will use in it to be able to use the sleepyhead software as well (assuming they do not put in as default since everyone - me, doctor, insurance - can see the compliancy and basic info the airsense sends each day using the cell sim).

I will update tomorrow on how the first night goes!

You can use any SD card in the machine. If you get tired of moving the card from the machine to the computer and back every time you want to check your results, you can put a FlashAir II card in your machine and read the results over your home router. I have those cards in our machines and can check our therapy results without moving the cards from the machines to the computer and back. This way I don't need to worry about getting the cards mixed up.