How do I know if CPAP is helping?

I have been using Remstar Plus for one month now, newly diagnosed. How do I know if it actually helping me?? I dont know if I need to keep seeing a doctor to see if it is helping or what. I wake up about 6 times a night and pick it up off the floor, I dont even know I am taking it off. I have read on this site about some of you using software to monitor apneas, how do you do that? Is that available only w/certain machines? I would love to know if the inconvenience is worth it. All I know for sure is that I dont snore while it is on, and I dont have headaches in the morning anymore. Do any of you have any ideas for me??? By the way, this website has changed my attitude about this problem so much, I have learned alot from reading your posts and it is so wonderful to know that I am not alone in this, that so many others are going through the same as I. It is comforting to know that if I have questions, that you have all already "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT", and can tell me of your experiences.

Well, to start with: If you're not waking up with headaches, then clearly it's helping somewhat.

Monitoring can really only be done with an AutoPAP (Remstar Auto, Puritan Bennett PB420e or ResMed AutoSet Spirit) and appropriate software. I don't currently have one, but there are lots of people here who will be HAPPY to regail you with tale after tale of their wonderfulness.

I'd look into a different mask. If this one is so uncomfortable that you can't keep it on, then clearly you're not getting as good therapy out of it as you could be.

But keep in mind those headaches. They were a symptom of your anoxia and/or lack of proper sleep. Since they're gone, you're getting better, at least some.

Keep at it, and good luck!

Liam, cheer-leading, but don't ask him to do a split.

Hi
I have the PB 420E. I bought the silverlining software. After some help and tweaking, I got it downloaded and can monitor my own progress (4 wks tomorrow). My aps/hypop's were down to 7, from 133. I have my setting on autopap (A MUST) and the new GK H20 Heated Humidifer which fits nicely under the apap. I use a swift nasal pillow (it's ''ok''). But I need a chin strap (not ok).

But it must be working, or my #'s would not be down.

But I do feel better. Not like running a race, but a little more energy. Also, not the intense need for a nap in the afternoon, is much improved.

Hope this helps you....it just does take time. Stay on this board, you will learn everything and then some....

peggyanne1 wrote:I have been using Remstar Plus for one month now, newly diagnosed. How do I know if it actually helping me?? I dont know if I need to keep seeing a doctor to see if it is helping or what. I wake up about 6 times a night and pick it up off the floor, I dont even know I am taking it off. I have read on this site about some of you using software to monitor apneas, how do you do that? Is that available only w/certain machines? I would love to know if the inconvenience is worth it. All I know for sure is that I dont snore while it is on, and I dont have headaches in the morning anymore. Do any of you have any ideas for me??? By the way, this website has changed my attitude about this problem so much, I have learned alot from reading your posts and it is so wonderful to know that I am not alone in this, that so many others are going through the same as I. It is comforting to know that if I have questions, that you have all already "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT", and can tell me of your experiences.