New Here - would appreciate some answers

Hello, I have been reading some posts and learning. I have my prescription after 2 sleep studies and have an appointment next week to pick up my machine and mask.
Can anyone help with these questions I have?
1. I had 36% sleep efficiency with the C-Pap during my sleep study. Is this typical until you are used to the mask?
2. Are there any side effects of using a C-Pap?
3. Is is best to start with the ramp feature to get used to the machine?
4. I had deep marks from the mask straps and extreme redness on my cheek from nasal mask during my study. Would the smaller Dreamwear Mask be a better choice?
5. Can you buy online at less expensive prices and get your insurance to cover it?
Thank you very much for any input.

Hi and welcome. Don't worry about the 'efficiency' for now... it doesn't mean a whole lot to the future.

No side FX except for the odd person who may experience aerophagia (gas/bloating) if their pressure is set too high, and usually a drop of 1-2 cms helps as long as it doesn't take away much from good (otherwise) results. Central apnea is rare and you'd need a fairly high setting before worrying... so don't (xxxyz tends to go off in all directions sounding knowledgable and authoritative, but in fact is mostly just wrong about much).

The ramp would be important to someone (possibly fairly old, or a child) if the setting was high and initial 'blast' (it's not a blast) of air was too much for them, but most of us drop the ramp entirely within a week or so... for me it's a big waste of time.

Deep marks (vs lighter ones that disappear relatively quickly) may mean your mask is too tight and that's counterproductive for various reasons. If it doesn't fit well and/or leaks a lot (vs a bit) then try others or a better size etc.

Depending on your insurance co. regs (you need to ask them, not some dealer down the road) lots buy online and either get reimbursed by their insce co's or the dealers get paid - but you must not assume anything... need to ask them.

1. I had 36% sleep efficiency with the C-Pap during my sleep study. Is this typical until you are used to the mask?
Sleeps labs are not conducive to good sleep. Home should be better as you get used to the new sensations.
2. Are there any side effects of using a C-Pap?
Possibilities are air in the belly causing gas pains, bit of rib area soreness the first few nights, ill fitting mask or headgear causing discomfort, or special considerations for persons with lung diseases. Some users never have any of the possible "side effects".
3. Is is best to start with the ramp feature to get used to the machine?
Personal preference. If one chooses to use it, start it high enough to protect from apnea events.
4. I had deep marks from the mask straps and extreme redness on my cheek from nasal mask during my study. Would the smaller Dreamwear Mask be a better choice?
There is a forum member called Pad A Cheek and others who sell strap covers and mask liners to make the experience more comfortable. If you're handy with such things you could rig a way to cushion areas of stress.
5. Can you buy online at less expensive prices and get your insurance to cover it?
Just co-signing Julie's important point of getting your coverage information from your insurance company first hand and not take the word of an equipment provider, or any of us for that matter. Too often we read stories of people left with a big bill after being misinformed, even when not intentional. Too many variables with insurance plans to know them all.

Thank you very much for any input.
Good luck with everything. There's some great info for new users at the top of the page. #1 in my opinion will always be making sure the machine you are given reports treatment data. Good idea to check here before accepting a machine unless you've done your research and are 100% sure what you're doing. Many names are similiar and one word can make all the difference.