Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
jimolson52
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2022 2:43 pm

Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

Post by jimolson52 » Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:19 am

My thanks to this message board and the folks that wrote the OSCAR program. I would be a CPAP wash-out if not for these excellent tools.

And being a wash-out would have dire consequences for me. My AHI=30 prior to CPAP was giving me cardiac problems (AFIB).

Things I discovered using OSCAR with my Resmed AirSense 10:

--I need a full face mask due to leakages. Nasal mask plus surgical tape on my mouth wasn't working.
--yes, you do need the full pressure prescribed by your doctor (I'm now at 18cm after resisting high pressures)
--when sleeping on your back prop yourself up on two pillows
--minimize sleeping on your back
--you can't be a good CPAPist without either a doctor's assistance or this message board

Regards to all!

Jim in Indianapolis

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chunkyfrog
Posts: 34377
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Apr 18, 2022 9:21 am

Happy you found the right combination FOR YOU.
We all need different combinations, so in my case--only ONE, thin pillow.
My doctor initally put me on way too much pressure--MISERY, for 9 months,
until I could invest in a Autoset--IMMEDIATE relief!
I tried over 20 masks before I found THE ONE.
We are all different--it's beyond good that you found YOUR "Goldilocks planet".
The rest of us need to find our own.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

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Applecheeks
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Dec 24, 2021 10:07 am

Re: Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

Post by Applecheeks » Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:25 pm

jimolson52 wrote:
Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:19 am
My AHI=30 prior to CPAP was giving me cardiac problems (AFIB).
Happy to hear that you are on a good path.

I too was/am having Afib issues.

If you don't object I'd like to ask you a couple of questions.
1) Were you having Persistent or Permanent AFIB attacks, or was your issue like mine with Paroxysmal AFIB ( comes and goes without warning and resolves itself) ?
( My attacks would last from minutes to a couple of hours, then might have another attack the next day or as is the case right now, not have another attack for weeks)

2) Did Cpap therapy resolve your Afib condition?
Good luck and best wishes

jimolson52
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2022 2:43 pm

Re: Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

Post by jimolson52 » Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:00 pm

Apple Cheeks,

Thanks for the response. I'm almost 70 and I've had two AFIB episodes in 13 months. Both episodes occurred before and after I awakened in the morning, and persisted for a couple of days. In both cases I was hospitalized and administered IV drugs to get on top of the AFIB event.

They really are life threatening events. My BP dropped to 85/50, forcing me to remain horizontal until they resolved. The first one got me a ride to the hospital in an ambulance. The cardiac work-up I received in the hospital showed no structural issues with my heart to explain the CPAP. I am about 50 lbs overweight, a matter I'm diligently addressing right now.

I've had no further AFIB events but I've only been CPAP'ing for a month, much of that at sub-prescription pressures as I found my water wings.

When I got my CPAP prescription in February I was contacted by a DME in Indianapolis where I live. DME said there were no CPAP machines in the possession of DMEs within 100 miles of Indy and advised me to begin my own hunt for one, including on the internet to be paid for with my own cash.

I eventually found a used one on Craigslist. I've acquired masks and accessories from the internet sellers mentioned on this website.

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Applecheeks
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Dec 24, 2021 10:07 am

Re: Thanks From a CPAP Newbie

Post by Applecheeks » Wed Apr 20, 2022 9:30 pm

My personal story with Afib began about 10 years ago, when I had a cardiac cath and 2 stents placed. I've been treated with medicine (dronedarone) since then and that has worked (mostly) well for me. I have learned alot about my personal adventure with Afib over these past ten years.
However I've only begun Cpap therapy in the past 6 months - so you might ask why.

----It just occurs to me that this is getting rather personal and somewhat off topic --- if you would like to continue this conversation I would not be adverse to sending you a private message and you can choose to have a discussion (or not). So I'll send you a PM and you can decide if you wish to discuss Afib or not. OK?