New to CPAP World

Hello there. I've been recently diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea and going through the process to get a CPAP machine. Apparently due to supply chain issues, there is a 6-8 week turnaround time, so it will be a while till I actually get it. I appreciate any tips/guidance on things I can do while prepping to get the CPAP machine:

1. Is there a specific software that can be installed ahead of time, or is it machine specific (basically can't do anything now)?
2. Is there a clear winner, best vendor in the CPAP machine space? The vendor I'm dealing with mentioned Luna and Resmed.
3. Which masks are least intrusive? I am hoping to get one that is on the nose only, like: AirFit™ N30i Nasal CPAP Mask

Thank you in advance for any tips on what I have asked, or other topics that I should be thinking about (and I didn't ask). Thank you!

Insist on a Resmed machine. If you can pay on your own, they are immediately available at cpap.com at 1/2 price.

Welcome! While I'm sorry you have to deal with this, some perseverance can make the process and results totally worthwhile...CPAP completely changed my life once I was diagnosed and got it all working well.

1) Software probably depends on your machine (question #2). OSCAR is well respected open source here - https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/ -- you really want a data capable machine that supports OSCAR. Another option is https://www.sleephq.com/ which is web based. SleepHQ is newer; and people have mixed feelings about it as it is clearly for-profit. I don't think that's bad necessarily, there is a free option - will let you do your own research.

2) Resmed is generally held in high regard. Make sure you get a data capable machine - Resmed Airsense 11 Autoset, Airsense 10 Elite / Autoset / Autoset for Her. There are some older machines as well, but those are the most likely ones you will get today for Resmed.

3) masks are super specific to the person...one person's golden mask is terrible for someone else. I really like the BLEEP interface, it's not a conventional mask - you use adhesive 'ports' which stick to your skin, then connect a host to those ports. No headgear, no leaks. Does require skin prep each night (wash & alcohol or witch hazel wipe). Can provide more details or google it. There is a new version coming out which uses magnets (cool!) to make it easier to connect the hose. The Resmed P10 is also popular as a nasal interface, but there are a million out there. Can read about them on our sponsor cpap.com

Following up on what jdm5 has said, cpap.com has a listing of which masks are most popular. This doesn't mean the most popular is the best for you, as masks are so highly subjective, but you may be able to tilt the odds in your favor by trying a mask that works for most people. I have had best results with Resmed P10 and Fisher-Paykel Brevida -- both nasal pillows. Smaller area to seal, so less chance of leaks. But that's just my preference.

Also there are vendors who will let your return a mask you don't like (within 30 days I think) and then receive store credit to purchase another mask.

I am on my third cpap machine. It is a Resmed Airsense 10. It came with an SD card that auto loads data daily. The card can be moved to a computer where the data can be put to a report via the OSCAR application.

The data also is delivered daily to MyAir.com via the cell system. Yep, this cpap machine is also a one way telephone. This can be turned off by putting the machine to Airplane mode or totally disabled by taking the machine apart and unplugging the cell device within.

After over ten years of therapy for severe apnea, my doctor finally asked, just a couple of months ago, for a compliance report to prove to my insurance company that I am using the machine. For years, I was only asked if I use it at least 4hr. per 24, not required to produce proof by a data report. I offered to get them a report from MyAir or OSCAR. Turns out my cpap supplies vendor, without my knowledge, has the sleep report data for me and sent it to the doctor. How Verus/Adapthealth gets my data I do not know. I never gave permission for them nor MyAir to gather and store my data. It is a bit creepy to think there is a transmitting telephone next to me most days and nights.

For many years I had no idea my machines were gathering and storing data I could have used to adjust the pressures and monitor my therapy. Visiting this forum I learned a great deal about cpap therapy and OSCAR reporting.

Best of Luck with your therapy.