Mild Sleep Apnea and new to this...

Hey all...

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and it was recommended I get a CPAP. And me oh my there are lots of options. And my insurance doesn't cover anything so I'm doing all my own research to find the best options and prices. Looking for recommendations of masks, frames, chinstraps places to buy everything, etc.

I'm interested in easing into this whole thing but also in getting the *most* comfortable and most *effective* gear available. Some points to consider.

-I'm a huge side sleeper. Barely sleep on my back.
-I have scruffy facial hair (like 1/16" in length, think guy who didn't shave for 4 days)
-I have a not small nose, but not gigantic
-I live in Los Angeles area so air is most often very dry
-I intend to use the CPAP intermittently and as needed (rather then every night)
-I sometimes mouth-breathe at night due to mild nasal congestion and I think a chin strap is probably a good idea
-I feel fairly set on the Airsense 11 Autoset where all the heavier blowing action sets in after I'm asleep and I get the humidification.
-Thinking I start with a nasal pillow mask?
-thinking hose attachment on top is best

Thanks all -- from my quick browsing of the threads here you all seem like a helpful bunch.

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:17 am

Hey all...

G'day Steve, welcome to the forum.

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and it was recommended I get a CPAP. And me oh my there are lots of options. And my insurance doesn't cover anything so I'm doing all my own research to find the best options and prices. Looking for recommendations of masks, frames, chinstraps places to buy everything, etc.

Start by looking at our forum sponsors cpap.com You might also be able to build up a kit of mask frame / cushion / headgear somewhat cheaper by getting the components as separate items from Amazon. Getting the right mask is often the hardest part of this therapy and you may well go through several before finding one that suits you.

I'm interested in easing into this whole thing but also in getting the *most* comfortable and most *effective* gear available. Some points to consider.

It's probably best to jump in, rather than ease in.

-I'm a huge side sleeper. Barely sleep on my back.
-I have scruffy facial hair (like 1/16" in length, think guy who didn't shave for 4 days)
-I have a not small nose, but not gigantic
-I live in Los Angeles area so air is most often very dry

No problems with any of this. Side sleeping is generally recommended, though it can make it easier to dislodge your mask.

-I intend to use the CPAP intermittently and as needed (rather then every night)

This is a mistake. The machine can only help you while you're using it, and you should use it every time you sleep. Going into this with the thought that you'll only use it occasionally is setting yourself up for failure. This machine will be your constant bed companion for the rest of your life, so learn to love it and never sleep without it.

-I sometimes mouth-breathe at night due to mild nasal congestion and I think a chin strap is probably a good idea
-Thinking I start with a nasal pillow mask?
-thinking hose attachment on top is best

Maybe, but try the mask first before getting things like a chin strap - you may not need it (the strap) at all. The choice of mask is very much a personal decision - what works great for me may be terrible for you. If possible, find a dealer who will give you a try-before-you-buy service.

-I feel fairly set on the Airsense 11 Autoset where all the heavier blowing action sets in after I'm asleep and I get the humidification.

That's a great machine, but you can probably get an Airsense 10 Autoset for abut half the price of the 11. The 10 is still a top quality machine and will give you excellent service. You should also know that pretty much every machine on the market includes ramp (gradual pressure increase) and humidifier - these are not exclusive to the 11.

How will you decide when to use the machine - the night after you had a tiring day? By then the damage is done and potentially preventing further damage is not completely guaranteed, plus a number of things can cause bad nights, not all of which are necessarily apnea... and only e.g. Oscar can tell you what's what the next day. You need to commit to doing it properly, especially starting out as invariably there will be at least a few small adjustments you'll likely want to address based not just on Oscar but how you feel. It's not like taking an aspirin and then believing all will be fine.

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:17 am

mild sleep apnea

OSA may be mild in the sense of relatively few events but still be rather severe in its cumulative effect on sleep quality and overall health.

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:17 am

intermittently and as needed

The benefits of PAP are often much greater over time when the brain knows it can expect a completely stable airway all night every night.

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:17 am

a helpful bunch

Thank you. We try. But we also try to be human enough to goof off occasionally and even pretend to argue once in a while, too, just for the entertainment value.

I can warmly recommend the ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset (or ditto For Her -- works for men too). You might send a private message to forum member LSAT, who sometimes has lightly used machines for sale. I got my machine from him, and everything went without a hitch.

Thanks all.

Respirator - question about frequency of use:

I can understand the benefits of nightly use. But I’m curious if there is any sort of dependence that arises, or if it becomes more difficult to sleep without it after a time? For instance if I go camping or am in some other situation where I can’t use it?

Hi - first of all, there are many people using Cpap who camp... there are loads of posts here re which batteries to use when - and who would want to go camping if they felt lousy?

Dependence - definitely! The point of it is feeling a lot better on Cpap, and being able to function properly. It should be addictive! I know I feel lousy if I don't use it - sure, maybe you'll get away with not doing so for a few nights, but once you go back, you realize the difference.

Lots can get away with not using it occasionally, but most of those feel like crap in time, or even just the next day, and realize they shouldn't play games with therapy. Then they come back after getting back on board and say how great they feel!

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 01, 2023 1:05 am

dependence that arises,

That's not something that arises; we are born dependent on proper sleep and proper breathing, and it is always risky to ignore or to compromise those basic needs of life.

My view is that I would no more plan to go without sufficient breathing and sleeping than I would plan to go into the wilderness in winter without considering my similarly-basic needs for food, water, warmth, shelter, etc.

I want the highest quality of experiences on vacation to get the full benefit from it. And PAP has taught me that consistent quality of sleep equals increased quality of life. Your mileage may vary.

snoringsteve wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 01, 2023 1:05 am

But I’m curious if there is any sort of dependence that arises, or if it becomes more difficult to sleep without it after a time?

i'm an eyeglasses wearing type person. (how's THAT for mangling english?) without them, i can't see a bloody thing. so, yeah, i'm dependent upon eyeglasses.

same goes for my cpap.