Apprehensive newbie

Last week I had my first sleep study and it was determined that I have OSA. I use the term “sleep study” lightly as I slept less than 3 hours that night…2.7 to be exact. According to the study I had something like 60 sleep episodes during my 2.7 hours of sleep…which I guess puts me in the “moderate” category.

I normally fall asleep quickly and don’t really wake up throughout the night, but having all those wires and knowing that I was being watched while trying to sleep really made for a poor night of sleep. I am scheduled to go back for a second sleep study in a couple of weeks, this time with a CPAP machine, and I am not looking forward to another torturous night of sleep.

Being a newbie, I have no idea what to expect during this second sleep study. If there is anyone out there that would be willing to offer up their experience it would be greatly appreciated.

A couple of quick questions to get the ball rolling… Do you typically have a choice of mask type when you go get set up for the first time, or is it a “take what they give you” kind of thing? Should I expect people coming in throughout the night tinkering with the pressure settings on the machine to get it right?

I think this is a great forum and I look forward to reading your responses!

The second night (titration) is very much like the first with wires, sensors etc. except you have a cpap mask on. As far as mask choice, I'm sure if you expressed a preference they would accomodate you as to which type you would prefer. I didn't know there was an option when I did mine and was titrated with a nasal mask they chose and did well. If you choose nasal pillows or nasal mask and start mouth breathing during the titration, they may come in and put a full face mask on you. As far as them coming in and adjusting pressures, you don't have to worry about that. They do that from the control room. Many people actually sleep better on titration even though the mask is added because they are getting treatment for the apnea and are able to get into deeper levels of sleep without a lot of arousals. Many haven't experienced that quality of sleep in some time and report feeling great the next day. Good luck! If you have more questions, just post them and someone will answer them for you.

And then there are those of us who don't sleep for beans during their titration study! I raise my hand as one of the "guilty". But at least they got a pressure in the ball park. In my case, we did end up three months later going w/a loaner auto PAP to see if we could better titrate my needed pressure. I was started at 6ms, quickly raised to 7 cms and the loaner auto indicated 8cms which is where I'm at now.

As LavendarMist said, the titration is pretty much like the evaluation; same wires, etc. plus the mask and CPAP machine. Pressure is adjusted by the tech in the control room as is humidity if that needs changing. The tech may or may not need to come in the room to adjust a wire, or the mask or suggest changing the mask.

You SHOULD be given a choice of SEVERAL masks AND mask types to try before you ever choose one and go to bed. If not, don't be bashful!!! Ask what other masks they have for you to try. If necessary just remind yourself that you or your insurance are paying some big bucks for this titration study and it means the future of your having good sleep to get the pressure right as soon as possible. And that means a good fitting, comfortable mask. Don't be bashful about asking questions either.

When they gave me the questionnaire to fill out the next morning I BOLDLY wrote on the paperwork PLUS told the sleep tech I would NOT accept ANY CPAP equipment UNTIL someone had gone over the data w/me, answered any questions I might have AND we discussed which CPAP machine I would ACCEPT because I WOULD have some input on my equipment or wouldn't accept any. It is the only way to ensure that you get a fully data capable CPAP and you are going to want that. Your sleep doctor SHOULD INSIST on that, but they don't. Or at least very few of them do. Don't rely on your sleep doctor or the local DME supplier to see to it that you get a fully data capable machine!!! 99 times outta 100 it ain't a gonna happen!

Good luck!!! Here's wishing you a good titration, restful sleep, a Merry Christmas AND a Happy, Restful New Year.

Hi,

My sleep study night I had an awful night's sleep, too (despite a sleeping pill).

For my titration study, they let me take a slightly higher dose and I think that being on treatment must have helped because I slept much better on titration night.

We're all different so there's no predicting how your titration night will go but just remember it's only *one* night and you can and will get through it.

One thing to think about with masks: do you think you're likely to feel claustrophobic with a full-face mask? I started with a nasal pillow mask which my sleep doc ordered and now am working with a full-face mask. I expect to use both at different times. For me the nasal pillows were much easier to get used to so I'm glad I had them first. You may feel very differently!

Mindy

Guest,

I do agree with all the others that posted before me and what they said is quite true of my PSG and titration. Here is a hint that might help you through the process: "Bring your own pillow."

Amos

I don’t think I will be claustrophobic with any of the masks, but I do think I would prefer something without a tube running up over my head and in between my eyes. I was thinking about asking to try a nasal pillow as they seem to be the least intrusive? I have a co-worker that swears by the CPAP Pro mask, but it seems to get more unfavorable reviews than favorable.

With the nasal pillows, you will want to have Ayr saline gel or a water based lubricant when you first start using them to cut down on nare irritation. Your nose does have to "toughen" up so to speak in order to comfortably wear them all night. I currently start out the night with my fairly new nasal pillow mask after applying Ayr gel on the outside and inside of my nares and wake up later and switch to my nasal mask for the remainder of the night. I'm sure in time, I will get used to the pillows. I really like the pillow mask because it is much lighter and less on your face, so once I get used to having something in my nose I'm sure it will be my mask of choice. Hope that helps.

As for the titration study, as others have said they didn't sleep well and some sleep great. So, it's hard to predict how you will do with it. I hope you are one of the ones who wake up and feel like a million.

That's helpful advice for me, too! I've been using a FF mask exclusively, awaiting receipt of my first nasal pillow, the Swift II--should have it by tomorrow or Saturday. Picked up the Ayr gel yesterday. Thanks!

At my study the RT brought out several masks for me to try before sleeping. She put on the pressure and had me hold the mask to my face and breathe for a bit then went to the next until I found one I wanted to sleep with....this will be important because one of the masks made me feel like I was suffocating - didn't use that one....

Bring your own pillow and if you have Ambian take it. I didn't and she said that I could have because it doesn't interfer with the study.

Good Luck

I agree see if your doc will script you an Ambien or two. It helps to ease the anxiety of the experience and will allow you to sleep for a longer period of time, hopefully making your titration more accurate.

Richard

Hi there!! I agree with all the others---Bring your own pillow and if you have Ambian take it. I didn't and she said that I could have because it doesn't interfer with the study. My own pillow was GREAT!! It made me feel more relaxed to know it was mine and not some flat pillow with unknown slobber on it. Good Luck and be sure to relax and enjoy it ---it will only help you in the long run---
Carrie

Thanks to everyone for all your advice. I will defintly take my own pillow. I have my CPAP trial on the 27th, and am oddly looking forward to it. I am sure I will have more questions in the future...