Getting CPAP next week

Carlton · Post by **Carlton** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:45 am

Hi all, i,m newly diagnosed and am travelling to London next week to pick up my trial CPAP with intention to purchase. Any advice would be be appreciated.

What sort of machine, mask ect

Hope someone can help

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:57 am

Hello from across the pond! Unless you have an underlying medical condition (one requiring the use of a bilevel machine, for example), I recommend you get an auto-titrating (also called, self-adjusting) machine.

Do you have a copy of your sleep study? Do you know your titrated pressure?

I am personally a fan of the REMstar Auto with C-Flex AND/OR the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 420E.

Carlton · Post by **Carlton** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:07 am

Thanks for the quick reply don't have all my sleep study results to hand just know I had 36 apenas per hour. Don't want to sound stupid but what is a C-Flex?

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:14 am

If you take a look at the link which was automatically added to your post (because it contained the word C-FLEX) you'll see the word is highlighted in blue. Anything highlighted in blue is a link you can click on for the definition.

My definition of C-Flex would be: temporary reduction in air pressure coming through the hose each time you exhale.

But once you click on the link and see the entire PDF file, you'll see my definition is woefully inadequate.

Just an aside... the C-Flex feature is one which can be turned on or off as you so desire. The same is true of the auto feature; an auto machine can be used in auto mode (a range of pressures used based on the machine's algorithms and their interpretation of your breathing patterns) or it can be used in straight cpap mode (a set pressure).

Carlton · Post by **Carlton** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:35 am

Thanks again very usefull, missed the link like an idiot but I blame the poor sleep.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:44 am

Carlton wrote:....missed the link like an idiot but I blame the poor sleep.

Also, I should mention the Search function. At the top of this page you'll see all the icons and one of them is for Search. If you enter a keyword AND enter author rested gal you'll be getting information from one of the most experienced and trusted cpap users on this forum. (Also, entering a keyword and author -SWS will bring you to excellent technical information. The dash before the initials is required... -SWS).

Happy reading!

Carlton · Post by **Carlton** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:14 am

Thanks again neversleeps. Advice has been very useful

capt · Post by **capt** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:51 am

As recommended before try to get an auto machine. I would also suggest that you get a humidifier too. The most important thing is the mask. The mask is what makes things comfortable or unbearable for you while using your equipment. When you are testing a mask, connect it to the machine. Then lay down on a bed with a pillow and bedding. Then try to duplicate the way you sleep: try tossing and turning, lay on your sides and back. Hold your arms in the position you sleep to see if the exhaust from the masks blows onto your sleep partner(they will not be able to sleep) or your arms(this will wake you up) or pillow/blanket/sheet(can cause noise which will wake you up). You should try every mask they have to find the best one for you. Remember a mask that works great for one person can be a nightmare for another. Pretend that you have to get up to go to the bathroom. While doing this, check to see how easy it is to disable the machine and to take the mask off or use its quick disconnect tubes to allow you to do this simple task.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 1:09 pm

Forgot to point out this thread by rested gal. She compiled links to all the masks. Click on this:

LINKS TO MASKS

Carlton · Post by **Carlton** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:45 am

Thanks guys advice has been fantastic. Will prob post again after my first night on CPAP this Wed. No doubt to have a good moan about all that went wrong