Newbie's Observations/Comments

I learned about this forum by accident from a Seniors forum in Canada.
After scouring the net I find that this forum has to be the best for obtaining information and tips from USERS!
There are some old pro's here who provide a wealth of information and it is appreciated.

I did happen to PM a member who resides in London, Ontario and she has been a source of support and information that I couldn't buy. I have only one mask - a Zest Nasal mask and was wanting to purchase a full face plus a hose hanger.
With her advice I was directed to cpap.com and I purchased items at roughly half the cost that I would have to put out in Canada.

I have only been using CPAP equipment for about 6 weeks - My sleep study and Equipment is paid for fully by our Health Care system...its really hassle free BUT you certainly cannot obtain the machines that I see people using here with Auto units and readers so that you can track your progress. I was having problems exhaling and if it were not for this forum I would not have asked the Health Equipment provider (DRE's I think you call them in the USA) for a C-Flex machine...
after using the one month monitoring machine this C-Flex unit was a God send as I was ready to throw my hands up!

Even though I do not have an Auto machine I go by how I feel - I suppose ignorance can be bliss! and at times a person can get so caught up on the technology rather than how they feel - it can be distracting BUT maybe someday I can get my hands on an auto unit!

To date I feel better and have more energy and the only issue I have is that I wake up periodically with a very dry mouth and exhaling quietly through my mouth - which probably means that I am not getting the full benefit of the CPAP unit...that is why I ordered a full face mask (Flexfit 431).I love the Zest Nasal unit and maybe if I keep trying the head strap to keep my mouth from flappin I will meet with success.

Another thing I found out on this forum is the use of "moleskin" to stop the irritation across the bridge of my nose....Thanks! It works!

It is interesting to follow the "Battle of Wills" between some of the long time members who have opposing viewpoints - but in the long run that is how a newbie learns on these forums - to get to know how to "separate the wheat from the chaff" as we say in my neck of the woods.

Thanks to the forum members I have gained an insight into the treatment, product suggestions and terminologies used.
There is no doubt that I will be taking a peek to read new postings on a daily basis.

Thank you all!

Now, I have to go out and hitch up my dog team and get ready to build my Igloo!!

diboja wrote:

It is interesting to follow the "Battle of Wills" between some of the long time members who have opposing viewpoints - but in the long run that is how a newbie learns on these forums - to get to know how to "separate the wheat from the chaff" as we say in my neck of the woods.

Now, I have to go out and hitch up my dog team and get ready to build my Igloo!!

Hi Diboja

Welcome to the Forum and best wishes for your success.

No doubt future "Battle of the Wills" will be coming up, and you will be welcome to join in if you wish, just please do not set your dogs on us, as then I might have to get on my bike and ride away.

The whole world is here, looks like you are enjoying it.

cheers

Mars

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Glad your therapy is going so well. I've learned almost everything I know about sleep apena and how to manage my own therapy, from members of this forum.

Hi diboja,
I'm joining the group welcoming you to the forum. You have found the greatest place for help with sleep apnea.

I started several years ago, and neither the doctor or the DME gave me tips, suggestions and help to stick with it.
I started again last January, and was forunate to find the Cpaptalk.com site the same day. The veterans here helped me, and encouraged me.

I also have type 11 diabetes. When I was diagnosed, I received help & super guidance from my doctor, more help from a dietician. And not to be outdone, the Diabetes Association in our areas has free monthly classes. I can't understand why Sleep Apnea patients are not given that kind of help. If you are diagnosed with apnea and do not have a support group, the drop-out rate is very high.

Jan

I've learned almost everything I know about sleep apena and how to manage my own therapy, from members of this forum.

Welcome, I too have learned what I know from this site. I don't pipe up much, but I visit, read and learn from this site most every day.

diboja wrote: the only issue I have is that I wake up periodically with a very dry mouth and exhaling quietly through my mouth - which probably means that I am not getting the full benefit of the CPAP unit...that is why I ordered a full face mask (Flexfit 431).I love the Zest Nasal unit and maybe if I keep trying the head strap to keep my mouth from flappin I will meet with success.

Quick comment on the dry mouth, which does indicate leaks through the mouth and yes, it does mean you're not getting full benefit at that time. Since you like your nasal unit, here's a few thoughts. First, the chin strap that works for me is actually an eye mask. Go figure. My RT says that the important thing is to have a wide strap across the chin and that the pressure should be upward and not draw the chin back (which can close the throat). Next, even with my mouth shut I'm capable of sending air around clenched teeth and out the mouth. I've done very well with a single piece of tape in the center of my mouth to encourage my lips to stay shut. There are varying opinions on taping in this forum, but anyway my medical providers did not perceive that taping just in the center was a safety issue.

Good lucky with your therapy and enjoy the forums. I'll be interested in how you do with the full face mask compared with the one you love now, since one might be in my future someday.

diboja wrote:It is interesting to follow the "Battle of Wills" between some of the long time members who have opposing viewpoints

I think if you take a look those posters haven't been here that long Really!!
I haven't seen the old timers airing their dirty laundry for all to see.

Might try one of the hybrid-style masks, they cover the mouth and have nasal pillows. I was losing therapy air thru my loose lips and had to give up my beloved OptiLife mask; I now wear the RespCare Hybrid and really like it.

Thank you all for your comments, salutations and suggestions!

Really wrote:

diboja wrote:It is interesting to follow the "Battle of Wills" between some of the long time members who have opposing viewpoints

I think if you take a look those posters haven't been here that long Really!!
I haven't seen the old timers airing their dirty laundry for all to see.

Really!

I think diboja was talking about opposing viewpoints, not dirty laundrey.

It appears you have missed a lot of interesting threads. What diboja said is true.

cheers

Mars

mars wrote:

Really wrote:

diboja wrote:It is interesting to follow the "Battle of Wills" between some of the long time members who have opposing viewpoints

I think if you take a look those posters haven't been here that long Really!!
I haven't seen the old timers airing their dirty laundry for all to see.

Really!

I think diboja was talking about opposing viewpoints, not dirty laundrey.

It appears you have missed a lot of interesting threads. What diboja said is true.

cheers

Mars

Have to wonder how you would know just what diboja meant.
Maybe we should ask diboja exactly what was meant? Really!!
Could have been looking at Mars? Really!!

/quote Really!!

Have to wonder how you would know just what diboja meant.
Maybe we should ask diboja exactly what was meant? Really!!
Could have been looking at Mars? Really!!

/quote Really!!

Fortunately I do not have to wonder - I read his post - and welcomed him as a newcomer.

You decided to disparage his post, as, I suppose, is your choice.

And you disparage my post, which was politely correcting you.

Well, you continue to make useless and unhelpful posts if that is what you want. But try, if you can, to be a little more welcoming to newcomers. If you cannot do that, perhaps you could not post anything at all , especially stuff that is incorrect.

For me, this ends here, you do what you want.

Mars

Yours was the first negative and condescending comment I saw posted in this thread, my friend, Really.
I am really sorry you felt the need to correct anyone, Really??

Why is it that that you feel you need to speak for others on this forum, mainly diboja in this case?? Really??

I am certain that diboja can clarify what was meant by his words, Really!!

Welcome to the message board, diboja!

Welcom to the Board from a fellow Canadian!!

Glad to see your therapy appears to be working. I look forward to reading more posts from you.