NEWBE

I am new to sleep apnea. (well at least newly diagnosed, have unknowingly had it for years) My uncle and cousin have it and my wife has been on my case for a couple of years to go get tested. When I finally broke down and went to the doctors (actually for another unrelated problem) he took one look at my throat and sent me for testing. Like alot of others, my experience @the sleep center was less than exciting. When I had to go back for the second night and mask fitting it was even worse. Between the feeling of closterphobia and the new sensation of air being blown down my throat, I almost left early. Figured I would never be able to handle wearing a mask. they started me out with a full face mask and about half way through the night I asked to try a nose pillow. That lasted all of 5 seconds. The Tech there put me on to this help sight and I finally started to do my home work. I saw the hybrid mask and thought that that might work better, smaller size and won't rest on the bridge of my nose(which was still sore 2 days later). Went yesterday to pick up my machine and mask and came home with the determination at least try. Man what a difference a different mask makes! I didn't feel like I was fighting it all night. No closterphobia and no soar nose. The end of my nose feels alittle pushed in, but not bad. I actually got about a total of 4 hours sleep. It wasn't perfect by any means,but ALOT better than I anticipated. The machine is quiet and the heated humidity is a big plus.

Machine - ResMed S8 Escape II
Mack - Mirage Liberty (this is like the Hybrid just a different manufacturer, my provider carried these instead)

My Advice to anyone just starting out like me is 1. Research Research Research
2. Don't Give Up

Thanks everyone for posting. I hope this can help somebody too.

Guest wrote: The Tech there put me on to this help sight and I finally started to do my home work.

Now there is a good tech! Rare. We are lucky just to have a few good ones as members here.

BTW, there are some substantial differences between the Liberty and the Hybrid masks. I consider the Hybrid superior, but if the Liberty works for you no need to do anything different.

Glad you figured it all out.

Machine - ResMed S8 Escape II

Too bad they sold you an old brick with no data capability so you will never know whether your treatment is really effective. I would bring it back and demand at least an S8 Elite if not an S9 Elite.

BlackSpinner wrote:

Machine - ResMed S8 Escape II

Too bad they sold you an old brick with no data capability so you will never know whether your treatment is really effective. I would bring it back and demand at least an S8 Elite if not an S9 Elite.

He did not follow his own advice: "1. Research Research Research"

My Advice to anyone just starting out like me is 1. Research Research Research
2. Don't Give Up

Sounds like your research was all about the mask, and not the machine. Almost every post to a newbie here suggests that machines MUST be data capable if you want to be proactive in your own care.

Your machine does not have efficacy data and won't help you at all if you are experiencing problems or want to track your progress.

My suggestion is to take the second part of your advice--try to get a better machine (an Elite at the very least) and don't give up the fight to be your own best advocate.

A data-capable machine is essential to successful therapy, get it exhanged asap. Keep us posted and Good Luck.