Non Compliance

If it was interpreted that I was saying that I can sleep more instead of using CPAP, that is not what I meant. I meant that while I am not using CPAP, that I should try to get more sleep. But I did not mean that 8 hours of sleep can replace what a CPAP can do.

Thanks to all for your encourgement, advice and scare tactics.

After all of your encouragement, after one and a half years of having the CPAP sit in my closet, I plan on starting to use my CPAP this Sunday!

One more hurdle - how do I clean this unit so that I can use it? Regular soap and water on the mask? Soak the cool humidifier unit in vinegar overnight? What about the tube?

Any suggestions would be appreciated as I will then have no more excuses!

I probably need a new sleep study to see if the pressures are correct. Also a heated humidifer might help with compliance.

I had my 2nd sleep study about two weeks ago (I didn't quality for titration study on my first one) and they decided to up my pressure to 10 (I believe the tech guy at the DME said it was previously 9). They gave me a new mask from respironics which has a tiltable top part (rests on the forehead) and has quickclips - an easier way to remove the mask. The mask definately feels more comfortable. I have used it for two nights now and after the first night I felt more tired (maybe b/c there was leakage).

Last night, I tightened the straps a bit more and only slept 6 hours but felt more refreshed than previous sleeps of 6 hours. So maybe its working! Imagine how I would feel if I slept 8 hours like I should be.

Sounds like you've got the determination to make a go of it, mxyl.

There'll be little setbacks - we all have them - but it sounds like you're on the right track.

Yes, soap and water, a mild soap like Ivvory - no anti-bacterial soap. I have been told to use a vinegar/water mixture 1:3 for the tubing and the heated humidfier. But make sure that you wash them out completely or you will have that smell there while the machine is on. If you have problems with you mask, call your DME, most insurances let you have a new mask every 6 months. There are lots of options out there for comfort and compliance.

I personally have extremely high uncontrolled blood pressure, that has left me with small stroke areas all in my brain. I have had so many tests done, and they can find nothing wrong with me. I am on 6 blood pressure mediciations, all maxed doses, and stil lend up in the emergancy room. In the quest to find out why this is going in for the past several years, they discovered I have sleep apnea. Since I have been on the CPAP for these past 3 months, after YEARS, I am down to 3 medications and my blood pressure is under control. I still have damage, and I do not think I will be able to go completely off all my meds, I think I waited too long. But what a difference!!

Well, its has been late April since I started CPAP therapy in earnest and I think it has helped but I still feel tired. What I don't like about my machine Resmed S6 is that I have no idea what pressure it is at (set at 10); how often I am getting apneas, etc. In other words, is the machine doing what it is suppose to do? Am I experiencing apneas with the CPAP? Maybe I'm feeling tired because I am still experiencing apneas and the machine needs to be adjusted or something.

Real newbie question - Is there a machine that can do this?

OOPS! Guess I should have read to the end before I replied. I guess this might have been helpful in January. I still stick by what I said though. I'm glad you are getting treatment! Continue to stick with it!!



Okay. I was diagnosed with mild apnea also. But, prior to that had a headache for a year that would not go away. With treatment my allergies have improved because I breath humidified (heated), filtered air all night long. I have my bad nights now and then, but over the long haul, things have improved tremendously in the last 6 months! Yes, it's hard to get used to, but the way I look at it is like getting in a cold pool. (Yes, with small children I have to like it or not sometimes. I can't get my feet wet then my legs, then a little more each time. I just have to jump in knowing that it will be very uncomfortable at first, but then I will be in and it will get better. CPAP is the same way. Yes, I hate sleeping with it. Yes, It is uncomfortable sometimes, yes, I hate it that my 2 year-old says I scare him with it on. Yes, I hate fixing the seal in the middle of the night. BUT, yes, I am extremely glad to be rid of the headache, the fear of falling asleep at work, the fear of falling asleep at the wheel, the impatience with my kids and husband for no reason. (yes, I am still impatient when appropriate, I'm still not a saint!)

Anyway, what I'm saying is... This is something you NEED to do for yourself and your family. You may not need a new sleep study. Make a vow to wear it every night all night for a week and see what happens. Then, if you find you are taking it off, even in your sleep, slap it right back on. I have gotten to the point that I occasionally try to get out of bed without taking my FF mask off because I forget I'm even wearing it.

By the way, I've had every excuse NOT to be compliant, and with the exception on 1 night, I have been wearing it all night every night since I got it. I've had ankle surgery, shingles, sick kids (one with chickenpox now), severe allergies, traveled, wasps above my bed and too many other excuses to list. I also hate the mark I have on my nose most days. But, IT'S TOO IMPORTANT TO NOT USE IT!!!! You CAN do this!!!

Hang in there, and continue to let us know what you need. I challenge you to wear it all night tonight and let us know how it goes!

Sue

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, seal

mxylplik2 wrote:Well, its has been late April since I started CPAP therapy in earnest and I think it has helped but I still feel tired. What I don't like about my machine Resmed S6 is that I have no idea what pressure it is at (set at 10); how often I am getting apneas, etc. In other words, is the machine doing what it is suppose to do? Am I experiencing apneas with the CPAP? Maybe I'm feeling tired because I am still experiencing apneas and the machine needs to be adjusted or something.

Real newbie question - Is there a machine that can do this?

You've got some serious reading to do, my friend! All of it can be found right here. Use the Search function and go to it!

There are lots of machines for which you can purchase software to see everything you'd like to see. For example, with the Respironics machines and the smart card option, one of the posters on this forum developed a fantastic program called MyEncore. Take a look at all the information you can get by clicking on this: Daily Charts
It's everything you could possibly want to know!

Go to cpap.com and click on 'software' for other information on other manufacturers' machines.

Guest? Is that you, Neversleeps?
O.

yes.... shoot.... I wonder how many posts I made this time b4 signing in..... just a few I think...

How'd you know it was me?

Doesn't seem like my Resmed S6 has that option - will my doctor give me a new perscription for one that has that option or do I have to buy it out of pocket? What reason would I give?

The same excellent reasons you already listed:

What I don't like about my machine Resmed S6 is that I have no idea what pressure it is at (set at 10); how often I am getting apneas, etc. In other words, is the machine doing what it is suppose to do? Am I experiencing apneas with the CPAP? Maybe I'm feeling tired because I am still experiencing apneas and the machine needs to be adjusted or something.

The only way to know if your doc will write a new prescription is to ask him. If he writes a generic, non-expiring prescription for a cpap machine and heated humidifier, you can buy your equipment online at cpap.com for a huge savings, AND your prescription will remain on file for future purchases should you decide to try a different machine.

neversleeps wrote:How'd you know it was me?

It has your style and handwriting all over it... including the love of the search button, adding the link, and the trouble you take to give the link a name, in bold.

Haven't many guest who take that kind of trouble with their posts....

O.