Whats the best tip you learned from CPAP talk?

Get a fully data-capable machine!

Obtain software in order to monitor my own stats in order to discover my "sweet spot" the best pressure to keep my AHI & control leaks in check. A good mask to keep leaks down, all the fixes to obtain that goal. A proper pillow that wouldn't dislodge my mask while turning. The importance of proper humidity level. Hose management systems. Hose cover & humidity control to fight rainout. Not just using my AHI as an indicator of optimal therapy, but also take how rested I feel into consideration. Belonging to this message board over 6 years & feeling like some of you are my friends even though I have never met any of you in person. there are many more things i have learned , I will stop here.

I can't decide... so I'll mention both:

- data-capable machine
- Hose Buddy

Sheriff

To idamtnboy,

Lansinoh

http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-HPA-Lano ... 123&sr=8-3


Can't pick just one tip I've learned, I was left to figure it all out myself. This forum was a life saver for me!

Brenda

Keep my mouth shut

All machines are not created equal and to get a data capable machine with the software.

rosie

Getting a 2nd machine...........thats data capable!!!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again.......................
if it wasn't for the wonderful friends on this forum, I would have never made it to where I am today....on the green side of the grass!!!! Thank you!
Cheers my friends.........I'm clinking my coffee cup to my puter
Cheers
Nan

Taught me how to change my own pressure and how to read my data on my machine, TAPE MY MOUTH, humidity control, how to ask for what I wanted from my DME and get it(that was a major accomplishment when she realized I knew a lot more than her average patient-thanks to you guys!!) lanolin cream for the nostrils and how to be patient when searching for that "perfect nights' sleep"( I think I am still waiting for that one but not due to a lack of info. from all of you). GG

grumpygirl wrote:Taught me how to change my own pressure and how to read my data on my machine, TAPE MY MOUTH, humidity control, how to ask for what I wanted from my DME and get it(that was a major accomplishment when she realized I knew a lot more than her average patient-thanks to you guys!!) lanolin cream for the nostrils and how to be patient when searching for that "perfect nights' sleep"( I think I am still waiting for that one but not due to a lack of info. from all of you). GG

Second to all of that!

The best tip for me was from a former member who told me about cpaptalk. Once here, every tip was good, but especially helpful was learning to take charge of my therapy and keep making changes until I finally got it right. It took me over 8 months to get there. Former and current members generously gave support, encouragement and the benefit of their experiences. I will be eternally grateful.

Catnapper - Joanie

Check with the members here before you order a new machine that needs a "special" data card reader.

Hit's head like the V8 commercial and says "I could've had a S9".

All the advice given when I first posted "How does this work?" after my first sleep study. I knew what questions to ask and what the answers should be. Kinda threw the DME for a loop at first -- she had expected a quiet, compliant old lady. Well, she did have the "old lady" part right, but not the rest.

Thank you, thank you, everyone!

WOW!! There are so many.................

#1 would have to be to get a data-capable machine.
#2 to not take my DME's word as gospel - on ANYTHING - before checking with my insurance company first.

Cheers,
xena

Biggest tip: You have to manage your own therapy. Your doctor and DME can't do it nearly as well as you can with their help.

idamtnboy wrote:I haven't been able to find Lansinoh around here, not Walgreen's, not Walmart, not local pharmacy, not nowhere. Any suggestions where to look again, or some more?

If all else fails, walgreens.com mail order. What you need is called "HPA lanolin".

I learned that it is not about "them".....it's about me.

Listen and learn.
Get educated.
I make the final decision.
Become your own best therapist.

I am responsible for me.

carbonman wrote:I learned that it is not about "them".....it's about me.
Listen and learn.
Get educated.
I make the final decision.
Become your own best therapist.
I am responsible for me.

Well, I think carbonman said it pretty well. For myself, I will paraphrase the original question to what is best benefit from using forum? That overwhelmingly is the fact that there's other, informed folks out there that have been in the same craft and know how to deal with the choppy weather we all navigate through. For us, the S8 having funky data cards has been a significant find; but there have been loads of useful tips, too many to list. Many thanks to Y'all.