The more I try, the better it gets

Ok, time to change the tone of this topic<g> I have gotten so much help here and am having success getting readings, reading readings, sharing readings, that now I have real information to monitor my progress finally.

For anyone new to sleep apnea, don't fight it. I did and I have wasted time and memory on losing necessary oxygen. I =can= feel a difference in quality of life with even a little effort. I hated the machine. So we switched me from cpap to vpap. I hated the full face. I can't wait for replacement schedules(I measure money vs health with health having a higher value) I can't change the insurance companies but I will not have them dictate replacement terms when I have other choices.. I am trying to find a mask I can tolerate and finally, with the latest improvements, I am finding them

Yes, its a pain in the butt to get all cpaped up and masked at night, but you do get used to it and you start to appreciate the help of extra oxygen. So hang in there. I've done it the hard way but the one thing I did right was hang in there and ask for help.

Hang in there, llian, it's going to get even better! I was diagnosed this past January and started using my first machine on Feb. 3. I have been reading your other thread, but didn't respond because I knew there were others who could better answer your questions. I hated my first week, I have a very noisy FF mask that drove me nuts and I pulled it off most nights. I came here looking for solutions and learned about mask liners, which no one at the sleep clinic or DME had told me existed. A week after I started using liners, the game changed and I was able to get through the night with the mask! From sleepyhead, I saw that I still had leaks, but they weren't as bad, and the best thing was, they didn't wake me up - they still don't, even though half of my nights approach or go into large leak territory. That is what I am working on now, so that I can get optimal therapy. When it's time for a new mask, I will probably try a different one to see if it makes a difference in leaks.

Most nights now, my treated AHI is less than 5, with a 30 day average of 2.4.... but once in a while I have an off night and it goes up. Last night, for example, it was around 5.8, I've forgotten exactly what the number was. Occasionally I wake up around 6:30, take the mask off for some reason, put it in the bathroom, and go back to bed for an hour or two... not often though.

I know you will win this time around, your attitude shows it... way to go! Come back as often as you need to; we are all here to help you, and, of course, each other.

I was the same way. I argued and procrastinated about getting the machine and wearing the mask. I really worked myself into a tizzy about the whole thing.

I finally gave in. I have been on the machine just short of a month now and the change is amazing. I have more energy. My wife and I have stopped arguing about my snoring. I just feel better in general.

I'm not totally satisfied with my mask yet but I will keep searching.

UppaMike

UppaMike wrote:I was the same way. I argued and procrastinated about getting the machine and wearing the mask. I really worked myself into a tizzy about the whole thing.

I finally gave in. I have been on the machine just short of a month now and the change is amazing. I have more energy. My wife and I have stopped arguing about my snoring. I just feel better in general.

I'm not totally satisfied with my mask yet but I will keep searching.

UppaMike

Me too! The wisp is not bad but a little too head gear heavy for me(. I am doing ok with the quest. I have tried a lot of masks (cpap.com must love me<g>) so I am getting a real sense of comparison.