Yet Another Newbie Question

[Homeskillet]

Excellent input from all. Wish I had found this forum 2 years ago.

My insurance is VA (USA) & I can assure you they will not help w. a CPAP. I got the one I have now when I was on Medicaid a couple of years back (long story).

In sum, I would have to purchase a new CPAP out of pocket & would not even know how or where to begin. I am just now starting to read on here nightly, but sooo much info. to absorb.

I intend to make an appointment w. my sleep clinic soon to discuss all of this further & post the info. they give me.

[Homeskillet]

Oh, another quick question: almost every night I pull off my mask about an hour before I get up due to extreme dry mouth & throat. I have had this problem since day 1 of having my CPAP. Is there any way to safely correct this, or is this just an inherent issue w. the machines?

Thank you again for all of your input. I will try not to overload w. too many questions.

[DeepBreathing]

Taking your second question first... Dry mouth and throat are usually caused by insufficient humidity and/or breathing through the mouth. So you need to know a) that you have a humidifier attached to your machine (I expect they come standard on a Dreamstation) b) what your humidity settings are, and c) are you mouth-breathing? Mouth-breathing shows up in the leaks graph on #SleepyHead, but I don't know about Encore Viewer. Let's have some fuller details about your machine and settings, and you should also download and install #SleepyHead. Lots of details about it here: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...SleepyHead

Now your first question - you already have a Dreamstation which is a pretty good machine (depending on the particular model). Why are you thinking of replacing it? Is it not doing the job, causing discomfort or something else? Again, let's have some details and we can provide some better targeted advice.

[OpalRose]

Homeskillet,
You can try to adjust your humidity level to see if that helps, but dry mouth is usually an indication of mouth breathing.  Try using a “soft” cervical collar, or even a small neck cushion to tuck under your chin.  This will help to keep your jaw from dropping open at night.

Could you clarify which DreamStation you have?  Is it the DreamStation Auto, Pro or Cpap?

If you are considering a new machine, here is a link that will help you distinguish between the different models and brands available.  It would be in your best interest to purchase a data capable auto Cpap.

If insurance is not available, there are other ways to find a good slightly used machine.
Try Supplier #2.  You will need a copy of your prescription.  

Here is a link that will explain the many different cpaps and which ones to avoid.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_choices

[Homeskillet]

Ok, thank you for the advice. Let me dig out the specs on my CPAP & I will post more info. on the machine. I don't know all of the details off the top of my head, but I can tell after reading on here that I need to step up my game on this issue. Wow - I never dreamed (no pun intended!) that there was so much to the apnea issue.

Thank you again!

[DeepBreathing]

Wow - I never dreamed (no pun intended!) that there was so much to the apnea issue.

It's like many things in life - the more effort you put in, the better the results. Many people get issued a machine, use it and never delve any deeper into the technicalities. Sadly over 50% drop out because they find things too hard and the machine doesn't do its job. That where forums like this come in - we have the time and patience to work through the problems in a lot greater detail than a doctor whose day is measured in six minute sessions.