Another long over due newbie
Hello all, a long time snorer who has finally decided to bit the bullet and get checked for sleep apnea. Of course I have other health issues diabetes II, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. Slowly getting those under control and I have decided to take the next step and see if I can deal with wearing a mask while sleeping. I have an appointment next Friday for a consult before the actual sleep test, will have to wait and see if they want an in house or at home study first.
Just wanted to make my first post so when I am ready i will be one post down before I can start posting links for the SleepHead data. I have been doing as much research as i can these past couple weeks to be informed.
Thanks for the great board,
Dean
RE: Another long over due newbie
Remember when you have data to post before your post count is up use imgr and put a space in the http as h ttp and we can grab the img or a mod can easily fix the links.
RE: Another long over due newbie
Welcome to the Apnea Board.
Ok, let's start your education.
2 very important links in my signature. the "New to Apnea" and the "Mask Primer".
The mask is a VERY important prat of therapy, and because of that you need to take every opportunity that you can to try different masks. The Mask Primer talks about different masks and a strategy to try masks (least intrusive to most intrusive).
The New to Apnea link will walk you thru much of what you are about to experience.
Finally get a copy of all of your Sleep Tests and Prescriptions.
Fred
RE: Another long over due newbie
Hi dsmith14469,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck as you start your CPAP journey, hang in there for more responses to your post.
trish6hundred
11-08-2017, 07:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-08-2017, 07:08 PM by speed3914.)
RE: Another long over due newbie
I put off my sleep study for over 2 years.....now I can't believe how ridiculous that was! Yes, the hose is something to get used to...but the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience!! I have never slept so good. Try a nasal pillow mask first. It is very minimal and if you don't have issues with mouth breathing it's really easy to get used too.
RE: Another long over due newbie
I sleep so much better with cpap. I help full hint is to wear the mask while watching tv or reading a book while you are awake to help you get used to it.
RE: Another long over due newbie
The biggest thing I did to increase comfort was to turn off the ramp function.
I thought gradually raising the pressure would help but turns out I felt air starved at less than 8 so my minium was at 9 so what's the point. No 10-15 minutes of struggling before it was at the right pressure.
The second thing I did I switched to the climate line hose. Without it the air was too cold and not humid enough for me. My attempt at turning up the humidity resulted in my mask and hose filling up with water. All solved with the heated hose.
It takes me about 4/5 minutes for my brain to relax and then the mask disappears. It litterally merges with my nose and goes away. I think it takes a bit for the heated air to warm up the mask.
Watching TV or reading a book is great advice...
