[Diagnosis] Answers,finally

[Dotalto]

Started cpap in June and have been reading this board a lot. I have learned so much,thank you all! I'm kind of disappointed with myself for not realizing that I had sleep apnea,but I'm even more disappointed with my
doctor for not suggesting it. I had been complaining of tiredness,but it was always attributed to hypertention medicine side affects. (Sorry for rambling
on.) Going to a TMJ specialist(dentist) is when I got diagnosed. I got off to a bad start with my DME person. She didn't really offer too much info.To make a long story short,I learned how(from this site) to change the pressure myself and when the DME person found out she sent me a very condescending letter. However,my sleep doctor is Ok with it!
Gradually raising the pressure has worked well for me. I have a long way to go to get comfortable with any mask because of my TMJ problem.
But for now,I'm extremely thankful to at least have some answers!

[PaulaO2]

Good! Glad we could help!

[bwexler]

If you will download a free copy of Sleepyhead and learn to use it with the help of the folks here, you will get a lot more answers.
You will see exactly what is happening and if the pressure settings you are using are effective.

[Dotalto]

Thank you. I don't think I would be able to understand the software,no patience. However,I do write down
the sleep results every night.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Dotalto,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It's good to hear that you took charge of your CPAP therapy by reading the many posts here on this board, good job.!.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and best of luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.

[retired_guy]

Hi Dot! Great to hear you're doing well with your therapy.

Keep us posted with your results, we'd love to help you any way we can.

[Evpraxia]

Greetings Dotalto,

Glad you DID get diagnosed - late is SO much better than Never.

Sorry the DME person is not on the same page as you are, but glad your Doc is OK with the pressure changes.

You might want to consider/try out some nose pillows, which should eliminate the TMJ issues as the pillows do not involve the jaw at all.

[Dotalto]

Thank you. I would like to try the nasal pillows.However,I'm an open mouth breather(always have been).
I'm working on that though. I guess I'll have to buy it since I have already changed my mask once.
I am on Medicare and don't know if I'm allowed another mask.

[retired_guy]

It is normal to try a number of masks when you first start out. Medicare expects that as well. Talk to your supplier and see how it works.

You are currently reading the poster child of mouth breathers. I have never been able to breath through my nose with any acceptable results. I always figured that when Mr. Badguy comes and ties me up and duct tapes my mouth shut, I'm done for.....................

But then I discovered the P10 pillows mask and my cute and darling little chinstrap. Now, I not only breath through my nose at night, I do that more and more during the day. That thrills Mrs. R_G, because she has worked very hard to get me to keep my mouth shut during the day.

The thing about the chinstrap though, is you will not want to secure it too tightly. It just "encourages" you to keep your mouth shut, not forces it. The pillows will help to open your sinuses and keep them open all night.

[Evpraxia]

It is normal to try a number of masks when you first start out. Medicare expects that as well. Talk to your supplier and see how it works.

You are currently reading the poster child of mouth breathers. I have never been able to breath through my nose with any acceptable results. I always figured that when Mr. Badguy comes and ties me up and duct tapes my mouth shut, I'm done for.....................

But then I discovered the P10 pillows mask and my cute and darling little chinstrap. Now, I not only breath through my nose at night, I do that more and more during the day. That thrills Mrs. R_G, because she has worked very hard to get me to keep my mouth shut during the day.

The thing about the chinstrap though, is you will not want to secure it too tightly. It just "encourages" you to keep your mouth shut, not forces it. The pillows will help to open your sinuses and keep them open all night.

My hubby is finding the same thing. After 11 yrs with a nose mask he tried the nasal pillows and a chin strap and is finding his nose is clearing up gradually. Thank Goodness!