First time here!

[jnathanc]

Hi Lucid, 

I had a brief consultation with my GP yesterday and just told him that I did a short sleep study, they had me send through the test and gave me a referral to a sleep specialist of which I have tagged CPAP therapy.

He did ask me if I had private health insurance I believe just so it covers that visit as here, you need hospital cover to be eligible for any monetary coverage of CPAP machines.

I would assume if they looked at the sleep test and didn't find everything they need, they'll request for more test where appropriate, let's see what happens.

Yeah I believe my body is so used to how it is that it doesn't know any better, so I'm looking forward to whatever comes.

Will update soon!

[jnathanc]

I've booked in an appointment from a referral with a sleep specialist for a consultation in February next year. In the mean time, can I buy or rent a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset and use it in auto mode to see how I feel? The data may be good for the doctor too?

[Sleeprider]

If you are able to rent or buy a machine, we can absolutely identify whether the therapy is efficacious and help you to optimize. It is not diagnostic of obstructive sleep apnea, rather it shows your tolerance and efficacy to therapy. You have a home study which seems sufficient to conclude you have severe sleep apnea, so a trial on auto CPAP can be reasonably compared to those results to determine if therapy is beneficial. It seems pretty certain that will be the case. Not only will you generate data to verify the therapy, but you should notice some subjective improvements to how you feel and sleep.

[jnathanc]

Thanks for the response. Should I get the model with 3g/4g or just make sure it has a SD card slot?

I believe I'm a nasal breather, so do you have any recommendations on which masks to choose? Bit hard to know online

And when I do get it, do I just run the machine on Auto (APAP) mode for now? 

Thank you

[jnathanc]

Just ordered the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset for an unlimited trial to see how much better I feel. Once I get it in a few days I will let you guys know for any assistance.

Thank you

[Lucid]

That's great news, jnathanc!

You asked about masks -- I like the ResMed p30i.  The n30i is the same except it has a cushion that sits under the nostrils, with and opening for each nostril, instead of separate pillows for each nostril.  Either version is good for a start.  

They are both convenient in that the hose clips onto the headgear at the top of your head.  If you need to get up during the night, it's easy to unclip the hose and you don't have to take off the whole mask.

The P30 and N30 have similar interfaces with the nose but the hose attaches in front.  I haven't tried these, but they are also popular.

Whichever mask you get, search for it on YouTube and you'll find videos on how to fit it, etc.  I remember watching all the ResMed videos and then finding two channels that I enjoy:  CPAP Reviews and The Lankylefty27.

When you first get the machine, you might want to use it when you're awake -- just reading or watching television -- to get accustomed to the odd sensations before trying to fall asleep with it on.

[Sleeprider]

With regard to a modem, I don't think it is important. All machines have a SD card slot and that data can be used in Oscar or uploaded to Resmeds Card to Cloud if a doctor needs it. The chip shortage has resulted in a line of machines being manufactured without the modem and I would take the savings any day.

Masks are something you will eventually find what works. I have used the Resmed Airfit P10 for many years, and it is light, quiet and comfortable.

[jnathanc]

I think I'll be getting a few masks through the trial to see what fits best. 

I've actually been watching CPAP Reviews on YouTube! 

I like the idea of the hose on top of your head actually. I'll do that, use it while I'm still awake so I can get a feel for it. 

Are there any settings on the machine that I should change/turn on/off when I get it based on my results above?

Thank you

---

Good point. I'll try the masks the come with the machine, and let you know if I end up going into a ResMed store

[Sleeprider]

Starting settings are often 4 to 20 pressure. Personally, I would suggest minimum 7.0 maximum 12.0 with EPR full time at 3 Ramp off. Set for the win and fine-tune from there. Other than that, mask type and humidity are all you will see. Grab the clinical setup manual if you haven't already. https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p...manual#ASK

[jnathanc]

Thanks Sleep Rider 

When you say 3,are your referring to the Pressure option for EPR?