New Member-Newly diagnosed-Have questions

[Geoffrey]

I just recently received my “severe sleep apnea” diagnosis from a pulmonologist after having gone through a sleep study at a sleep center: 47 AHI, snoring, and no oxygen to the brain. 

With that being said, the pulmonologist asked me if I wanted a CPAP machine or an APAP machine and what kind of mask I wanted.

Without knowing much at this point, I am thinking that the APAP machine is the better option (a newer technology and $200 more expensive) and that a full face mask would cover all bases, as far as whether I am a mouth breather or nose breather. How in the blazes is one suppose to know where one breathes from?

Any suggestions regarding those two things would be greatly appreciated.

[Gideon]

When you sit down do you breath through your mouth or nose. The nose is the more natural way to breathe and is arguably better. And frequently when a nasal or nasal pillow mask is used many naturally breathe through the nose.
My recommendation is for a ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. It provides more flexibility than other brands.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Mask_Primer will provide much info on masks and their usage.

[Melman]

Be sure to get a complete copy of your sleep study and prescription. You may need them in the future.

[mesenteria]

...

With that being said, the pulmonologist asked me if I wanted a CPAP machine or an APAP machine and what kind of mask I wanted.

....

Really?    

You should be properly fitted for a mask until you find one that fits and that you think you can sleep with.  From there, it's just a series of trials until you hit pay dirt.

But, asking you if you'd rather have a root canal as opposed to an extraction isn't a simple choice.  It requires understanding.  How were you to make an informed decision?

[Geoffrey]

Fred Bonjour, thank you very much for the recommendation as to which mask to use or not. I shall be paying closer attention these next days about my breathing habits.

[Geoffrey]

Thank you for your reply. From what I have read, the CPAP machine has a ramp button, much like with the variable airflow of the APAP, making possible a falling asleep without high pressure.

[Melman]

Don't confuse ramp with APAP. Ramp is just a comfort feature that allows you to start at a lower pressure. It does not adjust to meet your pressure needs to reduce apnea. Most of us do not use ramp as it just delays getting to therapeutic pressure and most adapt to the required pressures fairly quickly. APAP machines also have ramp.

[OpalRose]

I just recently received my “severe sleep apnea” diagnosis from a pulmonologist after having gone through a sleep study at a sleep center: 47 AHI, snoring, and no oxygen to the brain. 

With that being said, the pulmonologist asked me if I wanted a CPAP machine or an APAP machine and what kind of mask I wanted.

Without knowing much at this point, I am thinking that the APAP machine is the better option (a newer technology and $200 more expensive) and that a full face mask would cover all bases, as far as whether I am a mouth breather or nose breather. How in the blazes is one suppose to know where one breathes from?

Any suggestions regarding those two things would be greatly appreciated.

Always request an APAP machine, preferably a ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. Here’s why....you can use the APAP in APAP mode or Cpap mode, but with a Cpap machine, you only have the option of Cpap mode.

Either Cpap or APAP has the capability to use Ramp or EPR. These are comfort features.

Yes, a full face mask may cover all bases, but only if it fits properly. A DME or Supplier should sit down with you and try a few on to see how they feel. You should also have the option of returning a mask within 30 days if it doesn’t work out and try something else.

What type mask did you wear during your sleep test? Was it comfortable?

[ragtopcircus]

...

With that being said, the pulmonologist asked me if I wanted a CPAP machine or an APAP machine and what kind of mask I wanted.

....

Really?    

You should be properly fitted for a mask until you find one that fits and that you think you can sleep with.  From there, it's just a series of trials until you hit pay dirt.

But, asking you if you'd rather have a root canal as opposed to an extraction isn't a simple choice.  It requires understanding.  How were you to make an informed decision?

On the plus side, he was asked about the machine choice!

[mesenteria]

...

With that being said, the pulmonologist asked me if I wanted a CPAP machine or an APAP machine and what kind of mask I wanted.

....

Really?    

You should be properly fitted for a mask until you find one that fits and that you think you can sleep with.  From there, it's just a series of trials until you hit pay dirt.

But, asking you if you'd rather have a root canal as opposed to an extraction isn't a simple choice.  It requires understanding.  How were you to make an informed decision?

On the plus side, he was asked about the machine choice!

Thank God for small wonders....