New to Apnea Therapy

[Esq.]

I'm new to the forum and just wanted to introduce myself. After struggling with fatigue, poor sleep and other issues for several years, I finally consulted with a sleep specialist. I was sure apnea wasn't the issue (I'm 36 and 165 pounds), but thought it best to rule it out. After a 2 night home sleep study, I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea based on an AHI of 5.7 and low oxygen desaturation of 83%.

I go this afternoon for my mask fitting and to pick up the APAP machine. Fingers crossed that I adjust quickly to it.

I've been lurking this forum for several weeks and have learned so much.

[SarcasticDave94]

Here's to a successful journey dealing with sleep apnea. With the members here, be assured you will succeed. Best to ya, and again Welcome to A.B.

Dave B.

[OpalRose]

Welcome to the Forum Esq.

Keep us posted as to when you receive a machine, and just in case you haven't read some of this info......

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...ew-machine

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...re-success

[Shift Worker]

Welcome Esq. Your in the right place!
I lurked this forum for some time, asked a few questions and was able to be well informed when seeing my Sleep Doc and the DME. I am still getting used to having that "Plastic Alien Octopus" strapped to my face, and its long tail wrapping me up! I will get passed this, there is way to much at stake for me to quit!
Good luck with this journey for restful sleep.
Robert

[Esq.]

Here's to a successful journey dealing with sleep apnea. With the members here, be assured you will succeed. Best to ya, and again Welcome to A.B.

Dave B.

Thanks! Appreciate it.

Welcome to the Forum Esq.

Keep us posted as to when you receive a machine, and just in case you haven't read some of this info......

Thanks! I did read those, and actually printed off the list of recommended machines for when I go in today. He did mention in my last appointment that he would be prescribing an APAP machine, so I take that as a good sign.

Welcome Esq. Your in the right place!
I lurked this forum for some time, asked a few questions and was able to be well informed when seeing my Sleep Doc and the DME. I am still getting used to having that "Plastic Alien Octopus" strapped to my face, and its long tail wrapping me up! I will get passed this, there is way to much at stake for me to quit!
Good luck with this journey for restful sleep.
Robert

Thanks! It was an odd feeling to get the diagnosis. A bit of disbelief, but also relief that (hopefully) the therapy will make me start feeling better. I'm too young to feel this tired and fatigued all the time, especially with young children at home.

[tomkatt]

In time you'll get used to it. For me, and I'm sure for a lot of folks the official diagnosis from the sleep test is a bit of an upset. You probably knew for ages there was a problem of some sort, but didn't know what it was or it wasnt quite "real" until the diagnosis.

For me it was type 2 diabetes, followed by the official apnea diagnosis.

Over time it becomes the new normal. Once you start getting some good nights' sleep you won't care, you'll just be glad to be rested.

[Sleeprider]

Esq, be sure to request complete copies of your sleep study for your personal records, as well as any copies of prescriptions and recommendations. Sleep apnea is not something that goes away, and keeping this information safely in your personal files can prevent the need for future sleep studies, or to document changes. Also, it may be important for you to see the basis of your diagnosis in the event CPAP therapy does not meet your expectations. For example, if the sleep study documented a number of central apnea, but your are diagnosed with obstructive apnea, you need that information to get more appropriate treatment. Anyway, it's important. Doctors retire, clinics close, but you need these files for life.

[stanleydean]

Hi Esq. and welcome to the forum. I second Sleeprider's recommendation regarding your Rx and sleep study report. You may also end up with supplemental O2 if the cpap treatment does not brilg your O2 level up. Hopeully your machine will be data capable and you can download and use SleepyHead. Best wishes with your treatment.

Stan

[trish6hundred]

Hi Esq.,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I wish you good luck as you start CPAP therapy.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

[Esq.]

Thanks again to everyone for the words of encouragement. My DME setup went well - I spent over an hour and a half learning about the machine and trying different masks.

I was setup with the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and a Phillips Respironics DreamWear nasal mask. I tried a full mask and a more traditional nasal mask but liked the DreamWear best. I'll try it for a week or so to see how it's working, and if I have major mouth breathing issues I'll give the full mask a go.

The machine is set as follows:
AutoSet
Max Pressure: 20
Min Pressure: 8
Response: Standard
EPR: On
EPR Type: Full time
EPR Level: 2
Humidification: 3

I hope these are good starting points. The original setup had a min pressure of 5, but I was handling higher pressures fine, so the tech upped the min to 8.

One question - my doctor does the wireless data transfer and no SD card was provided. Am I good to pop any old SD card in there for my own SleepyHead info?

T-minus an hour to my first attempt to sleep with this! Fingers crossed.