Time to begin my journey

[dsmith14469]

I finally got back my results from my home study and low and behold, I have sleep apnea.

http s://i.imgur.com/SsCWwyO.jpg
http s://i.imgur.com/EfWVbuD.jpg

With the home testing it came back with a result of 42 events, minimal centrals which means that a standard APAP treatment should work for me. Now the fun part. Unfortunately my insurance appears to suck for DMEs. I have a 800 deductible before they pay 70% of it. I think I am going to order a DreamStation DSX500T11 AutoPAP from the Big A for $420. The reason I am choosing the dreamstation is because of the 12V input will make it easier when camping.

I will probable use the recommended DME (when they contact me) for my initial Mask purchase since I should be able to try some on there. Thinking about the AirTouch F20 since I am a mouth breather.

Does anyone see any thing I am missing or other suggestions.

Thanks
Dean

[Walla Walla]

Recommend you read the mask primer before shopping for a mask. Here's the link. http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ask_Primer

Also recommend downloading sleepyhead. Links are below.

Enjoy the new machine.

[dsmith14469]

Thanks, I already have sleepyhead loaded and have been using it with my O2 meter when I decide to wear it.

[Sleep2Snore]

Have a nice journey and enjoy your new machine.
Masks can be a bit of a problem area, so choose wisely.

[Shin Ryoku]

My diagnostic study results were a lot like yours. Congrats on taking a big step towards treatment! The DreamStation Auto is an excellent choice of machine.

Thinking about the AirTouch F20 since I am a mouth breather.

Unless you cannot get any air movement through your nose, I would try to make a nasal mask work for you before considering a full face mask. It's easier to prevent leaks with a nasal mask, and most people prefer nasal masks when given the option. In addition, nasal breathing is probably the natural/normal way to breathe.

The primary concern when making a nasal or nasal pillows mask work for a mouth breather is optimizing nasal patency (openness). In my case, that involved the regular use of Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate) as well as heated humidity. With standard nasal masks, I also need Breathe Right strips to keep the nasal airway open, whereas I don't need those strips with nasal pillows masks.

A secondary concern when making a nasal or nasal pillows mask work for a mouth breather is keeping your mouth closed, but that is much easier to do if your nose is open! A popular choice for helping to keep the mouth closed is a chin strap. Some people use other methods instead of or in addition to a chinstrap, such as mouth pieces, taping, or soft cervical collars, but I would start with a chin strap.

Based on my experiences, I'd recommend trying the Resmed P10 nasal pillows mask, the Resmed N20 nasal mask, and the Respironics Dreamwear (both the nasal and nasal pillows versions). It may take some experimentation to see how each mask really works for you. For example, I thought the N20 was a poor match for me until I learned that I needed the large cushion (despite the sizing guide indicating medium) and the large headgear (which doesn't come with the large cushion mask). With the Dreamwear nasal pillows mask, I thought it was very leaky on me until I switched to the small cushion and the large headgear.

[Gideon]

Since you are beginning your journey read the links in my signature.
On mask choice,  I was a renown mouthbreather but I found that the pressure from the CPAP kept the air from escaping thru my mouth, so I always recommend trying masks from the least intrusive (Pillows) to the most intrusive (Full Face mask).  My primary mask currently is the P10 Pillow Mask.

Fred