Wearing a sleep apnea mask?

[Bird]

John, does your CPAP include the humidifier? And what is the pressure setting? And more importantly, can you tell us which mask you have? I think getting the right mask is really important.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

For me the CPAP was the best thing I ever did. In my case it only took me 3 or 4 nights to get used to it and I can't imagine sleeping without it now.

 

[doxford jim]

For me the CPAP was the best thing I ever did. In my case it only took me 3 or 4 nights to get used to it and I can't imagine sleeping without it now.

Same thing for me too!

 

[brt]

The sleep test may seem wierd with a camera aimed at you, but just "go with the flow" and get through it. The end result if they determine that you have sleep apnea (and it sounds like you have it) will be worth the hassle of taking the test. The CPAP machine did wonders for me (and my wife). I now sleep ALL night and don't get woke up by my wife telling me to roll over, sleep on the couch or some other nighttime conversation. I tried the traditional full mask models and felt like I was choking. The nasal pillow model works well and allows me to sleep on my side, stomach or back since there is plenty of swivel built into it. It took me 3 times to complete a sleep study, but finally they confirmed my problem and prescribed a solution. My electric utility even gives me a break on the rates since it is a prescribed medical device. All I had to do is have my doctor fill out their simple form. Good luck on your test. The end result will be more sleep, less fatigue and a better life.

 

[DKCDKC]

I've had a CPAP for almost 10 years now. It makes a heck of a difference. I was tired all the time. Now I'm not. My first sleep test confirmed apnea, my second set me up for the CPAP. My local provider set me up with a ResMed, although I ran through probably 10 different masks before settling on one. I use a two-year old ResMed system now, I burned out the first unit - but insurance covers it all. I happen to like the gel or pillow nasal masks, but my son-in-law loves a full face mask. It really is a personal thing and I don't know any suppliers around here who won't let you try different masks. And, around here, they won't sell you a system without a humidifier. I use distilled water in mine, and don't have to clean and sanitize it often. The new mask wipes are great with reducing sanitizing that as well.

The newest systems now are said to actually eliminate the need for sleep testing. ResMed sells a unit that will test you as you sleep and provide the level of therapy you need without the use of a lab. It also adjusts pressures for users since we may need more or less at various times - which makes it more comfortable. But they won't replace my present unit as long as ResMed actually continues to manufacture it. But I'll get a new system when I can.

Those with apnea should also note that there are some alternatives now to CPAP for those who can't use it for any reason. There is the old surgical alternative, and some new dental devices which have gotten great reviews as well. Apnea can have some really serious health issues, so taking care of it somehow will extend your life - and your enjoyment of your life.

 

[jpm1]

John, does your CPAP include the humidifier? And what is the pressure setting? And more importantly, can you tell us which mask you have? I think getting the right mask is really important.

Yes Bird it has a humidifier, but no matter how low it goes, it still blows hot air in my face. Work, this year has been tough, i mean, hard and heavy, and here it's been hot and humid and thats the last thing i needed was hot air in my face at night. The people whom i got the machine from are nice people but don't have a clue about heavy work and how it drains the old body. I have it shut off so thats one problem repaired.
My setting is 9 and i have a full face mask. The idea of a mask doesnt bother me at all for some strange reason. My mask fits ok but for some reason iwhen you put it on and start the air compressor up . .. . . .i mean sleep machine up, i feel like its inflating me like an inner tube. I can't exhale with it. On the ramp setting theres not enough air coming in so i feel sufficated. I went to bed at 12:30 this morning and it actually wasn't to bad. I was tired at 4am when i got up but i was wrestling 36" diameter blocks of wood on splitter. Got a couple of them left, but tonight i cut again.Took down 2, 32" hard maple that have a run in them of about 90' each before the limbs. Thats my job tonight, to cut them up. I don't cut tops, thats another guy's job. I run a Stihl, 660 Mag which weighs in about 25 pounds. I guess as one guy said, "get tired enough and you will sleep" . . . . .John

 

[jpm1]

I've had a CPAP for almost 10 years now. It makes a heck of a difference. I was tired all the time. Now I'm not. It really is a personal thing and I don't know any suppliers around here who won't let you try different masks. Apnea can have some really serious health issues, so taking care of it somehow will extend your life - and your enjoyment of your life.

I never was tired when i woke up in the morning before. Can't say that now though.
My supplier said my insurance will only allow me to have this one stlye of mask. I guess it's a gel full face. It seems comfortable and all and i guess thats what i got for sleeping with my mouth open. :laughing: What did some one say about payback?
it's been over a month now and i haven't recieved any bills on this stuff, which is good news. With my wifes expences theres no money left at the end of the week for luxuries like this.
Thanks to all the people who have wrote their experiences, this is, is quess a real serious problem . . . .John

 

[Bird]

i feel like its inflating me like an inner tube. I can't exhale with it. On the ramp setting theres not enough air coming in so i feel sufficated.

A very brief attempt to use a full face mask during the treatment part of the study didn't work out, but I do have that full face mask and may try it again someday. And of course my machine has that ramp feature and I tried it just to see that it does work, but now I never use it. I start with the full 11 setting, but it never feels like it's blowing in my face, unless it's leaking around the mask.

 

[sixdogs]

You may not know this but you can do the sleep apnea study at home--if your doctor OK's it--and the results are recorded on a machine and you phone the data over the phone in to the sleep apnea doc.

 

[Bird]

You may not know this but you can do the sleep apnea study at home--if your doctor OK's it--and the results are recorded on a machine and you phone the data over the phone in to the sleep apnea doc.

I never heard of that, and don't quite see how that would be possible, since there were a lot of wires stuck to me during the initial study without a CPAP machine, and again during the treatment phase with the CPAP machine. But then when I got my own CPAP machine, it had a modem attached that sent information to the supplier, who in turn sent the information to my doctor for the first month. I removed and returned the modem after that first month, but there is also an SD card still in the machine. I'm guessing at some point the doctor will want additional information and the medical supply house can get it from this SD card.