Forum · First Time user

OK...69 years old and first time user of CPAP. This is my second sleep study. The first one was OK, but I don't remember ever getting the report. This time, I was over the line between mild and moderate stoppages. I have a ResMed Airsense 10. I like it. It is very quiet (my wife had a CPAP years ago, and it was very noisy!!!)

Some observations:

1. I am a scuba diver. The regulator I use has a "venturi assist" feature. When I breath harder, part of my intake is rerouted to push the intake valve open a bit more, providing a boost of air. Aside from the fact that my mask is a nasal mask, the sensation is very similar. I had to speed up the "ramp up" feature; I couldn't inhale fast enough at the lower setting.
   
2. The rush of air coming through my nose creates a mild partial vacuum in my mouth, which helps to hold my mouth shut; this is good because I tend to be a mouth breather.
3. Even in winter, when camping, I like to breathe in the cool outside air. By turning down the tube temperature, and having the humidifier set, I get that slight cooling effect, even in summer.

So, so far, this has been a very positive experience. I am hopeful that this will go a long way in helping to treat my apnea.

Great news! I think previous experience wearing a mask diminishes some of the possible anxiety some feel when wearing a mask for the first time. I was a volunteer fireman for 12 years until it got too much for me due to age. I will tell you that I also have an Airsense 10 and it will howl like a banshee if the water reservoir isn't seated firmly OR you never clean the small filter which will eventually get obstructed where the air is drawn in. My med supply place didn't tell me there was a filter and my machine got progressively louder until I remembered the bunch of supplies that comes every few months contained a number of small rectangular pieces of what looks like scotchbrite or similar. They are filters. There is a small door on the side opposite the water that hold this filter and mine was filthy. Air was obstructed from going in and so the machine made a howling noise. Anyway, hopefully they mentioned the filter to you. And the filter can easily be rinsed out or even washed with mild hand soap with no ill effect.

Keep us up to date on progress and best of luck!

Glad to hear that CPAP has been a positive experience for you!

Very happy to hear you are having such success with your treatment! Congratulations, and please continue to share your experiences!