DanM

Hi dreamdoc. I have no personal experience with it, but I have heard good things about the HDM Z1 travel machine. The issue with some of the smaller travel machines is that there is no humidifier as part of the unit, but a freestanding humidifier can be added. Some use an HME (heat/moisture exchanger) to provide humidification. I have tried CPAP with an HME for humidification, and it was not too bad. Hope this helps!

Hello. It is not uncommon for patients to swallow air while using a CPAP machine. It does not necessarily mean the pressure is too high, but it may be worth checking with your equipment provider to make sure the setting is correct. If your machine offers it, sometimes expiratory pressure relief (also called EPR or C-flex) can help. Some patients report that using a different mask and/or slightly elevating the head helps as well. If the problem persists, I encourage you to talk to your sleep physician. Please keep us posted!

Hi ImaginativeDesertSandButterfly2260. I have used nasal pillows for many years now, but I did have a sore nose when starting out. In fact, I had to alternate between nasal mask and nasal pillows until I adjusted to the pillows. I now use pillows nightly with no problems.

Hi brose005. I'm sorry to hear you received a positive diagnosis of sleep apnea, but I am happy that you now have some answers and can be treated! Wiredgeorge provided some good input. Masks are very specific to each person, and a mask that fits well is potentially the most important thing to consider. Many patients like nasal pillows because they are relatively small and lightweight. If you are primarily a mouth-breather, then a mask that covers your nose and mouth may be a better option. Working with a supplier that will allow you to try on various masks and actually try them while in your usual sleep position is helpful. As for machines, there are many good brands out there. What you receive may depend on what manufacturers the equipment provider works with. I have used ResMed, Respironics (Philips), Fisher & Paykel and DeVilbiss over the years. All have worked really well. Good luck, and please keep us posted!

Hi SleepyIntheGump. I would encourage you to talk to your physician again. An AHI of 5 to 8 is still mild sleep apnea, and the interruptions caused by respiratory events may contribute to your feelings of tiredness. I have had issues with my ears and sinuses as well, but routine use of Flonase helps my condition. Your ENT should be able to give you some advice on whether something like that can help. If you do go back on CPAP and are prone to sinus infections, it is very important that you keep your mask and other equipment clean. Best wishes, and please keep us posted!

Hi sleeplessinwillowgrove. I encourage you to talk to your doctor about this continued tiredness and forgetfulness. Glad to see you have already made the appointment. There are definitely other things that can contribute, such as other health conditions and medications. It may also be a good idea to have your doctor check a download from your machine just to make sure there is nothing else going on where your treatment is concerned. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Sounds like great improvement, and your cleaning process seems to be right on target. Regarding the Dawn, it is best to make sure you are using just regular soap vs. anything with an antibacterial agent. I have been told by a couple of the manufacturer's representatives that the ingredient in antibacterial soaps will cause the mask seal to deteriorate at a faster than usual rate. Plain old Dawn or Ivory liquid should work well. And glad to hear you're no longer having headaches!

Hi Ken. I agree with wiredgeorge's comments below that you will likely have more information once you complete your study and have an actual prescription with the correct pressure setting. Most machines can be set to start at a low level and build air pressure to your prescribed level. We commonly call this the ramp setting. As for adjusting to the mask, I've recommended a few times here on the Forum that new patients practice wearing the mask while awake and doing something like reading or watching television in the evening. It helps adjust to the feeling of the mask on your face and adjust to breathing against the pressure from the machine. For many patients, including me, the more I practiced the easier it was to get to sleep. There are now many nights when I do not think I am awake for more than 3 to 5 minutes after putting my mask on! Hopefully, it will continue to get easier for you to fall asleep as well. And, again, I agree with wiredgeorge about making sure you meet with the sleep physician to get a really thorough explanation of your study results. Best wishes, and please keep us posted on your progress!

Hi wiredgeorge! Thanks for sticking around. I really appreciate your insight and reading about your experiences. Also love that you are willing to share both your failures and your successes with treatment. Thanks!

Great! Good luck, Ben!