Hello, I would suggest you start tracking your progress either using Resmed tracking program myAir or download another program such as SleepyHead. That way you can see how your apneas issues were from the previous night. Perhaps on the days were you have a headache and are more sleepy your AHI numbers are higher? Or perhaps your mask was leaking more on those nights? Mask seals can be difficult, usually not too tight but not too loose works best. Whatever is comfortable for you that is not causing leaks and is not causing pressure sores to your face is great. Perhaps if you start tracking your results for awhile you can correlate a pattern to how you are feeling.
Glad to hear that CPAP has been a positive experience for you!
If you can get a mask that fits you well and is reasonably comfortable that should help you tremendously with getting accustomed to the treatment. Many times the doctor will prescribe the mask you that wore during the sleep lab study. I would agree with the others, try to find a supplier that will diligently work with to help you find the mask that feels most comfortable for you and covers your needs (nose breather, mouth breather). You can ask them on the phone before they provide you with equipment if they will let you try on different masks. If they won't, see if you can find another supplier that will do so. I agree with wiredgeorge that unfortunately even if you are allowed to try on different masks sometimes it is trial and error and you may have to switch masks or mask types down the road. The type of machine you receive is usually based off the doctor's prescription, your insurance coverage, and the suppliers manufacturer brands. Many of the CPAP machines have programs were you can keep track of your progress online. Good Luck!
Hello SassysMom, I would recommend following up with your Sleep Specialist so that you can get some answers to your unanswered questions regarding your sleep studies and ASV. I agree with WiredGeorge on cleaning your mask every day, it's one step you can take to get rid of any oils on your mask which may be contributing to leaks. I agree with him also masks leaks can be a difficult thing and when you have a high pressure it can be especially challenging. Mask liners/pads may indeed be helpful for you. Google CPAP mask liners or moleskin. You may also want to try the different masks on while awake in bed and change positions. That way you can adjust the mask and figure out what works for you to improve the leak and reduce the squealing noise. You'll probably have more patience trying to learn how to fix the leaks while awake than listening to it squeal half awake during the night.
Sure. Did you have a followup visit in the sleep physician's office to go over the results of your study? Or were the results just relayed to you over the phone? I am just wondering because a full study in a sleep lab can give you a good amount of information on your sleep, not just if you have apnea or not. You probably didn't have a typical nights sleep at the sleep lab, most people don't. A thorough sleep doctor (both pulmonary and neurologists) will be able to review your study and report and be able to see how the quality of your sleep was. If you feel that you are never rested and it bothers you, I would suggest being persistent with the doctors. Whether it is calling the sleep doctor or perhaps your primary care doctor to say that despite you being negative for apnea, you still don't feel rested, and see what they advise. Good luck.
Hi Ron, Congratulations on using your equipment and viewing your results on the myair dashboard. A lot of users on this website use a software called SleepyHead to track more detailed information. You can search the forum for SleepyHead or google SleepyHead.
Hello, bleach is not recommended for cleaning cpap masks or supplies. Usually the manufacturer will recommend specific cleaning items for their products. But in general, masks, headgear, and reservoirs should be cleaned using a mild dish soap. The reservoir can be disinfected weekly with a solution of white vinegar and water. This might be a helpful topic to list under the learn section of the website.
Hello ConvivialWhiteHummingbird8200, Welcome to MyApnea! Most sleep studies will check for central apneas, so if your test was negative then it appears that not a significant amount of those were found. While your sleep can vary night to night, it is possible that this is something that perhaps you don't do every night and may have not been present the night of your study. Sometimes people can also have sleep apnea that is positional, such as when you sleep on your back, apneas worsen, or it can be related to a stage of sleep, such as REM sleep, which is the type of sleep most associated with dreaming. If you never feel rested, I would recommend discussing this with either the sleep doctor or your primary care physician. It would be interesting to see what your sleep study reported for the number of awakenings during the study, the total sleep time, the sleep efficiency (how much of the study was sleep), and the number of arousals- which can interrupt your sleep and perhaps cause you to feel unrefreshed.
Xylimelts are a very interesting concept, glad you are receiving some help with the dry mouth Wiredgeorge.
I would suggest you try downloading a software program such as SleepyHead or another program based off of the type of machine he has to help track his CPAP use. You can view info on leaks, any respiratory events he is having, pressure, etc. See what his leaks are, is his AHI low? Based off software results you may need to have a discussion with the DME or his doctor.
