barbz

I am starting to have more centrals and while my overall apnea is still considered moderate, I have been looking at getting a BIPAP. The prices sure go up with that feature and has to be taken into consideration. Had a long talk with Mark on Secondwind...he explained a lot of the BIPAP terminology to me.

I have so many hypopneas along with a few apneas. Usually my rate is under 5, but my restorative sleep is far from what I wish it was! Just so tired of being tired when I am doing all I am supposed to.

It has been a long journey for me too. I did not have nightmares, but would wake up feeling as if I had been running all night! I was a tomboy, got lots of exercise and deep sleep was never a guaranteed option at night.

Later, the technology let me down....in 1986 I had a study done in Miami at Mt Sinai. No apnea events. My husband tried to explain that my breathing sounded strange at times and he made the sound that resembles air going through a narrow opening. He offered to record it. They were not interested. Hypopneas, while not full apnea events can take their toll after a period of time as the body is not getting the full amount of oxygen!

I finally got my positive apnea sleep study in 2007, only after I promised to visit a psychologist first. My primary felt is was only depression. Guess what! It was not depression... still not getting restorative sleep, but better than before, that is for sure. I have tons of hypopneas as well as flow limitations. During my last study in Dec 2014 I had my first documented centrals as well as many RERAS (respiratory event related arousals). Looking into getting a BIPAP. Insurance will not cover this as my overall apnea score is considered mild!

I had a bad night recently and ended up taking the mask off, after trying an alternative first. No CPAP treatment. While I did feel it the next day...mainly regarding my concentration and thinking capabilities, I did not have the severe problems you had! I did sleep in a recliner when I took the masks off and that helps me anyway! My other physical problems were magnified...sinuses and balance issues. The latter was not severe as yours seem to be.

Sam, aka Member628307.. Typo on the name of the spray, or maybe it was that autocorrect that drives me crazy. The spray is called Contour. It is specifically for CPAP equipment. I get it at my medical supply store. Google it and you will most likely find other places. I see a website: www.contourliving.com It says, "Suitable for daily cleaning."

Should I have a cold or whatever... I do my soap and water cleaning routine.

I use Control spray and wipes. I have the hose brush (brush on end of 3' wire) I wrap a wipe on the brush end and push it through. I spray Control in humidifier and rinse it out. I use the wipes to clean my mask.

I will still clean the 'old'way...in baby shampoo. I use air produced by my very old first machine to dry the hose. I kept it just for that reason.