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phoenix414
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Original Poster
Hi, I'm new to this whole thing and was wondering if you all had any tips or advice for when you start CPAP treatment. I'm younger and was just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea which was definite news to me! I suspected there was a possibility I might have had a mild form but wasn't expecting those numbers. Hearing that you stop breathing that many times each hour is definitely an eye opener. Anyway, I just had my titration sleep study and will be starting with an Automatic CPAP machine this week. Do you all have any advice on what helped you with adjusting to using a machine? I think I will be starting with a nasal face mask. My doctor said the pressure would be too high for the nasal pillows and since I don't breathe from my mouth I'm going to try the nasal mask first.
I appreciate any advice or tips you might have! Thanks :)
Getting the right mask is often the most difficult part. Assuming you will get a chance to trial different masks, take full advantage of that opportunity to see what works for you. There are some things you can do to set up the machine for the most comfort. Do you know what specific machine you will be getting? If you can post that, I may be able to give you some tips.
bonjour
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
An auto is more versatile. It is capable of Fixed Pressure and more.
A lab titration is a starting point. I expect the requirements to change over time, perhaps a weight loss. I expect to see changes even thru the night as the sleep state changes.
An Auto will allow a lower pressure for a good portion of the night when Aerophagia comes up.
I'll agree that the typical 4-20 needs to be adjusted particularly since many find the min 4 a hard pressure to breathe with.
An Auto will adjust for the environment that the patient is sleeping in, hotel, son's and daughter's home, even a camp cot, not mentioning the unusual circumstances of a titration study, all the wire attached, a mask likely for the first time, bedroom is the wrong temp, pillow is too firm or too soft. It really offers so much more flexibility.
Ruby
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
Using a machine and mask takes quite a bit of getting used to. Definitely try different masks. Make sure you know how to adjust them so they fit correctly. Insist that they fit your mask while lying down as it is completely different than being fitted sitting up. Read your instructions. Ask questions. You may find that you can't wear the mask all night for awhile. Keep at it. Wear it if you take a nap. Make sure to clean it occasionally and replace the filter. Read through the other forum questions and suggestions. NO QUESTION IS DUMB!! And it doesn't matter if that question has already been asked a million times. Ask it again if you need to. Just some comments to get you started.
phoenix414
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Original Poster
Thank you so much for all of this information!! This is very helpful. I'm still waiting to get the call that's it's ready but it should be today or tomorrow. I'm not sure exactly which machine it is yet. The doctor said she was going with the auto because my pressure is starting at 14 and she is hoping that since I'm really working on losing weight that the number may be able to go down. She said one of my biggest issues is that I have a small windpipe. I had difficulty with breathing out during the study and I'll have that exhalation help with it to make that a bit more comfortable. That is great information about the mask fit. It sounds like that is key. I wouldn't have thought to try it laying down so that's helpful. And, that is so true about how uncomfortable the sleep studies are. I'm sure it will be a bit of a different experience when I'm at home.
If you have any choice in the selection of the machine, I would suggest the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet, or the AutoSet For Her model. With the required pressure of 14, the For Her setting may not be the best to start with. But, the For Her model can be set to standard mode as well as For Her. It is the same price.
phoenix414
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Original Poster
Thanks, Sierra. I’ll definitely ask about that when I go. Is it common to be able to choose or have input when you talk with the equipment provider or does that need to come specifically from your sleep specialist?
bonjour
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
from their point of view it is not common. Your role is that of an informed consumer. You are the customer, call them and tell them that the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her is the machine you are looking for because you know many who have been successful with it and you understand that it will follow your breathing rather than trying to lead it and you think you will be much more successful with it. If they are balking Ask them if you need to get that machine specified DAW from your sleep doctor. If that doesn't work ask them one more question, Do I need to see another vendor to get it (threatening to take away your business.)
bonjour
+0 points
·
over 5 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
Another question to ask you doctor (NOW) (pressure of 15 cmw is the threshold that ResMeds Titration guide says to consider a BiLevel) is with my high pressure shouldn't a BiLevel such as The ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto be considered. With a small windpipe the added Pressure Support (PS) capability of a BiLevel may help. PS is what can help you exhale as it will allow a higher differential between inhale and exhale. Your doctor can make a case for this if she wants to. The Vauto can be considered a APAP on steroids. You would loose the for her algorithim with this choice but it might be the best choice for you. Ask your doctor.
There are really only two credible automatic CPAP machines on the market and readily available in the US and Canada. They are the Respironics DreamStation and the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. Both are good and will basically do the same thing. The ResMed however in my opinion is the better of the two. The DreamStation might be slightly cheaper, but the difference is not much.
Kate,
Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones, like I was. I was able to try several masks at the sleep clinic, and my pick has worked perfectly ever since. I was comfortable with my set up from the start. Good luck to you.
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