Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

My name is Jerry and I have sleep apnea. Getting the sleep study done and using the CPAP machine have been great!

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I love my CPAP. So does my wife :). I actally bought a second machine (on my dime) -- I have a "full size" Respironics at home:

http://bipapst.respironics.com/images/product_side.jpg


and a much smaller, lighter weight Respironics for travel:

http://www.mseries.respironics.com/images/mseries.jpg

The pictures are not to scale -- the travel unit is much smaller than the home unit. The catch with the smaller unit is that it makes more noise.

Peter, make sure you try several different kinds of masks to get one that fits well and that you can sleep with.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I will. Thanks.

You can bet I will be using this thread and speaking with one or more of you to get feedback on this life-changing step.

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I got the same (full sized) one as you have Michael, just in a different color.

I hope that in a few months, when I am down to a healty weight, I won't be needing it any longer.

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Does health insurance typically cover CPAP machines and masks? And what did the second machine cost you?

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The big machines are not that expensive as medical supplies go, usually run about 3-400 I think. I just pack mine up and carry it with me when I travel. The extra bag is a pain when going through airport security, not heavy, but frequently inspected. I ALWAYS carry it on - I don't want them to lose it on me... I might have to look into that travel one, but I don't know how Sarah will like it, she is typically a fairly light sleeper.

Not sure about your insurance, but mine covered the machine and covers replacement filters/mask/hose about every 3 months. Mine also gave me the option to switch to a new mask (nose pillows in my case) since I didn't like my first one. The DME (durable medical equipment) supplier calls me every few months to ask if I want new supplies, which they ship to me.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Thanks, Pete.

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Not a problem. It's amazing to me how many people, especially men, seem to have this problem, most of them undiagnosed and/or untreated. Glad to hear you are doing something about this - I know after my diagnosis and starting treatment, I felt massively better and had the energy to get my azz to the gym and start working out for the first time in about 10 years. My health is definitely the better for it.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

My insurance covered the first machine and covers and a mask and filters every three months. My mask (Aptiva) runs about $100 if I have to pay for it.

The second machine cost me about $1,500 (you can get it for less without the heated humidifier, but I strongly recommend the humidifier -- and you need to make sure your doctor includes that on the prescription if you want one). I got it in 2006 when my job changed and I was going to be traveling more (I got my first CPAP in 1999, and the home machine that I have now I got in 2005).

It was painful trying to carry my CPAP, laptop, and clothing, etc. in one bag, so I opted for the smaller machine.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I work for a medical supply company that provides CPAPs and supplies, so if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask!

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Thanks. I'm sure I'll have plenty.

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I was actually given an Ambien when I went in for mine.

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My doc told me that sleep medication was a no go for me, not during the test and never again after they saw the results. Only sleepmeds I can take is melatonine.

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How often should you change your mask and hose?

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I change them once a year, but I clean them once a week

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I clean mine once a week...and change the hose and mask out every three months. Being retired Army, I get a new one every three months with my insurance.

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Well, I had my follow up today and, as I expected, I have sleep apnea.

Those of you who are familiar with this are probably aware of a measurement call the AHI - which is a composite measure of sleep apnea. Anything over 5 is considered mild and anything over 15 is considered severe. I came in with a 29!

The machine has been ordered and, of course, awaiting approval from my insurance.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Stay with it Peter!!

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Get ready to get some much needed rest brother. I have had mine for about a year and half and feel so much better.

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Thanks for the support, fellas.

As part of the follow up, I got my nasal passages and throat scoped. After the local, it was only mildly uncomfortable. Now that the local has worn off, my throat is really sore. Hopefully, the burgundy I am enjoying while preparing pasta with red sauce will dull the pain.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I couldn't agree more with you on this. When I first got my setup it took some getting used to, so stick with it. I found that my biggest issue was with my hoses, seemed to always get in the way. I spent more time waking up and moving the hoses. I found a hose management system call "Hozier" not sure about the spelling:D, anyway the thing suspends the hose above your head. Now I'm sleeping thru the night, waking with more energy and feeling a lot better.

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Glad to hear it.

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Ouch! Consumption of red wine and red sauce sound like the wrong way to soothe a sore throat :D Enjoy. Good luck with the CPAP. Its made a difference for me.

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That sounds very complicated. I just make sure mine is between the pillow and the headboard and off to my zzzzzzzzzzzz.

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You are probably right. But it sure did help. :)

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Glad to hear it :tu

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By far the hardest thing for me initially was sleeping on my back. I had always slept on my stomach. My wife got me a TemperPedic (sp) pillow that has a little raised part where the curve of your neck goes. It made it much more comfortable for me.

As for the hose... My CPAP is on the nightstand which is on my right when I am laying in bed on my back. I just put the hose under my right arm around the bicep area and it just kind of stays out of my way.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

It has certainly made a big difference for me. I feel more rested and I no longer snore.

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I've found that I can still sleep on my stomach if I just use the edge of the pillow. My mask basically hangs off the end. It works well when I feel like reverting back to that. You might want to try it (assuming you haven't already). I still really don't sleep on my back. Mostly side sleeping otherwise. But once in awhile it feels nice to roll over onto my stomach.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I do the same thing.

The bottom line is that you need to be persistent in order to accommodate the mask and hose while you sleep.

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I dont remember if I updated this or not, but I went back for a second sleep study with the CPAP. I have one ordered for me. my pressure is "+10", the same as my uncle. (Now we have something in common!)

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Stick with it MJ!!

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Got my APAP machine today. It's a CPAP that automatically adjusts the airflow/pressure.

Tonight is my first night with it. I'm optimistic.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

:tu Good Luck Peter!

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I appreciate the support.
Thanks.

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I love mine, Peter... has made a big difference for the better. :tu

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I'm hoping for the same, Joe.

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How does an APAP work? Is the a sensor that measures resistance? I thought that during the study the only way they could measure how much pressure was needed was to sort of guesstimate the pressure level as to how much was needed to keep you breathing?

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Peter, don't expect miracles in a night, it takes a few days/weeks to get used to the machine and it also takes a few weeks before you notice the difference, but once that happens you wish you had done it years ago.

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I certainly don't expect overnight miracles. I am eager, though, to settle into a routine.

The first night was cumbersome. Woke up almost every hour. I think mostly due to having the headgear/mask on. The machine was very quiet. I'm not sure the humidifier was working or set properly. Virtually no water was used and I was very dry this morning.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Ferdinand is right -- it will take getting used to. You have to learn to cope with the hose and mask without waking up. The good news is that you can and will get used to it. You should also sleep better right away, and your sleep will continue to get better as you get used to your machine, hose, and mask!

BTW, what brand machine do you have and which mask did you decide on?

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I have a REMstar Auto A-Flex and a Respironics System One Heated Humidifier.
http://respironicssleeptherapysystems.respironics.com/

The mask is the ResMed Mirage Quattro.
http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mi...ml?nc=patients

I didn't decide on the mask. My specialist prescribed a full mask and this is the one I was given.

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Not sure about that specific machine, but with my respironics machine, I have to turn the heating element for the humidifier on separately from the compressor.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Wow:banger
I'm so happy I found this thread. I also have sleep apnea. I most likely have it for years but I just finaly went for the test in September. Because I had a lot of migranes and I'm tired but couldnt sleep during the day and was up a lot during the night.

I'm very much the type of guy that like to try things before giving up.
The test was really bad. The tech was really nasty and very un supportive. She put the full face mask on me and I felt like I'm in a jail with all those wires. But I lived,
At the end I was given a bipap machine and I use the "M" size face mask. It's usualy comfortable when I go to sleep, I like to fall a sleep on my side but I usaly have this thing all most every night at about the same time. After about sleeping 4 - 41/2 I wake up, feel un comfortable and remove the mask. I am sure that those few hours that I sleep with the machine are much deeper and un interupted. But I want to get used to maybe taking it off (and maybe use the bathroom or maybe not) make my self cumfy again and fall back a sleep. Anyone have this issue?
I know I'm makeing improvment but I want to do it right.

Thanks.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I'm still not finding a difference after a couple months, but so be it. Last visit with the Doc he told me I needed to use the machine, ok. Then again, I didn't feel I had a problem to begin with, the heart nurse wanted me to take the test- I think she thought maybe needing the pacemaker was caused in part by my supposed apnea.

Anybody tried this?

http://www.nomask.com/

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Stick with it Hugh. I say the same thing after using my CPAP for almost 20 months. :D

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Mine is a separate unit but attached. They come apart so I can use the machine without the humidifier if I wanted to. For now, I am using them both.

Heading into night #4. I know I will get used to it soon enough. But I am also fighting a cold with some mild congestion and post-nasal drip. So the adjustment to the mask has been a bit of a challenge. I am determined to make it work, though.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Dunno about others, but since starting to use my CPAP, I've noticed a marked drop in the intensity and duration of the colds I do get. Whether that's from the stream of warm, moist air flowing through my sinuses every night or just my overall well-being, I can't say.

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

I also find that colds are easier with my CPAP, since the CPAP is pushing air in it seems to keep my nasal passages a little more open. Also, when I have a cold I turn up the heat on my humidifier a notch -- that always helps me.

I have also noticed "little signs" about myself -- if I find myself randomly "sniffing" (frequently) throughout the day -- when I finally do realize it** -- I know that I need to turn up my humnidifier because I am sniffing due to being to dried out.

**most of the day I am in a fog and have no idea what I am doing or why :)

Re: Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread
 

Actually, I had to discontinue use of the machine when I had my latest cold- I was stopped up and had to breathe thru my mouth. I remain unconvinced about the whole rigamarole, but I reckon I might as well keep using the dang thing as my BOTL here indicate its usage is a positive- and I'll believe them over any brochure that tells me so!