CPAP users?

[BBUK]

Yeah, you have the same machine as I do so I'm sure you can. My sleep Dr also keeps tabs via the modem and can adjust my pressure remotely if necessary. I take the SD card out and take it to the doc once a year.

The app is called DreamMapper.

They used to bug me once or so a year but they have left me alone for three or so years now except to send me what I ask for. I have insurance but the VA bills them directly. I am lucky that I don't have any co-pays at the DC VA that I use now. They are a high quality group. I usually get three to four masks a year and finally just get them to send me the nasal pillows and i am saving them a couple hundred a year. Those masks aren't cheap. Mines $169.00 a shot.

Thanks! (Downloading the app now.)

 

[Usleepy-2vs7]

Well looks like the old CPAP club is still kicking.

 

[Rockford]

For those that use one, did you have issues sleeping before you got one?

My wife and sister-in-law think that I might have apnea. I'm not denying that I do, but I don't have cognitive issues throughout the day, I don't have BP issues, I don't have heart issues, I don't get fatigue throughout the day, I don't nap much at all, I'm not irritable, etc.

You sound exactly like me.
I don’t need it. I’m good.

Submitted to the test. Found out I was having 52 stoppages per hour. I had no clue.
Like I’ve said... on day one I was a new man. Much better. Less fatigue ( didn’t know I was even getting fatigued). More endurance, more energy.
Changed.My.Life.

Do it. If you don’t like it, don’t have to use it. However, you much to gain and very little to lose by trying it.

Don’t wait until you have issues. It’s much better to prevent.

 

[BBUK]

You sound exactly like me.
I don’t need it. I’m good.

Submitted to the test. Found out I was having 52 stoppages per hour. I had no clue.
Like I’ve said... on day one I was a new man. Much better. Less fatigue ( didn’t know I was even getting fatigued). More endurance, more energy.
Changed.My.Life.

Do it. If you don’t like it, don’t have to use it. However, you much to gain and very little to lose by trying it.

Don’t wait until you have issues. It’s much better to prevent.

Super to hear. I forget what it was that was cured if you use your CPAP mask but it was a heart issue of some sort. Using the CPAP cures it. (That is a HUGE statement doctors usually don't make.)

It is a hard but short transition period to a CPAP mask but darn it is well worth most any medical treatment going today. Sure it's a pain to get used to but darn how you will feel in about three or so weeks after starting. (Feel free to come back and tell me I'm nuts but do it after a real good trial period to be sure.)

OH, I keep mentioning the masks..there are a bunch of different types. It may take time to find the right one. Don't be shy about asking for another mask if the one they issue doesn't work for you. (My old Ronald Reagan oblong head went through six or seven different masks but I have the one now that does the trick. I've used it for six or seven years now. Maybe longer.)

 

[Wildcats1st]

I tried a nasal only mask at first, but because I'm a mouth breather, it didn't work for me. I've had the Amara View mask for over a year now, and it's great. It only comes up to the bottom of your nostrils, so it might irritate your nose, but it's fine for me. I like it because it covers my nose and mouth without going over the bridge of my nose.

Most of the respiratory supply places will let you try a mask for 2 weeks, so I would suggest trying a few and finding out what works best.

Amara view is top notch. It takes a week or two for your nose to stop rubbing but once acclimated it is the best in out there

 

[oldsports_]

I think my sleep test said that I stopped breathing for 10+ seconds like 65 times per hour.

Nice math lol

 

[Rockford]

I guess I was lucky. My nasal pillow mask has been easy from day one. I probably got a great tech who helped me select one.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

Nice math lol

Huh?

Don't know if you're aware, but there are 60 secs in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. 65 events per hour of approximately 10 secs each is roughly one apnea event a minute. On average 50 secs of each minute breathing, 10 secs of each minute not breathing.

Not that hard.

 

[oldsports_]

Huh?

Don't know if you're aware, but there are 60 secs in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. 65 events per hour of approximately 10 secs each is roughly one apnea event a minute. On average 50 secs of the minute breathing, 10 secs of each minute not breathing.

Not that hard.

Exactly
I gave you a compliment

 

[ukalum1988]

New to the thread. My wife had bugging me pretty badly about my snoring. Back last May I had a sleep study done, where I was measured to have about 30 sleep events per hour.

I decided to try the CPAP, and have used it pretty much every day since last June. My wife is much happier that I don’t snore anymore. My quality of sleep has improved - not dramatically, but I have noticed the difference.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

New to the thread. My wife had bugging me pretty badly about my snoring. Back last May I had a sleep study done, where I was measured to have about 30 sleep events per hour.

I decided to try the CPAP, and have used it pretty much every day since last June. My wife is much happier that I don’t snore anymore. My quality of sleep has improved - not dramatically, but I have noticed the difference.

Good for you. Sounds like you only have moderate apnea rather than severe. The better sleep and lack of snoring are nice bonuses, but the real money is in the long-term overall health improvement. When you stop breathing like that every night over time it does serious damage to your heart.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

Exactly
I gave you a compliment

Oh. Didn't take it that way. Apologies for my tone then.

 

[ukalum1988]

Good for you. Sounds like you only have moderate apnea rather than severe. The better sleep and lack of snoring are nice bonuses, but the real money is in the long-term overall health improvement. When you stop breathing like that every night over time ir does serious damage to your heart.

Yeah, I was diagnosed as being on the “high” side of moderate sleep apnea. I went ahead with the CPAP for the sake of domestic tranquillity as much as anything else. Not gonna lie, the CPAP is moderately inconvenient, but the pluses outweigh the minuses for me.

 

[BBUK]

I guess I was lucky. My nasal pillow mask has been easy from day one. I probably got a great tech who helped me select one.

I use the pillows too along with the mouth piece. I used just the pillows mask a couple nights and dried out my brain. It is probably part to blame for how I post today. (Brain damage)

 

[BBUK]

A lady I work with was diagnosed and she said she couldn't stand sleeping with it. She tried for a couple of weeks and didn't sleep hardly any. She said she would rather die in her sleep than the slow death of restless nights with that thing on. haha

Probably had the pressure set too high. I stay at 8.5 on mine and use the heated hose and water for humidity. Been working well like that for a long time. I have the dreamstation. (Just got a new one about three months ago. I keep the old one for trips. It still works.)

 

[lz]

I have been looking at mask and reading reviews. I want to try the Dreamwear Full Face mask. Anyone every tried it? A co worker said he tried the Nasal Pillows but they irritated his nose. He also said he didn't like the full mask that come across the bridge of the nose.

Love Dreamwear Under the Nose nasal mask, used to use a Resmed mask, but it made my face break out with a rash. I recently started using SoClean nightly, $300 my cost. You still have to clean the black filter in back with soap and water weekly and occasionally the water retainer or mildew forms.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I’ve had one for over 10 years. I can’t imagine sleeping without it.

This...

 

[Creed Bratton]

Only non members die off before their time.

Well looks like the old CPAP club is still kicking.

 

[PTI (pti)]

Fat.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Fat.

Are you 10? I mean what adult gets joy from making fun of someone else and their weight?

 

[BBUK]

I am a FatHead.

 

[BBUK]

Are you 10? I mean what adult gets joy from making fun of someone else and their weight?

In all fairness, he edited his post correctly. I posted it for him above.

 

[wcc31]

New to the thread. My wife had bugging me pretty badly about my snoring. Back last May I had a sleep study done, where I was measured to have about 30 sleep events per hour.

I decided to try the CPAP, and have used it pretty much every day since last June. My wife is much happier that I don’t snore anymore. My quality of sleep has improved - not dramatically, but I have noticed the difference.

Same exact story for me.

 

[lz]

Easy to take on trips, too.

 

[Wildcat Willy]

87 events per hour for me. Have to use a Bi-Pap.

I was diagnosed about 7 years ago and used my first machine off and on for a year or 2. Hated it and didn't feel any benefit from it. Couldn't sleep well while wearing it. Put it in a closet for about 5 years.

Finally went to a different sleep doctor about 2 mos. ago. Much better service and care. New machine and mask. I've used it every night and I'm finally used to it and am really feeling better.

Sleeping 7 hours makes me feel amazing. Incredible what actually getting rest feels like.

 

[spartacat]

Make sure you change those filters often. You want clean air to help you and your machine. A clogged filter will burn up your machine(two on the dream station on the side I think). A clogged machine (filter) will also effect your sleep settings and therefore your breathing. USE distilled water only. All other water has minerals in it and will get into your lungs.
The mask and seals are keys. I think the amara view is the most popular. On the Dream Station make sure your provider syncs the heated tubing with the "hot plate" on the humidifier. If he doesn't, you will get a lot of moisture and bacteria into the supply line.
It is a misnomer to label CPAP users as mostly obese. People of all sizes, age groups, smokers , non smokers have hypopnea and apnea. Lot of times it is a matter of the genetic roll of the dice

 

[UpstateNYCat]

I use the So-Clean for mask/hose cleaning, change out filter once a week...

And damn right I would.

 

[BBUK]

I never clean mine....just the water tank, filters, mask, and hose...

 

[Creed Bratton]

Tomorrow is when I have to do the home sleep study. I have no idea how long it takes to get the results back.

 

[BBUK]

Tomorrow is when I have to do the home sleep study. I have no idea how long it takes to get the results back.

I got them back at the same time as I remember but did have to consult with the doctor too.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I got them back at the same time as I remember but did have to consult with the doctor too.

They told me I had to pick up the machine tomorrow so they could show me how to use it but anyone could drop it off on Friday. She didn't say how long before I would know the results and if I did need a machine get fitted for it and a mask. My snoring is driving my wife insane though and she is hoping it's soon.

 

[BBUK]

They told me I had to pick up the machine tomorrow so they could show me how to use it but anyone could drop it off on Friday. She didn't say how long before I would know the results and if I did need a machine get fitted for it and a mask. My snoring is driving my wife insane though and she is hoping it's soon.

They could probably already hear you snoring and had the machine ready.

It can be a bear getting used to, don't quit. It took me many modifications (Weeks) to get things to where I could sleep BUT, once you do get things right....

 

[Creed Bratton]

From what I have heard you guys say and other things I have read getting the right mask is key to comfort and being able to finally get sleep for me and my wife.

 

[BBUK]

From what I have heard you guys say and other things I have read getting the right mask is key to comfort and being able to finally get sleep for me and my wife.

The hidden part is getting your pressure adjusted correctly. I keep mine set at 8.5 but it ranges from I think 4 to 20 on my machine. If you have someone tinkering with it remotely it can be a pain too. Mine they leave alone.....now.

 

[Wildcat Willy]

Just had my 1st follow up visit since I started using it. Went from 87 episodes an hour to 2.7 per night so far.

Mine is set at 13 breathing in and 10 breathing out.

 

[BBUK]

Just had my 1st follow up visit since I started using it. Went from 87 episodes an hour to 2.7 per night so far.

Mine is set at 13 breathing in and 10 breathing out.

Bag of wind....

 

[Creed Bratton]

I just received the dreaded call that I do have obstructive sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine.

 

[Rockford]

I just received the dreaded call that I do have obstructive sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine.

That is a good thing. You are going to get better now.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I just received the dreaded call that I do have obstructive sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine.

I was upset when I found out as well. The thought of having to be strapped to a machine every night for the rest of my life (I'm 40 now but was 38 when I got my CPAP) was a bummer. However, once you get used to it, you will realize that the stigma of a CPAP and slight inconvenience of the whole ordeal pales in comparison to the better sleep and long-term health prospects.

Now I love my machine. I can't even imagine sleeping without it, and it doesn't bother me at all. My wife is much happier, I'm MUCH more rested all the time, and life is good. I would much rather have this result than have sleep issues and snoring problems without a clear-cut solution.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I am looking forward to better sleep and so is my wife but the transition is what I guess I dread the most.

I was upset when I found out as well. The thought of having to be strapped to a machine every night for the rest of my life (I'm 40 now but was 38 when I got my CPAP) was a bummer. However, once you get used to it, you will realize that the stigma of a CPAP and slight inconvenience of the whole ordeal pales in comparison to the better sleep and long-term health prospects.

Now I love my machine. I can't even imagine sleeping without it, and it doesn't bother me at all. My wife is much happier, I'm MUCH more rested all the time, and life is good. I would much rather have this result than have sleep issues and snoring problems without a clear-cut solution.