Well, finally got finished with the studies  and appts.  I went to the provider so I could get my CPAP quicker and get fitted for the mask.  I got it on 10-13-05.  I have probably used it 14 out of the 20 days.  I have a tendency to fall asleep on the sofa watching TV.  I slept with it on the sofa the first few nights...afraid it would bother my husband.  WAS I WRONG!!!  He doesn't want me to sleep in bed unless I am wearing it.  Who would have thought that snoring could bother someone that bad???  I use it when I take naps (took).  The only time I get sleepy during the day, now,  is if I over do it (severe COPD) or I didn't use CPAP the night before.  I can't even begin to tell all the positive effects its beginning to have in my life.  My health overall is improving.  My pft has actually improved markedly-had it checked yesterday!  I think that having stopped smoking a year ago and taking COPD meds, have something to do with it.  But I did not feel good till I got this CPAP.  It keeps me breathing all night so that has to be good for my lungs.  I think it has helped even with me being able to breath deep enough to take my meds.  I don't breath as shallow as before.  My lungs feel alittle sore in the morning, but I keep telling myself they are healing.  I guess they really are!!!  I also have a back injury from a car accident and I suffer from depression.  I have had more energy and have slowly but surely been doing "spring" cleaning.  Which has gotten me to move, which is actually helping my back.  Plus, my house is looking way better.  The depression is starting to lift because I actually feel hopeful.  I was so tired of being sick and not feeling well, I couldn't remember things or stay awake, I just was giving up.  Now I have an exercise plan and I am changing my eating habits.  I didn't have energy to put thought into anything.  Im actually taking better care of myself and I will be seeing a spine Dr. this month.  I had given up and thought I was destined for a sick, painful, and lacking life.   Like I said I am a New person.  I feel as if I have been given a second chance.

One problem....maybe two...... I have no problem with wearing the FF mask Comfort Fit (I am a mouth breather) but it is set at ramp of 4 to 10 in 15 minutes.  I don't like the 4.  I feel like its to low and stay awake til it gets to a higher  number.  I feel like I can't breath that low.  Next my mask leaks air...If I tighten it where it doesn't I can't breath through my nose and I actually get a headache from the mask.  I sleep on my back and my side.  The only reason I wake up now is a blast of cold air hitting me in my eye.  I think I could sleep with a football helmet on. HA! HA!  I'm calling the provider today..that is the only choice they gave me when I said I needed a FF mask. Any suggestions would be appreciated, because even with these problems it is well worth it and I'm not giving up.

Sleeping Better, Living Better
 Juanice aka (Nette)

I'm even newer than you here. I haven't even been to the doctor's yet. But this morning I got up with a horrible headache. Again. I'm just sure I've got apnea. So I started thinking about the mask that I may end up with, and saw your post.

What a great feeling it is to see someone getting relief. I'm really glad for you. Congratulations on your success!

My lungs feel alittle sore in the morning, but I keep telling myself they are healing.

 Hi Juanice

With the COPD the cpap might be a little tough on you. Did your sleep doctor or DME supplier discuss a Bi Level machine ?
People with COPD and OSA are often (maybe usually) prescribed a BiLevel PAP machine which allows for a lower pressure for exhalation. This might also help with the air leaks.

On the subject of the FF mask (it's not my best subject), tightening the straps too tight will in itself create leaks. Your DME supplier should be able to help you with this.

Kind regards,

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Nettie,
Welcome to my world, I to have COPD and OSA. My fine little Dr. put me on Auto CPAP with CFLEX and O2 at 3 lpm. which has helped me a great deal, the CFLEX helps when I exhale, I am using the ComfortGel mask which so far has worked well for me.
Hang in there and stick with the program it helps.  


_________________
Sleeping at long last

Nette -

You should be able to adjust the starting pressure on your ramp.  I had to increase my starting ramp pressure because I felt that I couldn't breathe at the low end.  Now I don't even use the ramp at all and my CPAP is set at 13.