Hi, I'm new to this forum and glad I found it. I had two sleep studies, the one with the CPAP machine was two days ago. The technician read over the report from the first sleep study and told me I had 80 episodes, I guess most were the   hypopnea(?)I'm wondering--- is that considered mild, moderate, severe? While using the machine she turned it up to 10 and said I slept great.  I was exhausted but from what I've read here it seems like that is typical until you get used to the machine. She tried several different masks on me, and I don't know the name of the one that we finally used. It has air leaks and the strap to hold it on was awful! But, I am determined to get used to it and looking forward to feeling better and getting my BP lowered. I'll be returning here often-glad to have found you all.

It sort of depends.  If you had a total of 80 episodes, you would need come up with an hourly average based on the numbers of hours you slept.  If your AHI (average) is 80, that's quite high.  An AHI of 30 or more is considered severe.  You might want to ask for a copy of your sleep study.  Folks here can decipher it for you.


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REMStar Pro M w/ c-flex and heated humidifier
ResMed Swift LT nasal pillow
Encore View Software
12 cm H20, 13 cm H20
CPAP start date: June 4, 2008

Welcome to the forum, Dukeenee. Glad to hear you've completed your sleep evaluation and your CPAP titration and are awaiting your equipment.

Hey, you don't HAVE to get the mask or any mask that you tried during your titration. There are LOTS of different masks and mask styles out there. Try as many as you can at your local DME supplier's before deciding on one. Once they've determined the right CPAP pressure for you the mask is THE KEY to CPAP therapy success!

Be sure to ask your sleep lab or sleep doctor for the doctor dictated results (1-2 pages) AND the scored data summary w/condensed graphs (5+ pages) from BOTH your sleep evaluation AND your titration studies PLUS your equipment order (script). Why? 1] Because you want to be able to shop the various DME suppliers your insurance is contracted with to get the best equipment you can and you will want one w/a lenient mask exchange policy and an RT you find comfortable to work with. 2] Because if you are traveling and your CPAP gets stolen, lost or broken you will have what you need to get a rental, replacement or repair w/a DME supplier where you are at.

FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING call your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one. If one of the contracted suppliers won't provide the equipment you want another might well be more interested in getting your business. Be sure to ask just how lenient their mask exchange policy is.

You do NOT have to accept the very first CPAP device they offer you. Most likely you aren't going to want it anyway. AT THE VERY LEAST you are going to want a fully data capable CPAP. (Don't let them BS you, just because it has a smart card doesn't mean it is fully data capable!).

You are going to want the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR or the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex. But start off by asking for the Resmed S8 II AutoSet or the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex. You "might" get lucky and be given one or the other. Most likely not tho. But now you and they have some bargaining/negotiating room. Other devices that would be "acceptable" *wicked grin* would be the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex. Don't accept any other than these 4 brands and model names. Be careful about the names and pay close attention to the names I've put in bold.

The reason you want a fully data capable CPAP is IF you encounter problems w/your CPAP therapy the data will be able to indicate the reasons why. W/o that data your doctor can only adjust your CPAP therapy by guess and by gosh or w/another expensive in-lab titration.

As for masks: ask to try AT LEAST one of each STYLE of mask: full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows and "hybrid" (these have both nasal pillows and a mouth piece combined). The masks SHOULD be fitted w/you laying down and the CPAP turned on to your pressure. Our facial muscles are subject to the law of gravity and the fit will NOT be the same sitting up as it will be laying down.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed's new VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro mask, ResScan 3.4 software, SPO 7500 oximeter.

Yep, my husband has a-fib.

Hi again everyone.
Well I got my mask and machine three days ago. My insurance pays for the rental and then will determine if they will pay for it based on how much I use it. It does have all the data info in it. There were certain models and makes covered. The mask was a much better fit than during the study- thanks for all of your advice! So- the first night I was trying NOT to expect too much after reading many of the posts where folks described their frustrations. And- I think that helped because it actually went better than I thought it would. I was able to sleep in two hour shifts for a total of 6 - count 'em SIX hours!!!!  Wow!!!!  The second night went just as well. Both days I felt pretty much the same, not more or significantly less tired but maybe a bit more energy. Not a big difference, but one thing happened that made me think this is helping and that is I'm dreaming again! I haven't had a dream ( at least that I recall) in a LONG time. And the past twon night I've had numerous, crazy dreams! Last night was the smoothest so far. I think I got four hours in the first shift and then about three in the second, so I only woke up twice. Its getting easier to fall asleep with all the gear on. One kinda funny thing, my two sons (ages 13 and 15) had a friend sleep over and  they asked the friend "Do you want to see Mom's Darth Vader costume?" and they keep telling me to say "Luke I am your father" but are dissapointed I don't sound like James Earl Jones.  
Thanks again everyone! I appreciate the support!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Aren't those darn teens just so precious w/their wicked sense of humor? Third night and 7 hours of sleep?? Whoo hoo! You're doing great!


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed's new VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro mask, ResScan 3.4 software, SPO 7500 oximeter.

I guess anyone can have sleep apnea. But what could be some of the causes. I'm only 25 but apparently I stop breathing for 30 seconds every few minutes. I just don't get why. There doesn't really seem to be a real reason. I am athletic and have always been but i've always had a snoring problem. So now I"m going to get one of the sleep apnea cpap machines. Any advice on these things? like maybe what are the side effects of discomforts of using the system? thanks


Mario

supermariobrother wrote:

I guess anyone can have sleep apnea. But what could be some of the causes. I'm only 25 but apparently I stop breathing for 30 seconds every few minutes. I just don't get why. There doesn't really seem to be a real reason. I am athletic and have always been but i've always had a snoring problem. So now I"m going to get one of the sleep apnea cpap machines. Any advice on these things? like maybe what are the side effects of discomforts of using the system? thanks


Mario

Here is a list of risk factors, from the mayo clinic website:

Obstructive sleep apnea

    * Excess weight. Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. However, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people develop the disorder, too.

    * Neck circumference. The size of your neck may indicate whether or not you have an increased risk of sleep apnea. That's because a thick neck may narrow the airway and may be an indication of excess weight. A neck circumference greater than 17.5 inches (44 centimeters) is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

    * High blood pressure (hypertension). Sleep apnea is not uncommon in people with hypertension.

    * A narrowed airway. You may inherit a naturally narrow throat. Or, your tonsils or adenoids may become enlarged, which can block your airway.

    * Being male. Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women are. However, women increase their risk if they're overweight, and the risk also appears to rise after menopause.

    * Being older. Sleep apnea occurs two to three times more often in adults older than 65.

    * Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.

    * Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat.

    * Smoking. Smokers are three times as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than are people who've never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. This risk likely drops after you quit smoking.

Central sleep apnea

    * Being male. Males are more likely to develop central sleep apnea than are females.

    * Heart disorders. People with atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure are more at risk of central sleep apnea.

    * Stroke or brain tumor. These conditions can impair the brain's ability to regulate breathing.