Last week I did an overnight sleep study at St. Anthony's here in St. Louis and found that I do in fact have Sleep Apnea.  I don't remember what the stats where as far as apnea events though.  I've snored horribly since I was a kid and am now 27 so I guess it's about time I find out why I'm always tired.

My first night with a cpap was last night and I feel decently rested but tossed and turned most of the night (would assume it's because I'm not use to it yet).  I have a follow up appointment with my doctor but not for another 5 wks.  I guess my biggest question is if this is a constant condition (ie will need the cpap for the unforseeable future) and where do I go from here?  Our first child is due in mid-December and we are converting my "snore room" to the baby's room.  Hense the sleep study....    

Oh, they set the cpap to go at 13.  From my own curiousity, is that typically a bad sign?  Just trying to gauge how severe my apnea is.  Thank you all for your feedback and support.



Regards,
Tim

schill32 wrote:

Last week I did an overnight sleep study at St. Anthony's here in St. Louis and found that I do in fact have Sleep Apnea.  I don't remember what the stats where as far as apnea events though.  I've snored horribly since I was a kid and am now 27 so I guess it's about time I find out why I'm always tired.

My first night with a cpap was last night and I feel decently rested but tossed and turned most of the night (would assume it's because I'm not use to it yet).  I have a follow up appointment with my doctor but not for another 5 wks.  I guess my biggest question is if this is a constant condition (ie will need the cpap for the unforseeable future) and where do I go from here?  Our first child is due in mid-December and we are converting my "snore room" to the baby's room.  Hense the sleep study....    :lol:

Oh, they set the cpap to go at 13.  From my own curiousity, is that typically a bad sign?  Just trying to gauge how severe my apnea is.  Thank you all for your feedback and support.



Regards,
Tim

Hi Tim,

You will probably have your cpap machine for the very forseeable future. It is important that you become compliant with the therapy. You should use any method that works to ensure this.
The benefits of cpap will far outweigh the discomfort. I might add that the initial discomfort reduces and you should actually get to like the therapy because of the benefits.

The cpap setting of 13 does not indicate a severity level. It is merely sufficient pressure to clear the apnoea events. Severity is determined by the number of events, rather than the strength of individual events. Hence a severe apnoea sufferer might only need 6 cms pressure while a mild sufferer might need 16 or higher, or vice versa. You should look for a copy of your sleep study results, have your doctor explain them to you, or post them here.

With a new baby coming (congratulations) you will need all your energy and restful sleep is the only way to get it.

Kind regards,

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

Thanks Daniel!  I've actually been wanting to ask about this.  They gave me one of the Swift masks and my nose has been hurting all day.  Does this seem to go away after a while once my nose has adjusted?


-Tim

schill32 wrote:

Thanks Daniel!  I've actually been wanting to ask about this.  They gave me one of the Swift masks and my nose has been hurting all day.  Does this seem to go away after a while once my nose has adjusted?


-Tim

Tim,

I'm not that well up on the Swift mask.
Your nose hurting, do you mean the nares (holes). It might take a little while to get used to the air (pressure). Are you using a humidifier ? If not I believe that it would help. A heated one is best. It will ensure that you breath warm moist air which is certainly easier than dry cold air.

If the pain/hurt is on the bridge of your nose, then the straps are too tight, or you have a badly fitted mask.

The mask is the key to compliance. It is your interface with the machine. If it ain't right then it's going to be difficult to become compliant. I always preach, 'the mask is everything'.

Keep coming back here if things are not working.

Kind regards,


Daniel

My dad, almost 80 has sleep apnea and can't tolerate the Cpap machine. What can my mom do for him when he can't catch his breath? He had a very serios attack about 3 weeks ago and it sacred her terribly.

Last night was my 2nd night with the cpap.  Thanks to this forum I tried turning up the heat on my humidifier and MUCH better today.  My nose isn't bothering me hardly at all.  I'm still not feeling as rested as I did after the sleep study though.  Is it possibly my body is still just adjusting to this?


Thanks,
Tim

If you have the Mirage Swift nasal pillows mask, then if you use the correct size pillows and the humidifer, your nose shouldn't hurt.

Another thought is that your headgear may be adjusted a bit too tight.  I loosened mine a bit and the nose pillows feel more comfortable and yet the seal against my nose is tight enough that no air escapes.

Good luck!!!

schill32 wrote:

Last night was my 2nd night with the cpap.  Thanks to this forum I tried turning up the heat on my humidifier and MUCH better today.  My nose isn't bothering me hardly at all.  I'm still not feeling as rested as I did after the sleep study though.  Is it possibly my body is still just adjusting to this?


Thanks,
Tim

Tim,

Everyone is different. You have a sleep debt to repay. Sometimes its short term (a day or two), sometimes it takes a little longer. Just stick with it, things will improve.

Just dawned on me the Swift might be Nasal Pillows, in which case the 'pillows' might be too small. You might need to use the biggest ones they have for comfort.

Daniel

Daniel


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

(Anon)