Hello!  

First, thank you to everyone who posts on this forum...it has already been a huge source of information and anxiety-relief!  The only problem is that I cannot stay awake and focused long enough to read many posts at once!  

I suspect this has been a life-long problem for me.  I remember learning about TseTse flies when I was about 11.  I was sure that was MY problem, as I was ALWAYS tired!  Fast forward (way too many years) to today.  I am 45 years old, overweight, but have great health otherwise.  I have finally had enough encouragement from my loving husband to see a sleep doctor.  I went in for the first sleep study  on the 1st of October, and had a CPAP study on the 8th.  Since I find it fascinating to read others' results, here are mine...

1st study:
Total sleep time 381 min
Supine 168.5 min
Non-Supine 212.5 min
Sleep efficiency 87%
Latency to sleep 18.5 min
Latency to REM 66.5 min
Number of awakenings 20
Waketime after sleep onset 36 min
Sleep stage %
Awake: 8.6
Stage1 12.1%
Stage2 65.3%
Stage3/4 0.5%
REM 13.4%


AHI 35.4
Apneas & hypopneas 225
Arousal index 34.5
REM Apnea/Hypopnea index 81.4
Number of REM events 76
Obstructive apneas 9
Obstructive hypopneas 216
Snoring: Loud
Sa02 range 79-92%
SaO2 min 78%
Total PLMs 15
PLMs with arousal 0
PLMs index 2.4
PLMs index w/arousal 0


With CPAP:
Total sleep time 356 min
Supine 122.5 min
Non-Supine 233.5 min
Sleep efficiency 81%
Latency to sleep 19 min
Latency to REM 70 min
Number of awakenings 15
Waketime after sleep onset 64 min
Sleep stage %
Awake: 15.2
Stage1 5.2%
Stage2 65.2%
Stage3/4 0.2%
REM 14%


AHI 2.9
Apneas & hypopneas 17
Arousal index 5.7
REM Apnea/Hypopnea index 15.3
Number of REM events 15
Obstructive apneas 0
Obstructive hypopneas 17
Snoring: NONE
Sa02 range 87-98%
SaO2 min 87%
Total PLMs 24
PLMs with arousal 2
PLMs index 4
PLMs index w/arousal 0.3

So, severe OSA with great improvement with CPAP.  Prescription is for "C-Flex at 6cm H2O & mask of choice".  She added the "C-Flex" when I told her the only trouble I seemed to have was breathing OUT.  It does seem like a very short prescription, though, and I am unsure about things like auto, bi-level, etc.

I have TRIED to read as much as possible about machines and masks (between falling asleep with the computer in my lap).  I know I will ask for "full data capability".  I will try the Swift LT for her mask.  I had the Swift LT for my 2nd sleep study and it seems to be good.  I have VERY thick hair and want to try the "for her" so that I can put it under my hair.  

My MDE is supposed to call within 2 days after contacting my insurance company.  I've been told the one I have chosen is the most cooperative with patients.  

I am currently moving my 4-yr old out of our bed (but her bed is in our room).  I think the whole machine thing will be overwhelming enough without her arms and legs all over me, LOL.

Any other advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Lorie

Welcome to the CPAP community.  I started on CPAP in August and am sleeping much better now.  I also have severe OSA.  I started with the Swift LT mask and it did not fit my nose well.  However, Swift LT for her is MUCH better.      I think you will like it.  
It takes some getting used to sleeping with the pillows in the nose and I had to use vaseline on the bottom(nares) of my nose to keep it from getting sore at first.  I don't have to use it now.  
Good luck and use the forum if you have any questions.  It's very helpful!  
Angela

Thanks, Angela!

I had forgotten about the sore nose...glad to hear about Vaseline solution.   The only other thing I've read was about a saline solution mist; but it seems that was for dryness, not the soreness.

I'm now worried about my DME...the rep is coming tomorrow, but the lady on the phone could not confirm the model they were bringing...only that it's a Respironics.  I will be firm about data availability.  Also, no mention of humidifier.  She did say they stock the Swift LT for Her, but was not sure if one was in stock.  If not, I can borrow a mask until they get one in.

Tomorrow afternoon cannot come soon enough!

Thanks again,
Lorie

Actually Vaseline is not a good idea.  It is a petroleum based product and not a good choice to use with the mask. I better choice is a product called AYR nasal gel OR just plain KY Jelly.  They are the same product and the plain KY jelly is much cheaper.  Just be sure to wash the mask often and also I good idea to wash your face just before bed to get a better seal.


_________________
~ElleMarie~ One day at a time......are you kidding me?.....sometimes it's just one minute at a time.

Jun 2007 AHI 100.7 started cpap at 9** Oct 2007-11** April 2009 Bipap-15/10
Respironics auto M w/ Optilife nasal pillows

Awesome, thanks Elle!

Sorry, I had forgotten to mention that I had used KY gel as well as vaseline.  I started with the vaseline but used the KY more consistently after I found it worked well.  My brain isn't functioning well after a week and a half of sinusitis, flu and now bronchitis  I work with kids.   I did learn alot about  being sick with the CPAP and keeping my nose clear with saline spray and meds from the doctor.  
I also used saline spray to moisten my nasal passages.  I use it every night.  I don't use a humidifier since I live in an area where it is humid already.  I may have to use it this winter though.  
Cleaning the pillows is essential to remove facial oils.  I read not to use antibacterial hand soap though because it damages the pillow.  I use mild dish soap.  
My DME did not have the Swift for her in stock.  They had to mail me one.  I hope they'll have it for you.  I really like it.  I was able to use the medium pillow and it does not slip out of my nose like the regular Swift medium pillow.

Ok, so I got a lot of "looks" at Wallyworld this week...KY, distilled water, and ivory.  Yes, I live in a very small town, LOL!!  I have now slept 2 nights with the KY and it really seems to work well...I do have a humidifier, so maybe it's a super combination.  The Swift LT for Her will be here Monday.  I'm trying pulling my hair through the LT I have and it seems to help a little; my hair is VERY thick and the first night the straps just kept slipping.  

2 down, a longer lifetime to go!!

Loving the attitude!! Success is sure to follow!


_________________
~ElleMarie~ One day at a time......are you kidding me?.....sometimes it's just one minute at a time.

Jun 2007 AHI 100.7 started cpap at 9** Oct 2007-11** April 2009 Bipap-15/10
Respironics auto M w/ Optilife nasal pillows

Restless Dreamer,

I too have had tiredness for years and my wife has been suggesting s sleep test for years but I kept saying "I sleep fine".  Well when you do not have the reference of good sleep you dont think anything is wrong..well I finally did my sleep test and here were my results

1st study:
Total sleep time 147 min
Supine 86.5 min
Non-Supine 60.5 min
Sleep efficiency 58.3%
Latency to sleep 18.5 min
Latency to REM N/A
Waketime after sleep onset 70 min
Sleep stage %
Stage1 20.1%
Stage2 79.9%
Stage3 0%
REM 0%

AHI 60
AASM Standard AHI 45.3
Apneas & hypopneas 147
Arousal index 58.8
REM Apnea/Hypopnea index N/A
Number of REM events N/A
Obstructive apneas 96
Hypopneas >= 4% O2 Desat 15
Hypopneas arousal only 36
Snoring: Very Loud
Sa02 range 91-97%
SaO2 min 91%
Total PLMs 4
PLMs with arousal 0
PLMs index 1.6
PLMs index w/arousal 0

With CPAP (At pressue of 12)
Total sleep time 128 min
Supine 32 min
Non-Supine 96 min
Sleep efficiency 90.2%

Waketime after sleep onset 5.5min
Sleep stage %
Stage1 1.3%
Stage2 53.7%
Stage3 0%
REM 45%

AHI 0
AASM Standard AHI 0
Apneas & hypopneas 0
Arousal index 2.6
REM Apnea/Hypopnea index0
Number of REM events 0
Obstructive apneas 0
Hypopneas >= 4% O2 Desat 0
Hypopneas arousal only 0
Snoring: None
Sa02 range 95-97%
SaO2 min 95%
Total PLMs 0
PLMs with arousal 0
PLMs index 0
PLMs index w/arousal 0

Welcome aboard, Scooter!  It's going to be a long journey, hope you brought some snacks  

Well the snack will have to be peanuts

The first time my wife saw me in the Swift LT mask she said she was going to buy me some LOL

Well, that's ok...as long as they are roasted and salted!