I can't complain because I've been lucky with getting into the sleep studies quickly - but I'm so excited that I'm going to be getting my machine tomorrow from my DME (I accelerated the process by going to their office to pick it up, since they're located not too far away from me anyway).

Any advice for my first night with it?  I won't know for sure what mask I'll be starting out with until I meet them tomorrow, but it will be some sort of nasal pillow mask.  I used a Swift during my CPAP titration, and it was ok - but I'm a side sleeper and the hose coming out one side of the Swift was a bit annoying.  I may try for a Breeze (or buy one myself) at some point.  

The machine is a REMstar Pro.  I pushed for the Pro so that I could get the software and monitor how I'm doing, and the nice RT at the DME said my insurance would cover it.  I think it helped that I got my doctor to put "c-flex w/heated humidifier" right on the prescription. :)

I've heard recommendations of putting some vaseline or neosporin on my nares to help with comfort, is that correct?  Vaseline won't damage the nasal pillow thingies?

Also, my prescribed pressure is 7 cm (cm?  What does that stand for - centimeters doesn't seem right for a pressure level).  It seems like 7 is fairly low, so should I expect few issues with leaks?

Thanks for all the advice, this forum has been INVALUABLE during this process.  I hope to soon be an old pro that can help others as you have all helped me. :)


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

Congratulations!!!  Soon you will re-join the land of the living!

I have the Breeze headgear with nasal pillows and love them!  My setting is 13 cm and I rarely have any problems with leaks.  I have not used any vaseline, etc. inside my nostrils - but some people are more comfortable with it.  Just be sure to wash out the pillows every morning in a mild soapy water solution (I recommend not using liquid hand soap!) especially if you're going to use vaseline or something else.  I have been guilty of not washing mine on a couple of occasions and wound up with some very sore pimples around the inside of the nostrils (ouch!).

As for the first night - be sure to approach it with a positive and relaxed attitude.  Turn off the TV, computer, etc. about an hour before bedtime.  I found that playing some soft music as I was falling asleep made a huge difference.  It gives you something to concentrate on instead of the mask.

cm is centimeters of water pressure (someone else has given a better explanation on a previous post - I'm not real clear on it).

Good luck!

I'm very excited for you!   I've been on CPAP for six weeks and feel so much better.

My advice is to make sure you are relaxed before you put the mask on.  If you've been running around the house and are breathing heavy when you put it on, it can feel weird.   The calmer and more relaxed you are....the easier it is.

If you have a humidifier, use it....  Your nose and lungs will appreciate it.

I have a nasal pillow mask and am pretty comfortable sleeping on my side because I use a memory foam neck pillow.

Be diligent about cleaning the mask, hoses, and humidifier resevoir daily.  I do it in the morning, so everything is dry at night.    I bought a big tupperware tub to rinse hoses in the bathtub.  I bought a small rubbermaid container to soak the mask parts in on the counter.   I use liquid ivory dish soap and have had good luck.  I also do a 50/50 water/vinegar soak once a week an all parts except the headgear (I wash that once a week in ivory.)

My nose was a little sore the first week...but I realized the mask was too tight!  

Best of luck to you!!!

I read a recommendation somewhere for some saline nasel gel - I picked up a tube of that at the pharmacy today just in case.

Thanks for the advice and the positive words - I'm going into this with what I think is a VERY positive attitude (I'm certainly trying!).  I slept terribly at my CPAP titration, but I honestly think it was due to the probes.  I found the CPAP to be not as bad as I had thought it might be.  And, I honestly feel like I'm nearly at bottom regarding my quality of life.  I barely get through the day, all I can think about work-wise is getting OUT to go home and rest, etc, etc.  I was at my son's Court of Honor for Boy Scouts last night and could hardly keep my eyes open to watch him get awarded several merit badges.

So it's all UPHILL from here!  My CPAP machine will be my new life-giving friend.  I'm sure I'll have a few weeks/months of finding the right combination of equipment/tips to get it all just right for me, but heck, it beats the alternative. :)


_________________
--Frank (FJC)