Hi everyone.

My sleep study is tomorrow night. I've been reading a lot on this board, so I'm hopefully better prepared ... although it shouldn't take much preparation to sleep, right?

Any last-minute advice?

- Brian

Go with a sense of humor.  How often do we get the chance to be wired up like Frankenstein?  Think of it as a great story for family and friends.

Don't worry how you'll do.  If you slept perfectly, it's likely you'd not be going for a sleep study in the first place.
Let us know how things go.


Linda


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Click here for link to section on machines and masks

Thanks. I'll be leaving for my sleep study within the hour.

It went well last night. I definitely have sleep apnea, and the CPAP worked great. (It was a split-night study.) I haven't felt this awake in a long time. The sleep tech told me that she could hear my snoring through the door during the first part of the night, but I didn't snore at all with the CPAP mask on. Now I just have to wait for my doctor to get the results so she can write the prescription for the CPAP.

HeirloomGardener wrote:

It went well last night. I definitely have sleep apnea, and the CPAP worked great. (It was a split-night study.) I haven't felt this awake in a long time. The sleep tech told me that she could hear my snoring through the door during the first part of the night, but I didn't snore at all with the CPAP mask on. Now I just have to wait for my doctor to get the results so she can write the prescription for the CPAP.

Congrats!  I was bouncing off the walls the day after my titration.  I felt awesome!

A bit of advice:  I would highly suggest you speak to your doctor about exactly what should be written on the scrip.  Most docs will just write "CPAP @ 12" or whatever your pressure is.  BUT, if they do this then the DME must only provide you with the cheapest, bare bones basic machine.  You need to insist that your doctor write out on the scrip the exact machine you would like and "mask of patients choice".  You then specify at first contact with the DME "if you cannot provide the exact machine prescribed, do not proceed and let me know".  You will be glad you did in the long run.

If you don't do this, you will get a basic machine and within 3-4 weeks of being on this forum, you will be wishing you had a "real", fully data capable box to keep tabs on your apnea.  Then you must jump through many hoops to get the machine swapped out.

Thanks. I already know I want a data-capable unit (I've been reading this forum for about a month while waiting for my sleep study ). It looks like the Respironics REMstar Pro M Series or the ResMed S8 Elite would both be good choices, so I'll request one of those.

HeirloomGardener wrote:

Thanks. I already know I want a data-capable unit (I've been reading this forum for about a month while waiting for my sleep study ). It looks like the Respironics REMstar Pro M Series or the ResMed S8 Elite would both be good choices, so I'll request one of those.

Good deal!  I have the latter (S8) and like it very much.

ok I have my machine and have been using it with awesome results.  I was looking at the prescription he wrote to me and what does " c flex of 3" mean .. what is c flex.  ??  He also just wrote on mine " with proper fitting mask and heated humidifier"

There's a sticky at the top of this forum for terminology  Also look at stickies at the top of the other forums, there is good information on various topics for machines and masks.  You can find out a lot by using these resources.

OK that being said, if you go look you will find out that <something>-flex (C-Flex, A-Flex, Bi-Flex) is a Respironics term for 'exhale relief'.  Resmed calls theirs "EPR"  Exhalation Pressure Relief I think it stands for.  C-Flex of 3 is the max setting.

What it is, the machine attemps to detect the end of your inhalation and backs the pressure off slightly so it is easier for you to exhale.

Some people, especially those with asthma or COPD or similar lung issues, find that makes CPAP easier to use.  It is typically optional and not a prescribed setting, unless your doctor has reason why he/she doesn't want you to change it.  C-Flex of 3 is probably what was used at your titration so they are starting you off with it, but you should ask your doctor about whether he cares if you experiment with it.

Some people experience aerophagia (swallowing air) and may do better if they use Exhale Relief or turn it up higher if already using it.

Blessings,
--pseudonym