I got my CPAP six days ago and have been using it some each night.  By now I am using it for six or so hours each night, and am now able to sleep for short periods while using the machine, but I wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all.  I realize, now, that while I have lots of information about the machine itself, I have no guidelines on how to get started using it.  Initial settings.  How much time each night.  What to expect on quality of sleep.  etc.  Suggesstions?

scsmitty wrote:

I got my CPAP six days ago and have been using it some each night.  By now I am using it for six or so hours each night, and am now able to sleep for short periods while using the machine, but I wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all.  I realize, now, that while I have lots of information about the machine itself, I have no guidelines on how to get started using it.  Initial settings.  How much time each night.  What to expect on quality of sleep.  etc.  Suggesstions?

What has your sleep doctor advised ?
What type/severity is your apnoea ?
What is your titrated pressure ?
What make/type machine are you using ?
What type of mask are you using ?
Are you a nasal breather or mouth breather ?
Are you using a humidifier ?

CPAP is very specific to you, the more information the more focused the responses.

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

Sleep test score was 15.  The breathing interruptions resulted in no reduction in oxygen in blood.  Not overweight.  No discernable blockages in airway.  Nose breather. No other significant health issues. Doctor characterized the apnea as mild and felt that the root cause is relaxation of muscles in airway with age. My age is 66.  Titrated pressure is 10.
Machine is ResMed S8 Elite II with heated humidification.  Mask is ResMed Mirage Activa LT nasal mask.

scsmitty wrote:

I got my CPAP six days ago and have been using it some each night.  By now I am using it for six or so hours each night, and am now able to sleep for short periods while using the machine, but I wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all.  I realize, now, that while I have lots of information about the machine itself, I have no guidelines on how to get started using it.  Initial settings.  How much time each night.  What to expect on quality of sleep.  etc.  Suggesstions?

Daniel I don't know if you have spoken  to a sleep doctor or if you have had a sleep study done.  If you haven't that is what you need to do in able to find out what setting you should be using.  There is a science behind it all.  The fact that you are adjusting to the machine and the masks makes you that much ahead of things.  Now you just need to know what the optimal setting should be, so that you get the most benefit for a good nights sleep.  Call your medical center, and ask if they can refer you to a sleep specialist.  Often pulmonary departments have a physician who specializes in this area.  

Best of luck and sweet dreams !


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REMstarplus, M Series with C-flex and heated humidification
C- Pap setting of 10
ResMed Mirage Quatro full face Mask
Sleep study showed 36 events per hour
Location, Nebraska