Re: New to forum, apnea and CPAP
Chuck wrote:
I wish I had seen this forum before being given my CPAP machine.
I just received the machine on Friday. Tried my new nasal machine. Set the Resmed wth heated humidifier to gradual for 45 minutes that reaches a pre-determined pressure of 15 cm.
Thought I was gonna die!
Started out OK but when it finally reached the top pressure I could not push the air back out. My sinuses totally shut down after about 10 minutes at top pressure.
Course of Action. Tell me if I am close to the mark on what to do next.
1. Contact my provider and try a FF mask
2. If I still have problems try a BPAP or variable pressure machine where the pressure drops on exhalation.
3. I have lost 30 pounds by diet and exercise. Should I go for another study? My family has told me that my snoring has reduced in intensity. I still want to lose another 20 or so pounds.
Sometimes I doubt how serious sleep apnea is. However, after reading about blood clots and death by apnea on this forum, I have been sufficiently scare enough to take this very serously. I have been told that 15cm is very high. Is that true?
chuck
Hi Chuck,
Welcome. I've heard of being left to fly on your own, but what happened to you is unforgiveable.
It's hard enough to come to terms with cpap, with help, but just to deliver and leave you on your own is ridiculous.
Anyway, enough of my ranting. Initially don't start chopping and changing masks and machines, that's what your supplier wants you to do........as you will be paying. Firstly, do contact your supplier and tell them that you want their rep to call and properly fit you for a mask. Stick with the nasal mask for the moment and give it a try. What type of ResMed mask do you have ? (Ultra Mirage/Activa etc). Remember it's not a one size fits all. Don't take !@#! from the supplier and if they give you any don't be afraid to tell them to take everything away and go elsewhere. Also contact your sleep doctor and tell them about the problems you are having. Get everybody involved, remember you are probably paying through the nose (excuse the pun) for everything so far. They can't expect you to become compliant if the equipment is just dumped on your lap. You are the consumer, demand your rights.
You will need to persevere a little with your ResMed machine first, no point in chopping and changing immediately. Rome wasn't built in a day and you will not become compliant with cpap overnight......it takes a little effort. Personally I admit that it really took me quite a few months to get used to it. It is not natural to have air blasted up your nasal passages while sleeping, not to mention the darth vader look.
It's a little early for another study. A quick, big weight loss might not last. Usually give it 6 months or so.
The danger in changing equipment too quickly is that there are only so many changes you can make. If you don't give things a chance.....when do you stop changing. You will run out of options very quickly.
When talking to your sleep doctor you might mention the possibility of lowering your pressure to say 12 for 2 weeks or so with a gradual increase to 15 over a further week or so. This might allow a greater level of comfort. I would also suggest that you bring the ramp back to 15/20 minutes, so that you will become aware of problems quicker.
Don't change, especially for the unknown (as you don't know what a BiPap or APAP will bring). You need to give cpap a chance (however difficult it seems). If after 6 weeks or so you are still experiencing these problems, then is the time to look at other options.
Keep posting.
Daniel
_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!
(Anon)
