[Sleepyheadgirl]

Hello. I just found this site and I am really glad. Looks like I can learn a lot here. I just started using my CPAP two days ago. Was diagnosed with sleep apnea after an overnight study. The doctor said it was moderate. He started me at 7 on my machine. I noticed that as I am falling asleep I stop breathing more than a few times. Shouldn't my machine prevent this? The machine can be set at 4 and then it gradually goes to 7 within 20 minutes. Should I start it at 7 instead of the lower pressure? I am 54 yr old female. The doc did not specify if I had obstructive or central apnea. How do they know which one you have? Is the treatment the same? I am most certainly a newbie! Would appreciate any advice.

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Machine: REMstar Plus CPAP Machine

Mask: Mirage Swift LT for Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

[cflame1]

What's the name of your machine? What's the name of your mask too?

Both are questions that will help to get your answers.

Plus a lot of us would have problems with a ramp starting at 4. It may not even be enough to clear the carbon dioxide out of your mask.

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Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

Additional Comments: also have various other masks

[Sleepyheadgirl]

Hello again. My machine is a respironics REMstar plus. My mask is a ResMed face Mask. I started out at 7 last night, and though I still found myself "not breathing" a few times at first, I think I slept for about 6 1/2 hours straight, which is like a miracle to me. Didn't even get up to go to the washroom (that I remember!) Amazing!

_________________

Machine: REMstar Plus CPAP Machine

Mask: Mirage Swift LT for Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

[cflame1]

If you can (and try hard) to replace your machine with at least a Pro (if M series) or a Pro2 (if classic, non M series). Talk to your DME (the place that you got your equipment from) and tell them that you'd like to upgrade your machine.

That'll give you a hope in figuring out what's going on by giving you more data. A Plus will only show you how many hours you used your machine.

_________________

Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

Additional Comments: also have various other masks

[Sleepyheadgirl]

Hello again. I called the DME today to ask about switching my mask. I also asked about a machine that collected more data. The tech said that the machines only record compliance, nothing else (she spoke as though there were no machines that collected more data). Since my machine is only on loan, I won't press it, but when I purchase one, I will be sure to explore all the options. (I live in Ontario. Maybe we are behind the times up here?????)

_________________

Machine: REMstar Plus CPAP Machine

Mask: Mirage Swift LT for Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

[Steve O]

Hello and thank you for all the information. I am new to CPAP and really have no problem falling asleep when I first go to bed. The problems occur when I wake up - to use the bathroom, or just wake up - I cannot tolerate the mask and end up not using it for the rest of the night. There are times I feel as if I am about to suffocate and I just remove the mask. Needless to say, this behavior is not helping my condition. I really want to be compliant because I am looking forward to feeling better. Any longtime users have any help? I also have questions regarding certain medications like Provigil and Nuvigil. Are these medications helpful for the days after I sleep without using the mask? Thanks again for all the valuable information. When looking for information, this was the first site I found and I'm glad I did!

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Machine: REMstar Pro 2 C-Flex CPAP Machine

Mask: Forma Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

[Hawthorne]

Sleepyheadgirl - I also live in Ontario. Your Provider is either ignorant or is lying to you! You can buy an M Series Pro in Ontario. For an auto, it's a lot harder. The Sleep Specialsit would have to prescribe it and the criteria is difficult to meet.

Be sure to get your prescription in your hands. If it says CPAP, you can buy an auto online at a later date and it may well cost less than your poriton of the Plus cost (unless you have good insurance). MIne did!

Right now, when you go to buy your machine, ask for a Pro and go to another Provider if the current one says there isn't such a thing.

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Machine: M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex

Mask: Mirage Swift LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Software: EncoreViewer v1.0 Software for Respironics M Series and REMstar Machines

Additional Comments: Trying the Opus. Backup masks - Snapp, Simplicity, Hybrid -Current setting 10.5 - 13- CMS-50E Oximeter

[IACEYOU]

Geez Louise this is one of the most active forums I've ever seen, for any kind of topic. Who is the the owner of the site?

[jules]

The site is owned by Johnny Goodman at cpap.com as far as I know.

Yep - lots of information here.

[bugler1a]

Hi just thought I'd post a company for those of you who are interested in home testing. My PC set me up with this and am waiting for equipment to arrive. The companys name is Instant Diagnostic Systems and they're online.

[SleepingBeauty3]

HELP!

I keep taking my mask off on a nightly basis! My Doc has been asking me how long I keep it on at night, but being that I am ASLEEP(duh), I have no idea. But, just this week it occurred to me to compare how much water has been used in the Humidifier. HAH! NO Water is being used, that must mean that the mask is being removed soon after falling asleep.

WHAT? if anything can be down to prevent this from happening?!!

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Machine	Mask	Humidifier

[SaltLakeJan]

HI BB,

This sounds crazy, but if you have a pair of the cheap gloves that you sometimes wear to bed to keep lotion on your hands. Try wearing them to bed. Take a mask off with gloves might be quite a challenge.

Good luck, Jan

_________________

Machine: SleepStyle 608 Thermosmart CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier

Mask: Zest Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear

Additional Comments: Began CPAP 1-16-2009, Pressure=10 cm, Mask, CMS 50Plus Oximeter

[jccameron]

Thanks for the putting this introduction together. I went to click on your first link and it appears that it has been moved.

The one I found on their site is at:

http://www.resmed.com/au/multimedia/und ... 40x380.swf

_________________

Machine: SleepStyle 254 Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier

Mask: Mirage Quattro Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Additional Comments: Software: Performance Maximizer

[shiftworkzombie]

Wow, feel quite fortunate to find this site; because I am feeling quite overwhelmed. That is an understatement. I know I am not unique in this: as with any new diagnosis but @#$%^& !!!! OK, got that out of my system.

Thanks for the space and let the learning and healing begin. I am off to attempt my first night of CPAP trial.

#$%^%$ !!!!

I don't want to deal with this ........I know I know I know, get over it, get on with it.
G'night

[rooster]

.......... Good to learn I am not alone and that the psycho/social symptoms are more than likely due to OSA than a major personality disorder. Reply back please I really need the support with this. Thanks!

"Healthy awake, deathly ill asleep."

You are right. You don't need a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist or a sociologist. You just need a CPAP system to help you breathe and sleep at the same time.

Lots of good help here. They saved my life.

_________________

Machine: M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex

Mask: Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows and Headgear

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

Additional Comments: M Series Integrated Humidifier