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Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Aug 16 1:39pm | Replies (180)Comment receiving replies
I desperately need to use my CPAP. HOWEVER, I don't wear it because when I did, I actually don't think I got enough air. I ripped it off in the middle of the night and never put it back on again. I had a smart alec man deliver it and he acted like it was killing him to even show it to me. I never called him back even though I paid big bucks for the machine. I know I should have called and reported him but I have never been one to complain to a company. Resmed is the name of the machine. It is still like new, just sitting in a large container in my bedroom taking up valuable space. I need it badly but I need a person who would help not hinder. I choke and wake myself up during the night every night. I am happy to hear of people having such good experiences. Maybe I will contact the company and ask for another person to help me. My pressure was set at six and that was not enough. I don't even know how to change it.
Replies to "I desperately need to use my CPAP. HOWEVER, I don't wear it because when I did,..."
@woogie, If you have the prescription from your sleep medicine doctor it should show the recommended air pressure settings based on your sleep study. A local medical supply store may be able to help if you are not able to get help from your doctor. Also you can change it yourself if it's not set correctly according to your prescription. Not sure if this is the ResMed device you have but the method to change should be similar for all ResMed CPAPs. I would discuss this with your doctor first.
Changing the Pressure of a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset. FreeCPAPAdvice.com
Didn't you have insurance coverage? Medicare and a supplemental insurance cover 100%.
I used a cpap for more than 15 years, though I didn't have anywhere near as many events as you. For a long time I used a full face mask because until I had surgery for a deviated septum when I was 50, I was a mouth breather.
I always had trouble with air leaks with the full face because of my beard. A few years ago, after another sleep study, my doctor changed me to a Bipap machine. And I started using a chin strap to keep my mouth shut. The doctor wasn't pleased with my mask seal numbers on the report, so I had a mask fitting with the supplier. I tested several nose masks, and took 2 home to decide which was best. I still have trouble with the mask seal, but I'm happy with the new equipment.
I don't know how the doctor knows whether I need a cpap or a Bipap. I never change the pressure settings. I leave that to the doctor and supplier. 6 does seem awfully low, given the severity of your apnea. Mine was set at 12.
Were you given choices about the type of mask? There are lots available, and sizing is important, as well.
If your equipment supplier makes appointments for mask fitting and cpap use, I'd surely recommend it. Unfortunately, there are as many lousy technicians as great ones, so you might want to check out other supplier locations if that's an option for you.
You should be offered multiple styles of masks. You can see them online if you want to be better informed for your appointment. There's no excuse for the way you were treated, and you would do the company a favor if you told them about it. The place I get my supplies from is a medical supply store. The local branch doesn't do fittings or anything like that. They just keep my supplies in stock, but another branch is set up for things like fittings and education.
I have occasional panic attacks at night, and have to take the mask off until the attack passes. I'm glad to say that it's been a while since the last one. Having to rip off the mask is a very unpleasant experience.
Have you spoken with the sleep center where you had the study done? They should be able to get you the help you need.
I hope you resolve this soon. It sounds like you need it.
Jim
I have had the same experience and am not currently using my CPAP. The supplier for my Phillips Respironics Dreamstation was Aerocare. I have had difficulty with receiving assistance in adjusting to a tolerable mask, scheduling of routine overnight pulse oximetry readings, etc. After checking BBB I found they were rated “F” with countless complaints. After describing experience to my physician, she said they had many complaints reported by patients but they were reluctant to recommend another DME provider as many of those were unreliable as well. It seems we must either buy privately and negotiate insurance or Medicare rates and ask your physician to set up pressure settings as an alternative. Also, become familiar when new masks, tubing and filters should be changed out. Of note, I have not been instructed on how to set pressures. I assumed the pressure must be ordered by your physician based on your progress from their download of your results. Best of luck.
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I had the sleep study at the hospital and have the written report that I stopped breathing 125 times during one night. I couldn't believe it! ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE TIMES. YES, that's right. 75 times my brain didn't tell me to breathe and 75 times my throat didn't work.