Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

I'm answering you and Jim. Pulmonary specialist should be the one to order a sleep study and follow up. BiPap pressure is set at the fitting for a machine. The accessories for both cpap and bipap need to be replaced periodically. My schedule is disposable filter every two weeks face cushion once a month headgear and water tank ( reservoir) and air hose every six months. A sleep study is necessary to determine which type of machine is needed. I can't breath through my nose while sleeping. Apnea means breath stops. BiPap pushes air through my gasping mouth. No one should on their own buy a machine without a sleep study and a trained professional assisting.

@seleeta Patients need clear instructions in language they understand so they can use their medical equipment properly. It is your right and I encourage you to keep asking questions. Would you be open to contacting BBB and your doctor in order to make sure you are receiving the necessary treatment?

@woogie I'm sure these types of machines are confusing and difficult to operate. It's important for customer service to help you in order to receive the medical treatment you need. You said that you wanted to contact customer service and talk to someone else. When is a good day and time for you to do this?

Thank you for your suggestion. I did contact both my M. D. and BBB. My mask was changed back to I believe what’s called nasal pillows instead of full face mask. Unfortunately, I am only able to tolerate it for 3 to 4 hours. Interrupting my sleep and then I have problems getting back to sleep. I have a follow up appointment with Pulmonologist soon.

Thank you for your suggestion. To clarify, my pulmonologist recommended the Brand and Model of my machine after reviewing the results of my sleep study. Unfortunately, the DME company she forwarded the order to for the machine and later follow-up overnight pulse oximetry after initial adjustment period with CPAP in place, replacement mask, etc. have been difficult to coordinate. Again, BBB have rated this company with a “F” score in the State of Florida. My pulmonologist adjusts pressure at my follow-up appointment.

@johnbishop
Hi John,
A quick question. My Cousin has a Dreamstation. Does it have a heater in it?
Jake

@jakedduck1 - Hi Jake, The Dreamstatiion CPAP does have a humidifier attachment and a heated hose but I think it’s an additional cost.

That's great that you already have a follow up scheduled with your pulmonologist, @seleeta. I'm sure you have a list of questions for him/her. What are the top concerns you want to have addressed? Do you keep a manual log of your sleep patterns? Does the machine give you an electronic log of how the mask fits (episodes of leaking) and apnea events?

I have to tell you it was 50 times not 75 that my throat didn't work. Sorry about that.

I've noticed that I'm the only one who reported using a BiPap. Currently a Dream Station with an Air fit F10 full face mask. My diagnosis is obstructive sleep apnea. One nostril is obstructed with scar tissue(collagen) that's continuing to develop. I had the same issues as everyone has complained about. The head gear is flexible and easily adjustable. I replace the face cushion monthly. Before trying to sleep I adjust the whole shebang to my face around my neck and on top of my skull. I sleep with a roll neck pillow. Also take an extended release otc pill 10 mg of melatonin plus GABA and another amino acid. My sleep is affected by my level of stress. Also something that was diagnosed but never pointed out as a problem until several people mentioned it. One sleep study stated that I slept one third to half the time I thought I was asleep. Recently some stressors have refreshed and I've become aware of sometimes when I realized I wasn't dreaming but awake with my eyes closed and trying to sleep desperately. Another thing is the effect of light on the ability to sleep. Because of the headgear and the need to getup at night no eye mask is useful. So I put the covers over my face if and when the light seeps in. It takes ten to eleven hours trying to sleep to get rested if not I fall sleep sitting. Daytime sleep doesn't interfere with night sleep sometimes I can't function to eat lunch because my mind needs sleep. It really sucks! My reason for detailing my situation is to give others the opportunity to see if they relate to anything that I'm dealing with. One caution don't give up if you're unable to use your sleep aid. Kick and scream until you get the help you need. Sleep apnea can and does kill.