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Cpap and getting better sleep: What's your experience?
I was in the hospital for pneumonia and while I was getting a nebulizer treatment the therapist asked if I use a Cpap at home, at the time I didn't have one. Now mind you I was only sleeping for 2 hrs a night during my pneumonia bout (2 weeks) and the therapist asked if I were open to using a BPAP (what they call it in a hospital) it was a large machine and I said of course. Upon using it I still only slept for 2 hours but it was a very restful 2 hours of sleep and was welcomed. I told my Pulmonologist and got set up for a sleep study, and it is all history. I sleep more restful (have much less visits to the bathroom at night) and use it religiously. Medicare covered my testing and machine. After my test my doc told me I stopped breathing x amount of times a minute, and was restless (tossed and turned) an ungodly amount of time during my test. On the follow up test (with the Cpap) the number decreased significantly. My sister snores like a constant thunder storm and she went for a test and got her Cpap, and now she doesn't snore at all and tells me she sleeps much better.
There are two ways to use the machine, with a nostril mask (so to speak) and a full mask (you usually see on TV movies). The latter is what I use, I couldn't get use to the nostril application, and if you were to catch a cold, I don't know how well it would work, but I use the mask never the less. Hope this helps, and do read the instructions about your machine.
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Thanks Jim! @thankful. I had another pretty good night last night with an AHI of 5.6 for 8:18 hrs. I have an appointment Friday afternoon to see the sleep therapist at the medical store to swap my mask for another large Dreamware full face mask. All I need is the large head frame that goes with the mask but they can' sell it or give it you due to Medicare rules. Because it's less than 30 days I can take the whole mask package back and they will give me one with the large head frame/air tube. The regular one comes with a small and medium full face cushion along with the headgear and a small and medium head frame with the connector. The medium mask was too small so they gave me a large mask which I'm using but the head frame seems a little tight on my head and I wanted to buy a large frame...nope, have to bring it all back and we'll give you another whole package with the large frame. I can see why Medicare doesn't have any money. (oops, perish that thought!). My problem is I don't even know if the large one will be too large so I hope it comes with a medium frame also.
Happy REM sleep to all indeed!
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1 ReactionHi Jim @thankful
My mask is Philips Amera View Face mask. Here is the link to see what it looks like. It works great for me!! No chin strap makes me happy. The head gear is all adjustable so no worries about to big or to small.
https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HCNOCTN374/amara-view-minimal-contact-full-face-mask
What kind are you currently using?
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2 ReactionsHi Dawn @dawn_giacabazi and Jim @thankful
My mask is very similar to yours Dawn except the air tube is built into the head frame and connects to the hose at the top of the head vs the front of the mask. I like that it keeps it away from my face when I roll over from side to side..
https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HC1133430/dreamwear-full-face-cushion-underthenose-full-face-cushion
I think I could easily adjust to the Amara full face mask also since it fits under the nose. I like it because it gives me less claustrophobia.
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1 Reaction@johnbishop
I will say I to toss and turn. At first I don’t think I would like it but I have thankfully had no issues and no chaffing or red face with it. However I did adjust my humidifier down to a very minimal level with this mask because I had leads leaking so the humidity level stays consistent. I had a lot of leakage with my older style mask.
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1 Reaction@dawn_giacbazi- I have been using the Fisher-Paykal Zest nasal mask. Easy to wear & clean and I replace the cushions every week on a rotating way so I have a fresh one each week. I add a new one each month and pitch the oldest.
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2 Reactions@thankful
The mask I use is a gel cushion which I wash daily with soap and water and replace once a month. The mask snaps on and off for easy cleaning so it makes it very cost effective. The heavier cushion helps aid in a better seal to prevent the leakage. My husband uses the same similar mask as you use. It works great for him!!
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3 Reactions@dawngiacabazi- Dueling C-paps! Happy couple!
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4 ReactionsLol!!! Love it
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2 ReactionsI have a long history of being treated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea with many different kinds of CPAP devices. I currently use the "RESMED AirFit P10
Nasal Pillow" which was prescribed by my Pulmonologist. I find it easier to adapt to the Nasal Pillows instead of the Full Face Mask.
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3 ReactionsI'm guessing 2 steps forward, 1 step backward applies to obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP usage. Just finished my first month of using a CPAP and thought wow, I'm starting to get some good results. The doctor wanted my AHI numbers to get around 4. I had 3 days of 4.5, 4.6 and then 3.2 the night before lastnight. Then there was last night coming in at 8.7. I was struggling last night with the mask trying to get comfortable and it just wasn't happening. I think the difference is I just put on the mask last night and didn't spend much time doing it whereas the past few days I was disconnecting the hose and taking the mask in the bathroom and adjusting it in the mirror. Not sure if it makes a difference though.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a petroleum free skin emollient moisturizer? I bought a very small tube at the medical store for $7.50 (RoEzIt - 1 oz.) but thought there must be something just as good that's a little less expensive. It does help reduce leaks with my under the nose mask by rubbing a little on my face and under the nose before I put the mask on.
Happy Friday!
John
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2 Reactions