"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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I will admit I haven't been faithful keeping up with this site. I've had back and neck surgery about 3 years ago and since that time it's been really painful to sleep on my back. Then to make matters even worse I have continued to have sinus infections continuously for the past 6 years. I watched the following on here about the sinus infections and it wasn't accepting blame on the cpap so I continued to use mine. But then when it became insufferable to lay on my back I will admit I haven't used it in over 2 years. Thus my husband has moved to our spare bedroom and my grands have again gone back to teasingly calling me 'Grizzly'.
They have found the answer to my sinus infections, seems I have a selective antibody immune deficiency . Not exactly what I'm thrilled knowing but at least we have something to work with and I cannot blame it on the cpap. But, now, needless to say the doctor who is going to be doing all the transfusions has insisted I get back with my doctor and also on the cpap. So before I go in for my scheduled appt. I'd really appreciate any advice 'fellow cpap users' have for me on what there is out there for me. The issue I had that I was really unhappy with is my insurance only covers a new mask every 6 mths. I went from the 'nose pods' to a 'nose and mouth mask' not realizing that my TMJ would immediately effect the seal. When I called them the 'very next morning' it was 'SORRY' gotta wait another 6 months!!! I was stuck with this brand new mask I couldn't use. Needless to say that did NOT help my wanting to work with ever making this work for me. Now I'm curious if they have a 'side sleeper mask' and if any of the 'followers' have used them and how well they like them. I'm also one that does 'not like' the lines that become an 'all day wrinkle' no my face. YUP YUP YUP.... I am a woman............and YUP YUP YUP............ we may say it ain't so............but we are TOO VAIN!!! Any help, advice would be appreciated. My doctor cannot work me in for 3 weeks so that's the time frame I'm working on. I begin my treatments as soon as my insurance gives the doctor the 'go ahead'. I feel like I am in a nightmare and I'm ONLY 58 years old. Too young to throw in the towell!!! Thank you in advance for any advice:)
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Cherie,
I'm a newbie (diagnosed June 3, 2011; today is March 21, 2012) and am learning the ropes. This may help:
- Visit cpap.com and read the reviews on the different masks. Yes, they can be contradictory (everyone is different) but you can often glean enough information to figure out a mask style that is better for you.
- Borrow a mask for one week. Thanks to SleepGuide.com, I learned about CPAPlibrary.com. I am currently trying a FitLife Full Face mask for one week. Total cost: $14 to cover round-trip postage and handling. Here's the link: http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials
- Make a few investments. I'm a side-sleeper, almost exclusively sleep on my left side. I've bought and tried several masks. I'm desperate to finally sleep well so I give up spending in other areas of my life so that I can identify the best mask for my needs. In my case, I find that I get the best sleep with a nasal mask and, now, it appears that the FitLife Full Face mask also gives me a really good night of sleep. I don't know why they make such a difference for me as compared to the nasal pillow masks, but they seem to.
- Consider the possibility that you will be a "rotater". I am. What I mean is that I rotate around from mask to mask. I have two different nasal pillow style masks, one nasal mask, the SleepWeaver mask and I'm borrowing the FitLife FF mask (and will order one next time I'm eligible for a new mask). I get mild abrasions from the nasal and full face masks and thus must allow a few days of healing before resuming their use. I don't exactly say eeeny-meeny-miiny-moe each night before I go to bed, but I almost do!
A few other if-I-had-known-THEN-what-I-know-now things:
- Consider getting a data-capable machine. Knowing nothing, I just took what my doctor issued. My CPAP machine wirelessly transmits the fact that I use it nightly. Data capable machines can let you know more. I think I'm doing well enough without the details and have opted not to spend the money for a new machine. By contrast, you have a more serious problem and maybe you need to monitor your sleep more than I have to. I suspect a data capable machine will help you. Here's a link to a site where you can buy a second-hand machine as well as a new machine on sale: http://www.secondwindcpap.com/
- Attend SA support group meetings. If they're available where you live, you can pick up a lot of help, advice, and tips from the presenters as well as fellow sleep apneacs. I learned about the groups when I began to google around to learn more about sleep apnea. I wish I had done that the first month or two after my diagnosis. Googling is how I found this forum, btw. Indeed, it's also useful to visit other forums, even posting the same question in different forums. Maybe someone else from a different forum will be able to help you.
Living and coping with sleep apnea is an interesting challenge. Yes, I wish I didn't have this particularly challenge, but I do. My view is simple: Seize the challenge!
I hope this helps you. Keep us posted on your progress.
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