Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on January 9, 2009 at 7:15pm

Congratulations on not smoking!! I am proud that you were able to kick the habit as my hubby is still puffing away although docs have told him he needs to stop. He has smoked since he was 15 and he is now 55.

I am glad you went in for the titration part of your study. Sleep apnea leads to other health conditions and deprives your body of the much needed oxygen to renew itself.

Do you have the results of your sleep study? If not be sure to ask the doctor for the whole report -- it should be between 5 to 7 pages and include some graphs and charts. The doctor should provide you with the dictated results -- but you will be ahead if you can get the whole scored report.

I have been on my machine since August of 2007. I wouldn't sleep without it now!! I feel so much better with treatment I never want to return to the days of the zombies!!

It takes time to adjust to a new way of sleeping. For a select few they see results almost immediately! Hopefully, you will be in that group. For the vast majority of users it can take weeks to adjust. It helps to focus on one night and not worry about future nights (at least that helps me stay focus).

When you pick up your machine check with your insurance carrier which DME's are in network. Hopefully you will have a choice. If possible tell your doctor you want a script for a DATA-CAPABLE machine. Do not settle for a bare bones machine -- the billing code is the same for a top of the line model or the cheapest machine out there -- makes no difference to the insurance company as they pay xx amount of dollars. Do not let the DME conn you into thinking you will have to pay extra for a better machine -- wrong you do not owe them extra (you will be responsible for the deductible and copay). Research the machines to find one that you think may suit your needs. Some DME's will tell you all machines are data capable -- some provide only compliance data -- how many nights and for how long you are using the machine -- that is all the data they provide. If you need to adjust your settings or tweak your therapy the doctors won't know what is happening with just a compliance data machine. It is YOUR therapy and so don't be bashful about asking for what you need.

If possible ask the doctor about getting an apap. Especially if you plan on losing weight. An apap can be set for a range of pressures or set as a straight cpap. In other words you have more options.

Make sure you get a heated humidifier. This helps in dry climates or those that use heat in the winter.

When you go to the DME ask to try several masks. Ask what their return policy is -- so if one mask doesn't work can you trade for another. The mask is the hardest part to get down. Not everyone likes the same mask. Everyone has their own opinion on what is comfortable and what they like. Do not others sway you -- decide for yourself. When trying masks out it is best if you can lay down and roll around to see how they feel.

As I think of other helpful hints I will post later.

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Permalink Reply by donnalyn on January 9, 2009 at 7:30pm

hello carol, thank you so very much., i really am going into this blindsided! my dr.(lung dr.) is the one who told me about this first. from my symptoms , he thought it sounded like i might have the sleep disorder., and after the first study the paperwork showed that i did indeed have it. while i do not have a copy of the paperwork with me., (i wish i would have asked him for a copy)., he has it, and told me to make an appointment with the same sleep study group for a follow up with a cpap., to see how my results would be after sleeping with one on.
now i go this sunday! .. i am scared a bit., however, if it will help my breathing and energy levels., i will do it.
i was a smoker for over 30 yrs., heavy smoker at that., i had to quiet last summer as i just could not take it one more day.
the smoking was just adding insult to injury and when i was told about the copd and chronic/acute bronchitis., i got very scared., my mom passed away from obstructive lung diesese. and it was an awefull death. even though she had quit smoking , the damage was done.,
i am proud that i was able to quit., as i am sure it will help.
i have gained allot of weight over the past 4 or 5 yrs., something like 65 lbs!., and i am sure that is not helping., so hard to diet and quiet smoking!
i will mention what you said to the dr., after the next test. , in re to the machine mask and all.,
thank you for letting me know., as i have no clue about anything in this area ., yet..
i will keep in touch., and you keep in touch with me., it is very helpfull., your a kind person., thank you once again.,
donna lyn in las vegas nv.

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Permalink Reply by The SleepGuide Crew on January 9, 2009 at 7:34pm

That is an excellent post, SleepyCarol. I'd also suggest reading SleepGuide's ABCDs of Sleep Apnea treatment. some helpful hints there too, although i'm sure others have much to add from their own personal experiences...

sleepycarol said:

Congratulations on not smoking!! I am proud that you were able to kick the habit as my hubby is still puffing away although docs have told him he needs to stop. He has smoked since he was 15 and he is now 55.

I am glad you went in for the titration part of your study. Sleep apnea leads to other health conditions and deprives your body of the much needed oxygen to renew itself.

Do you have the results of your sleep study? If not be sure to ask the doctor for the whole report -- it should be between 5 to 7 pages and include some graphs and charts. The doctor should provide you with the dictated results -- but you will be ahead if you can get the whole scored report.

I have been on my machine since August of 2007. I wouldn't sleep without it now!! I feel so much better with treatment I never want to return to the days of the zombies!!

It takes time to adjust to a new way of sleeping. For a select few they see results almost immediately! Hopefully, you will be in that group. For the vast majority of users it can take weeks to adjust. It helps to focus on one night and not worry about future nights (at least that helps me stay focus).

When you pick up your machine check with your insurance carrier which DME's are in network. Hopefully you will have a choice. If possible tell your doctor you want a script for a DATA-CAPABLE machine. Do not settle for a bare bones machine -- the billing code is the same for a top of the line model or the cheapest machine out there -- makes no difference to the insurance company as they pay xx amount of dollars. Do not let the DME conn you into thinking you will have to pay extra for a better machine -- wrong you do not owe them extra (you will be responsible for the deductible and copay). Research the machines to find one that you think may suit your needs. Some DME's will tell you all machines are data capable -- some provide only compliance data -- how many nights and for how long you are using the machine -- that is all the data they provide. If you need to adjust your settings or tweak your therapy the doctors won't know what is happening with just a compliance data machine. It is YOUR therapy and so don't be bashful about asking for what you need.

If possible ask the doctor about getting an apap. Especially if you plan on losing weight. An apap can be set for a range of pressures or set as a straight cpap. In other words you have more options.

Make sure you get a heated humidifier. This helps in dry climates or those that use heat in the winter.

When you go to the DME ask to try several masks. Ask what their return policy is -- so if one mask doesn't work can you trade for another. The mask is the hardest part to get down. Not everyone likes the same mask. Everyone has their own opinion on what is comfortable and what they like. Do not others sway you -- decide for yourself. When trying masks out it is best if you can lay down and roll around to see how they feel.

As I think of other helpful hints I will post later.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dawn on January 9, 2009 at 9:57pm

Hi Donna. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea two years ago and have used a CPAP for treatment since then. My life is infinitely better. I actually have energy to do things. My brain is creative again. I am not so nearly irritable anymore. I still have weight to lose and am actively working on that. Although using the CPAP can be burdensome at times, the difference it makes makes using it all worth the while. I can tell everyday how well I used the CPAP that night. If I keep it on I feel good that day, if I don't keep it on, I don't feel so good. It makes that much of a difference. Good luck, keep us informed as to how using the CPAP goes using it nightly at home. We are here to help.

Dawn

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Permalink Reply by Jess on January 9, 2009 at 10:25pm

Donna,
I would just echo everything Sleepycarol said. It cannot be over emphasized how important selecting the correct mask is. I loved what my CPAP did for me even when I didn't have the right mask for me. However, now that I have the right mask I am much happier with my sleeping experience. Finally, it is important to be patient when learning to use a CPAP machine. Like Carol said, it can take weeks to adjust to sleeping with your new arrangement. Please stick with it. You will become accustomed to it and the reward will far outweigh any frustrations you may experience in the initial adjustment period.

Best of luck,
Jess

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Permalink Reply by dana on January 10, 2009 at 2:17am

Hi Donna,

Although at first I was also a skeptic, the CPAP has made a huge difference in my life. I was over-weight, tired all of the time, and had a hard time thinking clearly (not a good thing for a teacher). My doctor told me that my life would dramatically change and he was right. I have lost 50 lbs, going from a size 12/14 to a 2/4! I have a ton of energy, and have my quick wit back. This is definately not a money maker, it is a life-saving treatment.
What really got me started was a friend's son (he was 38) died from a heart attack brought on by his apnea. After his death, my husband mentioned to me that I stopped breathing in my sleep also. One night he counted two minutes!
Don't let it go any longer. You will notice that your quality of life will improve immediately after starting treatment.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by donnalyn on January 10, 2009 at 1:55pm

hi dana, thank you for your positive feedback., i am going this sunday for the first "cpap" session. i was also told by my dr., that it would help me feel much better. i am hoping it does., like i said , i also have allot of weight to lose., over the course of 5 yrs., i have gained at least 70 lbs., !! on a 5 3 frame.. not good., it just is real hard to diet now that i quiet smoking too.
trying one day at a time., so i will go through with the cpap., as i am looking to feel better so bad.
i wake up tired., and everything seems to be an effort.,
then i wonder if the copd has a major part in it all too? all i can do is try it... and i will., thank you for making me feel like it will be worth it., sometimes you just need to relate with someone who knows exactly where your coming from.,
i will keep you updated., thanks again, donna lyn in las vegas

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Permalink Reply by donnalyn on January 10, 2009 at 2:00pm

THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOU CARE AND CONCERN., IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU ALL HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS AND CAN GIVE ME SOME POSITIVE ADVISE.
I WILL DO THE CPAP , SUNDAY NIGHT., HOPEFULLY I FEEL BETTER AND IT HELPS.
I WILL WRITE THIS WEEK AND LET YOU ALL KNOW HOW IT WENT.,
MY SINCERE THANKS., YOUR FRIEND IN LAS VEGAS, DONNA LYN DIGIACOMO

Jess said:

Donna,
I would just echo everything Sleepycarol said. It cannot be over emphasized how important selecting the correct mask is. I loved what my CPAP did for me even when I didn't have the right mask for me. However, now that I have the right mask I am much happier with my sleeping experience. Finally, it is important to be patient when learning to use a CPAP machine. Like Carol said, it can take weeks to adjust to sleeping with your new arrangement. Please stick with it. You will become accustomed to it and the reward will far outweigh any frustrations you may experience in the initial adjustment period.

Best of luck,
Jess

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Permalink Reply by donnalyn on January 10, 2009 at 2:01pm

ALL AND EVERY COMMENT IS APPRECIATED.. GOD BLESS., DONNA LYN

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Permalink Reply by Kristen on January 11, 2009 at 9:08am

Donna - CPAP is the only treatment that works !00% of the time for sleep apnea, for people that are able to tolerate it. Untreated, it can lead to a myriad of unfortunate health issues, some of which you are already suffering from. It is essential that you get your second (CPAP titration) study. During that study, the sleep tech will hook you up to all the same electrodes as on your first study, only now you will be fitted with a CPAP mask, and asked to wear it all night during the study. You will likely be asked to sleep on your back as much as possible, as this is the position where apnea is generally worse. This allows the correct pressure for you to be adjusted while you are sleeping. The pressure will start out very low, to allow you to fall asleep, and will be increased as needed while you are sleeping. After your study, your doctor will receive the results and order your machine, and you will receive a call from a local home care provider. You should be able to choose from a variety of masks (my current favorite for my patients is the ResMed Mirage Swift LT, very low profile, ResMed also has a nice Full Face mask called the Liberty if needed). Don't worry if you can't wear it all night at first. Even a couple of hours is good, as long as you KEEP TRYING, and don't give up. Eventually, you will get to the point where you are wearing it all night/every night, and you will begin to notice the health benefits - weight loss, increased energy, less strain on your heart caused by the untreated apnea, and constant low oxygen levels in your blood. CPAP does help with COPD as well, for essentially the same reasons, but you should discuss this with your doctor, as your MD is familiar with your particular situation.
Quit stalling, and get to the lab. You'll thank yourself later, but you have to have the frame of mind that you WILL DO THIS, and not be self-defeating. Only you can help yourself.
A good way to help yourself get used to it is to wear the mask (not hooked up to the machine at first until you are comfortable with the mask itself, then hooked up to the machine with the air on) during the day while reading, watching TV or doing something else to keep your mind off the CPAP. You will learn to tolerate it much faster.

Good luck, and sweet dreams!

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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on January 11, 2009 at 5:40pm

You've already received many good tips from this community. I add my congrats on quitting smoking! CPAP won't be nearly as hard as that accomplishment. Get back with us as questions arise. And be patient with yourself. Going to sleep with gale force winds blowing down your throat is an unnatural act. It SHOULD take some getting used to. For all of us here, the benefits have outweighed the hassle. I wish the same for you. Let us know how we can help.

Rock

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Permalink Reply by donnalyn on January 19, 2009 at 11:10pm

i still have not gone for the second treatment to see if the cpap works. actually, i have copd from yrs of smoking., (quit now 8 months) and i have gained over 65lbs., in the past 3 yrs! of course i will be out of breath and tired! also., i have been on the prescription med., klonopin, and zoloft for over 13 yrs for panic attacts and depression., this too has atributed to my being tired all the time.
i do not understand why my sleep study came back saying i stopped breathing over 100 times while i am sleeping? i do not really have any problems with sleeping., i sleep good., i don't wake up often or gasp., ect..
i just happen to mention to my lung dr., that i felt tired and breathless., after many breathing tests., it showed i did in fact have copd, chronic bronchitis,and my lung funtion test was not all that good.,
i use the inhalents now and have a nebulizer.
for some reason., many people that i have talked to told me that they were also told they had sleep apnea.. and it just seems kind of strange to me that all these people suffer from the same thing?
they all told me that they tried the mask and it really did nothing.
so i don't know if i should put myself through another treatment ...
my dr., is insisiting that i go. i have looked up on the internet the pros and cons., and still....not sure.
i will let you know if i go. still confused about the whole thing., thanks. donna

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