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Finally saw my Sleep Dr. to discuss my sleep study
It looks like I had an "apnea plus hypopnea index of 37 evens per hour of sleep". I was told this is considered "severe" sleep apnea. I go in on Monday to pick out my mask. The Dr. recommended a full face mask. I did fine during my sleep study with the "ResMed Ultra Mirage nasal mask with a heated humidifier". Do I really need the full face mask? He said the actual machine would self adjust between 5-12. I told him I wanted a machine I could read every morning and he said that wasn't necessary. Why not? Will I have any choice in this when I go in? Also between going to our lake house and travelling, should I get a second machine and mask? Are any made specifically for travelling? Thanks.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Neal Buckner, LRCP on
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Carolyn,
There is such a thing as "Too much". Your doctor has prescribed you an APAP machine that will adjusts it's pressures from moment to moment within the pressure range of 5-12 cmH2O. Worry less about the number and more on mask fit and how you feel after using it. If your doctor prescribs a Full face mask it may be that during your sleep study enough mouth breathing was noted that a full face would be optimal. Talk to the DME company and ask what their policy is. If the doctor rights for a specific mask they are compelled to fill that Rx as writen. However, companies, like mine, sometimes have a 30 mask return policy. If the original mask does not work then you have the option to exchange masks.
In regards to traveling with CPAP. THe machines are very small and come with a nice carrying case to allow easy transport for when you go traveling. Your insurance will only pay for one machine. If you want to buy a second machine it will have to be an APAP and they cost a little bit more than straight CPAP machines.
Basically, try not to get ahead of yourself. Take one day at a time. Work out the bugs as they come up. First and foremost right now the goal is to get used to using the APAP while you sleep and start benefitting from the PAP therapy. Take a deep breath and take one step at a time.
Neal
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Carolyn, so far as I know all APAPs are fully data capable. Which is one of the things you wanted, the data capability. Neal has given you excellent advice.. As long as you are getting a fully data capable xPAP, finding a comfortable, relatively leak free mask is the next step. Full face masks can be a bit more difficult to get a good, relatively leak free fit w/so do try as many as you can whilst at the DME provider's before committing to one.
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Will they actually let you try the different masks with the CPAP machine turned on?
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Depending up on the DME. Some do, others not so much. Call and ask your DME. If the doctor writes your script for a specific mask-- I think you are stuck. You may want to call your doctor and see if he is willing to write "mask of patient's choice". That will give you more flexible options when choosing a mask.
If the doctor sets your machine starting at 5 be aware some of find it difficult to breathe at that low of a pressure. If you have difficulty, see if he will increase the pressure some. I know my original script was for a pressure of 8 to 12, as many feel a tighter range is better than a larger range as it take the machine a little time to respond to apenas if it is set too low. The starting pressure on a machine is 4 and so you are just one up from that.
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Permalink Reply by Saz RPSGT on
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The doctor may have prescribed (or suggested) a full face mask based on the night technician notes. Often times we try to use a Nasal only mask for the patient's comfort. During the end of the night (usually near the optimal pressure) mouthleaking starts to occur. Not enough time to change masks since most people just stay awake, so it's just noted that a FFM is likely needed. Heated humidity was used which usually keeps mouthleaking from occurring.
This may be why a FFM was recommended. If you can get comfortable with it, it eliminates so many problems down the road.
Maybe closing the APAP gap to 8-12cmH20 would be easier for you.
To eliminate your problem about the lake house. You can sign the deed over to me. Problem solved. ;^) Most machines now are extremely small and have travel cases.
Other CPAP/BiPAP travel tips from an article I wrote:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5520980_travel-cpap-bipap.html
Hopefully that helps
Saz
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