[CPAP] I guess i finally have to start Cpap

[Zorki1c]

For me, CPAP clears my stuffy nose rather than complicating it. That also has been the experience of my mate who has been on CPAP seven years. Also, if either of us gets a cold-related cough, CPAP allows us to be cough-free all night. (we both have humidifiers).

[Eddie702]

Well I have been back on the cpap for 5 nights and I hate to admit but I do feel better. I started out with the pressure set at 5 which is where it was originally supposed to be and after 2 nights I raised it to 6. I will leave it their until the new sleep study is done. I just got my paperwork for that and it's set for 8/8.

I guess I'm starting to get used to using it and the idea of using it which is more difficult. I slept in the spare room for two nights. Now I'm back with my girlfriend and the good news is I haven't kept her awake (so far). I made her promise to wake me up if it bothered her.

I must admit once you see the results of using the machine it becomes much easier to accept using it.

[PaulaO2]

When you get a new machine, insist on one that is data capable.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

Diabetics test their blood before taking insulin. CPAP users need to see the data, too.

[Eddie702]

Well last night I know I put the mask on and it was strapped on pretty snug. I was suprised when I woke up at 2:30am and it was on the floor! Has this ever happened to anyone??

Also I think I was opening my mouth and letting the air pressure out!

Well, I thought I was getting the hang of this,,,,,,,,,,maybe not.

[DreamDiver]

3. Is their a way to deal with a stuffy nose and still be able to use Cpap?

3- Neilmed sinus rinse

...I can't stress enough how much the Neilmed nasal rinse helps. ...

I agree with the neilmed sinus rinse. Another product that's fairly effective is Xlear sinus rinse or the Xlear sinus spray. You can use it as often as necessary, and it isn't addictive like Afrin.

Some people do better with the Respironics breathing algorithm. Others do better with ResMed's. If you had trouble "syncing" your breath to the Respironics REMstar plus, (as I did with the M-Series) you might consider trying the ResMed S9 Autoset. Sometimes I have to check to the mask vent to make sure it's actually on, even at pressure.

The REMstar plus is a leaf blower compared to either the Respironics S1 series or the ResMed S9 series in terms of quietness. You'll be glad you got a new machine.

Try to get a fully-data-capable machine if you can!

Here's to better sleep and decent sleep study results.

[Shastzi]

I started out with the RemStar + and its my backup now. The S9 is superior and breathes a lot better so
I sleep better as a result.

Hang in there and best of luck with the Sleep Study!

[Eddie702]

Thanks for all you advise, it is greatly appreciated. I am going to keep going, try and get use to what I have and keep the pressure where it is. The new sleep study is only a few weeks away so I'll see what happens after that. This past week proves I surely need the cpap and I'm lucky that it's working and I do feel somewhat better. Thank you.

[trish6hundred]

Hi eddie702,
Another thing you could try to help get used to the CPAP machine, is to mask up and use it during the evening while you read or watch tv. This will help your body get used to this different way of sleeping. Throwing the mask in the floor in your sleep is not uncommon but
hopefully this will help you.

[Paptillian]

Adding to what trish said, I suggest not wearing the mask in bed until you're actually ready to sleep. I wore my mask one night while sitting in bed and watching TV. Then I had trouble falling asleep the next night.

They say not to watch TV or read in bed so that the brain learns to associate the bed with sleeping. I guess this goes along those lines, too.

[Eddie702]

After being on cpap for the past few weeks I'm having a problem with dryness. I have the standard remstar "Passover" humidifier which is just a tank of water. I don't think it works at all as It doesn't evaporate any water all night. Or am I doing something wrong? I know I have it connected correctly.

2d question. I think I should buy a better humidifier. Any recommendations? will any humidifier work with any machine or do the have to be a matched set.

Thanks for the help
Ed