Gogirl - Sleep Apnea Thread

[mecutl3r]

FYI - publishing your name, date of birth, and medical record number is probably not a great idea. I would edit or replace your attachment above and redact this personal identifying information.

[Gogirl]

Completed sleep study and waiting on appointments with sleep doctor and respiratory therapist. Ahi 16 rhi 17 with 3.8 min of oxygen below 81. Min 77. Anyway my husband wears the snorerx for sleep apnea and works great for him. He is getting plenty of oxygen and his respiratory rate is 13 to 14. Tried one last night and I did have 5 hours of deep sleep but my respiratory rate was still around 10 most of the night up from 9 without it. Woke up with very sore jaw. Anyone else experienced this?

[Marillion]

What I can tell you is that I have used Snorex and similar mandibular advancement devices in my initial search to curtail my snoring. None of them worked very well at all for me which isn't surprising since my Apnea after being tested was in the "severe" category. But what I can also tell you is that even the short time I did use these types of devices my bite was very noticeably changed. I didn't use them for very long (thankfully!) because I have read and continue to read of cases where people have used these devices for years only to need serious orthodontic work to correct their jaw alignment and bite afterwards. I would definitely recommend against using these types of devices, wholeheartedly.

[Gogirl]

Can anyone recommend a face mask for me. I have a very small petite face. Also claustrophobic so won’t the least amount of head gear.

[Jeff8356]

Well, that can be a tough one.  I use the ResMed AirFit F30 which is considered a FFM, but goes under the nostrils and covers the mouth.  I can still wear my glasses with the mask on.  I have tried the nasal only types and wind up breathing through my mouth.  I can't use tape (allergy) so this one works good for me.

You can also have a look at the Mask Primer wiki which may give you some pointers in selecting the correct one.
Further down on the same wiki page, under "PAP mask fitting guides" there are sizing guides for many of the popular masks available.

HTH....

[SideSleeper]

Gogirl, I could be posting the same message! There is a real problem in the CPAP manufacturing process and that is making masks for people like us--small stature and small heads. I tried several--most too big. F & P makes several good full face masks but they didn't work for me--others will probably comment. I had to settle for the ResMed F20 Airtouch (foam) cushion but the headgear is terribly confining. They have For Her sized gear and the small cushion works for me--great results with no mask leaks--thankfully the foam on it is very forgiving.

[OpalRose]

ResMed P10 nasal pillows... the most minimalistic mask.

[clownbell]

OP does not say it must be a FULL face mask. For that reason, I second OpalRose's recommendation of P10. Fisher & Paykel Brevida is also a great pillow mask. If OP wants a nasal mask, not a pillow mask, I suggest the ResMed F30 which also has minimal headgear and small cushion. These are all available from Supplier 1, whose site has lots for reviews to read. F30i has bigger headgear, so would probably not be a good choice. If OP wants no headgear at all, check out the Bleep.

[Gogirl]

Which is better for a side sleeper a mask with a hose in the front or one over the back of your head of your head

[Gogirl]

Help after reading this board for weeks I am still confused on which machine I should ask for. I have moderate sleep apnea. Very claustrophobic so not sure how this will work but willing to give it a try. I know not to get a brick or a used one. Thanks,  but do I get an apap machine or a bilevel machine. I know I will probably want an adjustment on the exhale since I am claustrophobic.  What machine do I ask for?  I have kaiser and will demand a good machine. Pretty sure I am ok on selecting a mask since you’ve all said to try on lots with pressure. 

My appointment is next week. Thanks