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New to APNEA and few questions
#1
New to APNEA and few questions
So, background info first... Got referred to specialist due to high blood pressure. So, I performed an at home study for two nights, one of which I was very congested and didn't sleep well. I haven't been told the results of this yet, but will update when I have them. I do know however, the Dr has sent a RX to a local DME and I have an appointment to go pick out equipment on Wednesday.
I am overweight, blood pressure is in check now (wasn't controlled when got referred). I feel like I sleep ok, but do wake up through the night, have occasions when I snore, etc. I do not however have a lot of the other symptoms (tired all the time, falling asleep, etc).
Based upon what the Dr tells me (AHI/etc), what minimums really require the machine?
Currently leaning towards getting a ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset (maybe the for her model, though not sure) and a full face mask. In the future, I may try a nasal type, but figured to start full face may be best.
Anyone's thoughts on this would be helpful and any other recommendations on brand/etc would be helpful as well.
In regards to cost, insurance is picking up 100% after my $250 deductible so am not too concerned there.
I've read the best option in case of power outages is to use a UPS... any particular size/watt hours? Generally speaking, I never have power outages, but don't want a horrible experience waking up with a full face mask either.
I have no issues taking the machine with me when I travel, however if I'm out camping/etc (don't often) will I be able to sleep still without the machine? Once the body is used to the machine, does not using one for a few nights become more dangerous or just not as good of a night's sleep?
I may have additional questions as I get more info and further along and will try to stick to this post for some of those...

Thanks for the help!
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#2
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
(02-16-2015, 02:22 PM)centex99 Wrote: Based upon what the Dr tells me (AHI/etc), what minimums really require the machine?
Obstructive apnea severity is ranked as follows:
None/Minimal: AHI < 5 per hour
Mild: AHI ≥ 5, but < 15 per hour
Moderate: AHI ≥ 15, but < 30 per hour
Severe: AHI ≥ 30 per hour
Many have 90 to over 100 episodes per hour, so having severe AHI is all relative.

Quote:Currently leaning towards getting a ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset (maybe the for her model, though not sure) and a full face mask. In the future, I may try a nasal type, but figured to start full face may be best.
Anyone's thoughts on this would be helpful and any other recommendations on brand/etc would be helpful as well.
In regards to cost, insurance is picking up 100% after my $250 deductible so am not too concerned there.

Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset is one of the best machines out there. If battery power is a real concern for you, the Philips Respironics System One 60 series Auto (DS560) is much easier on battery power at 12 volts, and can be separated from the humidifier to provide a light weight smaller package.

For a face mask, you have to judge whether you normally breath through the mouth or not. A nasal pillows mask is much lighter and comfortable. I would actually start with that if you think you can. Your DME will allow returns within 30 days, so if you fail on the nasal pillows, then a FFM is logical. I am fortunate never to have had a FFM clawing at my face. Avoid it if you can.[/quote]

Quote:I've read the best option in case of power outages is to use a UPS... any particular size/watt hours? Generally speaking, I never have power outages, but don't want a horrible experience waking up with a full face mask either.

Unless power outages are extremely common and long-lasting, I wouldn't worry about it at this point.

Quote:I have no issues taking the machine with me when I travel, however if I'm out camping/etc (don't often) will I be able to sleep still without the machine? Once the body is used to the machine, does not using one for a few nights become more dangerous or just not as good of a night's sleep?

You're surviving now, and your ability to breath without the machine change. Your perception is likely to be like mine, that it is much worse to sleep without the machine.

Quote:I may have additional questions as I get more info and further along and will try to stick to this post for some of those...

Thanks for the help!

Good luck, and ask away. Sounds like you've done some homework.
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#3
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
Anyone else have any opinions of the 60 series vs the airsense 10?
Also, I'm not entirely sure how often I sleep with mouth open or not. Also I normally don't stay super clean shaven and let my beard/face grow for a few weeks then shave... Any particular full face masks this work ok with or will I have issues with all of them?
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#4
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
(02-16-2015, 04:09 PM)centex99 Wrote: Anyone else have any opinions of the 60 series vs the airsense 10?
Also, I'm not entirely sure how often I sleep with mouth open or not. Also I normally don't stay super clean shaven and let my beard/face grow for a few weeks then shave... Any particular full face masks this work ok with or will I have issues with all of them?

As far as the machines go there both top notch , I've only had the Resmed but the Phillips machine is an excellent machine.
Do you sleep alone?, if not ask your partner if your a mouth breather,
I've never used a full face, but I do have a full beard and I'm a nose breather so my sleep tech only gave me a nasal mask, my next mask I'm going to try the pillows.
I'm sure others with full face mask will chime in on that fact about dawning a beard.
Good Luck and Welcome to the board!
Sleep-well
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#5
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
Hi centex99,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Resmed and Phillips Respironics both have comparable machines. Here is a link for information on which machines to buy or which ones to avoid: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices
I haven't used a full-face mask but there are plenty of people here who use them, so hang in there for more answers to your questions.
Much success to you as you start your CPAP therapy.
trish6hundred
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#6
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
Greetings Centex,
I am a relative newbie too, 52 days in. I, like you, had somehow gotten the idea that FFM was best, somehow more likely to do a good treatment etc.

While some love their FFM (often folk who started with them when the options were fewer and have gotten adjusted to them and see no reason to change)

Please do not assume FFM is best. The literature has shown on multiple recent studies, that there is a higher c-pap acceptance and compliance rate for those who are started out on nasal pillows than those who wear FFM.

As the co-ordinator for my locak A.W.A.K.E support group told me on the phone before my first DME visit, the more surface area you have to cover with a mask, the more places to get leaks. Each centimeter of that silicone or flexible material, has to be on your face like white on rice. A FFM and your face is like the coast of my whole state of Maryland. A nasal mask is like the coast of...okay I don't know which state has a tiny tiny coast exposure. But you get the idea.

Even my DME (and they are thought to be related to Beelzebub) said without any hesitation.
1. You try Nasal pillows...that not work?
2. Nasal Pillows with chin strap.
3. That not work. Nasal Mask/with or without chin strap
4. That not work? FFM possibly.

Do not think of FFM as "the big guns" for serious treatment. This is NOT the case. FFM are for folk who are either comfortable with them and attached, folk who cannot be treated with less, folk who want to pretend they are in a space movie (just kidding...we ALL want that!)

I don't know why or how, but when one is new and reads randomly the idea is out there that 'oh ffm is the way to go" No no no no..If you want studies, I shall gladly share them with links to pubmed. The studies use words like oronasal vs nasal (ornasal means FFM covering both your oral and nasal cavities)

Even if and when you have a cold, many Nasal Pillow/Nasal only mask folk are able very happily to work around.

Also there is some thought that one can sort of "learn" to keep one's cake hole closed (well, in the NIGHT anyhow tee hee) The rush of air, inclines one to shut the mouth, the dryness you will have if you don't, will teach some very fast to shut the mouth. So I'd say there is some good reasons not to rush right into the arms of a chin strap either. Start small and slow!

One more reason you might do better with a nasal is that you mention that you are at times not clean shaven? Facial hair also does well with nasal pillows cause there is not as much area for interference, and sweet soft chubby cheeks like one or two of us have (-: also like less interface with mask area, flexible cheeks means more places to create leaks with sleep movement.

I love my FF buddies, not in any way negative about their gear...just want you to know that science is on the side of starting with less, not more.

Best wishes. You will do great! You obviously have a great self initiative in this, and seeking knowledge and the folk here are a.ma.zing.

The Manse Hen
Clean shaven, Sweet Cheeked Nasal Pillow wearer.
PS if you can get a FOR HER Resmed Autosense Autoset do so, one more helpful feature in it, You probably want the "regular p10 mask" however not the "for her" unless you prefer pink (-: I myself have a for him of both...I like blue.
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#7
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
centex99,
I have a beard and mustache. I have tried a number of masks and now use a full face mask. I will tell you that I have never had any leakage where the mask seal and the hair on my face intersect. I do not see the beard as a problem. I have had plenty of leakage problems but never due to the beard. My main problem was mouth leakage which the FFM solved for me.

Don't let the P10 preachers bother you. The P10 is a good mask. It is just not the only mask in the world.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

Admin Note:
PaytonA passed away in September 2017
Click HERE to read his Memorial Thread

~ Rest in Peace ~
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#8
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
(02-16-2015, 06:34 PM)PaytonA Wrote: centex99,
I have a beard and mustache. I have tried a number of masks and now use a full face mask. I will tell you that I have never had any leakage where the mask seal and the hair on my face intersect. I do not see the beard as a problem. I have had plenty of leakage problems but never due to the beard. My main problem was mouth leakage which the FFM solved for me.

Don't let the P10 preachers bother you. The P10 is a good mask. It is just not the only mask in the world.

Best Regards,

PaytonA


Paytona,
I am not a P10 Preacher and YOU admit you have tried many other masks BEFORE setting on a FF...all I'm wanting this young wippersnapper c-pap wise to know, is that the literature supports a higher rate of adapting and compliance not starting with a FF and folk don't stay with c-pap if they can't get comfortable. Whatever it takes!

We all agree we want folk to be successfully treated whatever that takes.

The Manse HEN.
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#9
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
[quote='PaytonA' pid='101155' dateline='1424129668']
centex99,
Don't let the P10 preachers bother you. The P10 is a good mask. It is just not the only mask in the world.


centex99
Although I use a P10 mask, I would be the first to admit it is not perfect.... But no mask is. When I had my sleep study, they tried full face and nasal mask on me and I couldn't tolerate either. But there are a lot of brands out there, so unless you try it for yourself, you won't know. It's like buying a pair of shoes.
OpalRose.
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Apnea Board Administrator
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#10
RE: New to APNEA and few questions
So, he says from my home study, I had a rate of 16. I guess that's high enough to warrant treatment, but low enough that he feels it wasn't a factor in my blood pressure having been high (now under control with medicine). I'm still not entirely sure if that included both nights (was fairly congested/felt like crap the second night) or just the first. But, I'll be going forward with the machine this week and have a consultation with him in early March. Then I'll likely complete an overnight study.
I'm still a bit torn on masks, but am curious to see my insurance replacement schedule. I thought i had read if you're congested, you'd need full face and the nasal pillow wouldn't work, but if it will work still, may go that route.
I was trying to determine last night if breath through my nose or mouth, and I kind of think I do a bit of both. When I was awake, there were times I was breathing with my mouth shut and others through my mouth.
In regards to the SD card, he mentioned it'll record data for almost a year... If I remove this card to read in the meantime using the SleepHead or ResMed software, will the software allow me to keep the data on the SD card so when I go into the office it will still have all of the data?
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