Another Newbie

[overlap]

I’ve been lurking on this board for a few months now and finally decided I have something to add. Briefly, I’m 67 and have recently been diagnosed with Overlap Syndome (COPD & OSA) after having chronic bronchitis for years. Stage III COPD convinced me to finally successfully stop smoking after a lifetime of trying. 

The process reaching to where I am now has been hard, depressing, confusing and discouraging. It’s been 3+ months on CPAP and I was getting ready to call it quits after not getting any benefit at all. I figured I gave it a try and it didn’t help but at least I tried. 

As a last ditch attempt I got a DreamWear mask which was an appealing design with the hose on top, air supply on both sides etc. After these months of struggling to get 4 hours a night I slept more than 8 hours the first three nights with the new mask and AHI’s ranging from 1.9 - 4.5. Needless to say I was shocked and delighted because for the first time in years I dare say I’m starting to feel good. It may be presumptuous but I’m thinking I’ve turned the corner and my life is about to change for the better. 

I’m just here to encourage other newbies to hang in there and keep trying!

[chill]

Welcome and congratulations.  Decent sleep is a wonderful thing.

[SarcasticDave94]

Glad to see you're doing well, overlap. Congrats on the success via getting the new mask as well. I suppose I can be considered having Overlap Syndrome as well I guess. I have COPD and Mixed Apnea.

Here's a coffee toast on sticking around for another year

Dave

[trish6hundred]

Hi overlap,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It's great to hear that you have decided to stick with CPAP therapy and that you found a mask that works well for you.
CONGRATULATIONS! on stopping smoking.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post.