Well… there’s no question I have obstructive sleep apnea (says Mrs.BurtonRW, RN). I didn’t believe how bad the snoring was until left my iPhone recording me one night, and holy shit. It’s amazing she hasn’t smothered me to death by now.

So… did a home sleep study last night and took the gizmo back to the doc this morning. I won’t get results for a couple of weeks, but we know what’s coming.

I’m a gadget freak, so I’ve been shopping for machines and masks. Phillips is pretty much out for obvious reasons, and honestly, I like the looks of the newest ResMed units better anyway. I’ll be shooting for a nose piece rather than something more bulky and one of the models with the tube out the top since I’m a side sleeper.

Beyond the basics, what can any of you share with me in terms of likes, dislikes, anything I’m not anticipating, or maybe some success stories? Looking forward to NOT being one of the patients who “fails” CPAP.

-Rob

Patience with the process is key, getting a fitting mask you like AND positioning it so you don't have any leaks or issues takes a bit of time.

I prefer the ramp up option (reduced initial pressure for a set time like 15 min) to be active, many of the techs who set these up don't like to activate it and have 11'ty zillion reasons, but it works, I don't care for Hurricane force air going up my nose at Level 5 to start off, and ramp up just eases you into to it, I'm asleep before Scotty cranks up the dilithium crystals for Warp speed...

You will sleep better, longer, and you won't snore, which means Mrs BurtonRW won't consider smothering you, until you pop it off for some reason.... make sure the guns on your side...


Resmed Airsense 11 is what I have, not sure if the backlog has cleared up, the Phillips Phuckup backed up everyone for a bit...

If you are a mouth breather the nose only will NOT work for you unless you are willing to wear a chin strap to keep your mouth closed.

ResMed all the way

It's like the Glock of the CPAP universe

My only advice? DO NOT let them force a mask on you that does not work. I had to try like 5 of them before I found the one that works for me. There's a ton of them and depending on if you mouth breathe (I do, due to deviated septum issues) or can get by with a nose mask, there are a lot of choices.

The ResMed AirFit F20 is what I use and really like as far as the mask.

What I did to be able to try 5 different masks past the one that was "issued" to me was go on CPAP.com and buy some to try using my HSA. It seems like a lot of these medical supply places are in cahoots with the doctors and try to push you toward a certain brand and mask. I ended up ditching that whole model of them providing the gear and just went out of pocket but most people go through insurance so that means you have to use the machine for 20 days out of 30 in a month and for 4 hours or more each night or they will not let you continue.

Welcome aboard!

I may be one of the longest users here on the forum having been on CPAP since 1997.

I've had numerous machines (different manufacturers) and masks over the years but feel my current setup (I'm not a mouth breather) is the best I've had:
ResMed AirSense 10 and Respironics Dreamwear nasal pillow with improved headgear. (ResMed makes a similar mask but the headgear isn't as "advanced" if I'm not mistaken.)

I have my ResMed for a little over 5 years. Still hard to wear some nights and I end up pulling it off.

I knew that I snored pretty loud. What got me to finally get one was one night when I slept on the Battle Ship NJ. When I went to sleep, all the bunks around me were full. When I woke up in the morning everyone around me left and slept in another section.

Resmed here and the nose pillow mask. I am a side sleeper and mouth breather that worried about keeping my mouth shut (which is a problem in other areas besides sleeping!!)

I cheated though, had my deviated septum fixed and my turbinates reduced before getting the CPAP.

I had bought a chinstrap but found I didn't need it, thankfully. Found out that if I didn't keep my mouth shut that forced air felt like it was sucking your breath out your mouth.

Masks? Ewwwww yuck no !!! BUT use what works best for you.

I use Nasal Pillows. No weird mask wearing discomforts, bulky gear, etc.

Nasal pillows just sit under your nostrils and the moving air inflates them just enough to seal up to your nostrils. Super comfortable, nothing obstructs my vision, I can slip my glasses on easily with no issues.

You’ll need, maybe, a chin strap to keep your mouth shut. Contrary to those who know me I can and do actually keep my mouth shut (haha but true). An open mouth leaks the pressurized flowing air to work for you, air leaks are a big issue.

Machine? I love my Aircurve 10 Auto machine (variable pressure constantly as opposed to a CPAP (CPAP is continuous pressure, fixed pressure, and did not work for me.

My best advice, talk to a specialist, a Sleep Doctor, allow him to pick the Therapy you need and thus the machine and head gear.

My Aircurve 10 VAUTO is smart, it records how I do, and how it does, and gives me a report every day through the Internet/Cellular, as well as send that to my Respiratory Tech company and my Sleep Doc. If I need a bump up or down, they know it and can take care of it. You will start with a setting, and it may need to be adjusted, and you’re not on your own.

Personally for me, the method they tested you with was misused and misdiagnosed me, and I spent 2 years with the wrong therapy. I got hooked up with a real Sleep Doc and went through 1 night at a Sleep Lab, many of all kinds of test leads on me, and had my very 1st wonderful sleep that night in the sleep lab.

Don’t try to cut corners or save money, talk to a Sleep Doc or 2 for diagnosis and therapy, and try to stay away from the big national equipment providers, find a couple local providers, you’ll get much better and quicker response for your needs.

Best wishes to you.

When I started CPAP the first day I had my machine, I wore it while I was watching tv so I could get use to it on my face and breathing through it. I figured that was better than wearing it for the first time trying to sleep. I slept 8 hours straight that first night. Couldn't remember the last time I did that.

Use the ramp up figure so the pressure slowing increases.

Did a sleep study last Monday. Results came back as obstructive sleep apnea. Meet with the Dr this coming Monday. How does this work with a beard?

quote:

Originally posted by k5blazer:
Did a sleep study last Monday. Results came back as obstructive sleep apnea. Meet with the Dr this coming Monday. How does this work with a beard?

In the summer I keep my beard short and there are no problems. In winter I wear it longer and I have problems getting a good seal.

Some suppliers are pushing ResVent units. Avoid them as they are a Chinese POS. ResMed units are good.

quote:

Originally posted by rtquig:

quote:

Originally posted by k5blazer:
Did a sleep study last Monday. Results came back as obstructive sleep apnea. Meet with the Dr this coming Monday. How does this work with a beard?

In the summer I keep my beard short and there are no problems. In winter I wear it longer and I have problems getting a good seal.

Hmmm… I hadn’t considered the beard. Wonder if I could get away with some Vaseline like I use with my dive mask or trumpet…?

-Rob

I wear an F30 mask with a goatee and have no issues.

I have a full beard (see my avatar )... no issues with my current nasal pillow or previous gel masks that covered my nose.

quote:

Originally posted by k5blazer:
Did a sleep study last Monday. Results came back as obstructive sleep apnea. Meet with the Dr this coming Monday. How does this work with a beard?

I researched a whole lot of masks and found that the ResMed AirTouch series mask work well for guys with beards. They have a memory foam cushion rather than the usual silicone cushions that most other masks have.

This is the AirTouch F20:

Been using a CPAP fo approximately 20 years and have learned that the one pictured above is the best I have found so far.
The ones that just cover the nose are useless to me, and yes, I started out with them.

I'm using the same with a Resmed 10, OEM gasket. The foam one was softer but didn't seal well. have come to realize replacing the facepiece every 3-6 months does help with the seal.

Similar to OP, been a huge snorer for years until finally sorting this. Full face works fine for a side sleeper. It takes a bit to get used to but after several weeks gets better, now it's a non event even when rolling over, etc.

Just give it time and recognize that, even though you may be aware you're waking up some early on, you're still probably getting more/better sleep than you are now.

A tip for mask wearers, I've found over time the side straps foam coming loose and off on these parts, and the straps are not soft. If you find the side straps uncomfortable, these are a great option.

Picked up a set of Pad A Cheek strap pads at CPAP.com, they came up one time, said for $15 what the heck, and man are they great, makes the side straps soft and comfortable, no more lines on your cheeks or glue residue should the factory thin foam move.

https://www.cpap.com/productpa...heek-cpap-mask-cover

How do you do a home sleep study? I spect my dad his this issue, but he’d never go in for an overnight..