Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Arlene1963
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by Arlene1963 » Wed Dec 19, 2018 5:11 am

I posted on this thread a few years ago and am pleased to report that my CPAP treatment continues to be very good. Now I can't imagine not hosing up all night. One benefit I noticed over time using CPAP is that my hair, which has always been quite fine has become much fuller. I wonder if better oxygenation at night thanks to resolved OSA has helped? Whatever, I'll take it! :D :lol: Whoohoo!

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OldGnome
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by OldGnome » Thu Jan 10, 2019 2:31 pm

I have been using my CPAP machine for almost three years, nearly to the day.

It took me quite a while to get used to the machine. I tried the humidifier on, then off, then on, then off (and left it there). I couldn't get used to the feeling I was drowning. I used to pull my nose pillow mask off in the middle of the night without waking up. I have reached the point where I use the machine all night, every night, even when I am traveling. I now sleep through the night, which was a very rare occurrence before my machine. I feel much better rested through the day, every day. My sleep doctor tells me my numbers (I'm sorry, but I don't typically commit them to memory and my last appointment was nearly six months ago) are continuing to improve.

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SDBud
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by SDBud » Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:35 pm

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea early in 2018. Got my machine (ResMed AirSense 10) with a nasal mask, through the VA. Started using it.
Had LOTS of problems, couldn't keep the mask on awake OR asleep. Lucky to get an hour use at a time.
After about 3 months, switched to a full face mask (AirFit F10) which helped, but not enough, could get 3-4 hours use on a good night.
In November, underwent a triple cardiac bypass. Had my own mask and tube on a hospital machine, they LOST those when I was in surgery.
Got new tube and mask a week after I was discharged, started using the machine again, and LO AND BEHOLD, kept it on a full 8 hours
or more, and had low events and good to great mask fit. Started waking up MUCH earlier every day, like 7-8am instead of noon,
AND actually felt like getting up instead of staying in bed.
Had a followup yesterday, got a new mask (AirTouch F20), and it fits even better than the F10, down to2 events per hour.
Got my 2nd GOLD rating in 2 months from ResMed.

Yes, I'm VERY happy, and I'm sure my replumbed heart is too..
Airsense 10 Autoset
AirTouch and AirFit F10 masks
:roll:

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Ilikecpap
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by Ilikecpap » Thu Mar 28, 2019 2:19 pm

I've been a successful CPAP user for 7 years now. I was using the Respironics System One 550 Auto machine with the Respironics True Blue mask for all of those years. Two days ago I got a new Respironics DreamStation Auto with a Resmed AirFit N20 Nasal Mask. I always had a low AHI around 2 with my old setup and some minor leaks shown in the data. I use Sleepyhead software and have from the beginning. With my new setup, last night it said mask fit was 100% and AHI was 2.4, which is typical. No leaks! I really like this new mask. No leaks, it stays in place better and feels more comfortable. My pressure has always been fixed at 13 cm H2O. My clinician and I talked about putting the new machine in auto mode (my idea) to see what pressure it would settle on. Yesterday she made the change to auto mode remotely, through the modem. After sleeping last night the average pressure was 11 cm H2O. After a week of reviewing the auto set pressure she will set a new fixed pressure. I don't want to stay on auto mode. So after 7 years of using it, I still like CPAP!

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drumma
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by drumma » Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:01 am

As I got heavier, I found myself sleeping a lot during the day. Combine this with shortness of breath (COPD) and I always snored. Pulmonary doctor did home oxymiser test and suggested sleep apnea. I had the overnight hospital sleep test which I don't think I even slept 2 hours or at least not very well. Their results were 113 per hour by their measurement. I got hooked up with Airsense10 and heated humidified hose to a full face and according to My Air tracking. I am @ less than 5 events per hour and even .5 or less. Doctor sent me home with an oxymiser test pre CPAP and then again after and suggested adding 1 litre of continuous oxygen throughout the night. Having the heated hose I had to add oxygen at the mask and had a terrible time holding a seal with either Simplus, Airfit 20 or Airtouch 20 masks. I bit the bullet and ordered a new heated hose with adapter built in that adds oxygen right at CPAP machine and so far much better results on my oxy meter.? I bought a Simply Go because I didn't want to deal with the larger noisy machine I was given for home use and tanks for daytime away from home use. Simply Go offers both continous up to 2 litre and pulse up 6 litre of wearable or towable with AC DC or battery power. It was an expense, but the convenience for me is worth it! My system is auto set @15, It is monitored by doctor and controlled by CPAP vendor

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handyguy
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Success

Post by handyguy » Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:14 am

After ten years of cpap use, I still sleep through the night comfortably.

Zokaluse
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Newbie loving the success stories

Post by Zokaluse » Sun Apr 07, 2019 12:51 pm

Complete newbie first post after finding this forum searching for information.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2009 after being rubbish after my youngest daughters birth, started treatment & felt a bit better but never got me back.

6/7 years ago I took a turn for the worst..aching joints, exhausted, sleeping 12 hours & then napping on the sofa, no libido, lack of interest in anything, poor memory, miserable, grumpy, irritable, hardly smile & when I do it’s fake as nothing cheers me up or interests me.

Been passed from pillar to post with change in level of thyroxine many times, told I’m Vitamin D deficient take a high supplement, told I’ve got over sensitive brain nerves causing all my issues, lupus by one doctor No you haven’t by another & he insisted was b12 deficiency which came back correct & he said was PA so inject b12 often but I still lay around doing nothing most of the time bar the odd good day or week when I get out & about but then feel worse afterwards!

I’ve always been a snorer & 3 years ago had a deviated septum corrected but still snored.
Should’ve had braces & head gear as a teen for my overbite & too small jaw but wouldn’t but now at 45 I started the process myself with braces. Saw a maxillo facial guy for my continued snoring who said it was probably my too small too set back lower jaw causing it but to do me a mandular splint he needs me to have a teeny bit of sleep apnea to fund it so a sleep study is arranged & I think no way have I got it so it’s going to be a waste of time.
Turns out I have moderate to severe sleep apnea & he can’t do the splint as I need a CPAP at the next level up of treatment & he thinks all my long lasting health issues are down to sleep apnea & I’ll be like a new person (or just the old me would me good!) once I’m consistent withtreatment which he said I must use to save my life.

I have my appointment on Wednesday to get fitted & be given instructions so I’m sure I’ll be back to read as I go as you all seem so knowledgeable!

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Okie bipap
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by Okie bipap » Mon Apr 08, 2019 2:45 pm

When you go, make sure you get a machine that is full data capable, and preferably an auto adjusting machine. Also, when you come back, start a new thread on the forum. Most people do not read posts made in this area.

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Zokaluse
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by Zokaluse » Mon Apr 08, 2019 3:00 pm

Okie bipap wrote:
Mon Apr 08, 2019 2:45 pm
When you go, make sure you get a machine that is full data capable, and preferably an auto adjusting machine. Also, when you come back, start a new thread on the forum. Most people do not read posts made in this area.
Thank you.
I’ll try but it’s through the NHS so I’m thinking I’ll have to take whatever they give me. I will - I read the sticky & will follow the rules in there I just wanted to post on this thread as I read every single post 😁

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kismet210
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by kismet210 » Sat Apr 13, 2019 8:26 pm

It's been about 6 1/2 years since I first started CPAP therapy. My entire life changed for the better in so many huge ways. I still use my CPAP faithfully every night...for every nap...and it always comes with me when I travel now, in case I don't end up coming home so I don't have to worry about it (this especially because a few years ago one night I drove a long drive home not realizing how "foggy" I really was after a particularly stressful, long day. I ran a red light after initially stopping for it and this smooth move was caught on a traffic camera). I also now have a wonderful, loving, caring man in my life that understands CPAP fully as he used to use one himself. Lol...sometimes he checks my mask etc. to make sure "it's all good". If you are new to this treatment and having issues...please don't give up! There is mask out there for everyone...(I LOVE mine!) there is help out there from other users...if your doctor isn't doing anything to help you, find one that will! I can't say enough about CPAP therapy except that every day I thank my lucky stars that it exists...or I would not.

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conv440
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by conv440 » Mon Apr 22, 2019 11:28 am

Hi all,
I'm new to xPAP and this forum. I wanted to share what has so far has been first a hate/hate, then love/hate, and now love/love journey for me so far. I obtained a Resmed S9 from Craigslist and started using it 3/28. I did not get a sleep study or RX due to insurance reasons. From my own frequent awakenings, feedback from my wife and friends during guys weekends my snoring and apnea had become very severe. I was tired all the time and took naps whenever possible. I was permanently annexed down the hall to a guest bedroom (my wife could still hear me down the hall with all the doors closed).
I read everything I could get my hands on about CPAP, learning a lot from youtube and forums like this. The first few nights with a full face mask and max pressure of 20 I would wake around 2:00 am with the mask blowing off my face, rip it off and throw it to the floor. Success for me came from not giving up and constant trial and adjustments of air pressure, mask straps, humidity, hose diameter, mask styles, etc. Last night I had a first AHI of 0.0 and woke feeling amazing (yes I'm bragging a little). My workout at the gym today was so much less draining than it used to be. I know this is just a small victory on a very long road and there will be ebbs and flows to navigate. Hang in there!

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gv280z
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by gv280z » Sat May 18, 2019 11:09 am

I'm turning 3 in about a month!

nightly therapy still going strong 100% and way down in weight from when I first started, lost like 30 lbs in the last year and half. The new ResMed Airfit F30 has also won my heart, or rather stole it away from the Amara View which I loved before but now I just find fussy and finicky, though fairly comfortable. It's like it doesn't have enough contact patch to hold a good seal. I've also got the Dreamwear full and that thing is at the bottom of the heap for me. The rush of air right past the ear is loud and just seems to be fussy as well. The Airfit F30 for me is really user friendly and forgiving, nice large contact patch and rarely leaks, once is adjusted right. It took me a long time to come around to it after I got it because I was so into the Amara View.

One weird thing here lately is my pressures have been dropping to 15 for maybe about the last week or so now when they've always been around 16, 17.5 and sometimes reaching a little higher, closer to 20. I don't know if it's related but I've started running a mile several times a week now for the last month. Does exercise help decrease the severity and frequency of apnea events, even though the body weight is still the same? I've been running but haven't shown any real weight loss yet, but interesting that my pressures have come down. Also getting ready to get an emergency battery backup and a mini pap for travel.

CPAP has saved me and I will tell anybody that'll listen to me about it especially if I think they're a candidate for therapy. Hope everyone is having my level of success!
Yay :D For no more diaphragm cramps and dozing off while driving! :lol:

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LinkC
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Re: Success

Post by LinkC » Wed May 22, 2019 8:42 am

handyguy wrote:
Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:14 am
After ten years of cpap use, I still sleep through the night comfortably.
.
Then you are blessed! Congrats...

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The OSA patient died quietly in his sleep.
Unlike his passengers who died screaming as the car went over the cliff...

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by ChicagoGranny » Thu Jun 06, 2019 2:06 pm

grassbasher wrote:
Wed Jun 05, 2019 10:37 pm
Hello all. Im Gaz from Hampshire UK. I have been on CPAP now for 2.5 years and have to say it has changed my life in a positive way. I have worked hard to regain a decent level of fitness battling through exhaustion and fatigue, its not been easy but I got there! My journey started in November 2016 after diagnosis(severe AHI 30) and I took to CPAP with few problems, had some leak issues but these were minor. Throughout I have concentrated on how I feel day to day and not the science or numbers. Weightloss reduced my condition from severe to mild though still requiring therapy, no big deal as I sleep so well on it. I now work out every day doing lots of cardio HIIT training and also weights. I feel fantastic and am getting into good shape for an old man! I am so fortunate to have no other ailments(yet!). I have kept a very close eye on my neck size which is 16" down from 18.5" and it will be interesting to see what increased muscle mass has changed in regards to the OSA.
Recently I was asked to contribute a short account of my journey for the UK charity Hope2Sleep and if you wish you can read it following the link:
https://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/sleep-apno ... -gary.html

I was told by many that this was not possible......bloody naysayers! Well as you can see it is and if just one life is changed then its worth every ounce of effort. I thought my life was coming to an end when in reality it has only just begun.


viewtopic/t176030/My-success-on-CPAP.html

Diotima
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Re: Newbie would like to hear success stories, please.

Post by Diotima » Sat Jun 22, 2019 5:49 am

I've only been using CPAP for 2 months but I'll break it down in bullet points

Before CPAP

- I had frequent or daily headaches. At the time I attributed these to lack of sleep and stressful military work.
- Getting up in morning felt like a huge endevour and it would take me 2 hours to even "feel awake"
- I used to lay in bed some afternoons and just feel a sense of unwell as if my lungs were tired. I would do rapid in and out breaths give myself the impression of forcing more oxygen into me
- My parents on a roadtrip after military told me (well my mom since she stays up) that my breathing sounded strange or labored during sleep
- Staying alert during meetings was a struggle for years... lots of yawning.
- On my days off or early from school I frequently took naps which would turn into 1-2 hour naps ruining my ability to sleep properly
- I was up at all hours of the day and struggled with keeping a sleep schedule
- I never told anyone this at the VA but I frequently struggled with depression and rare but they did happen suicidal thoughts.

I had 1 home sleep study done in 2015 which was "inconclusive" and a in-lab study which said it was normal... no sleep apnea.... I never got the results from the VA. I had this sleep study done as a part of my C&P claims process within 1 year of getting out of military (more on that later).

Fast forward a few years I am feeling like absolute dog shit and I request another home sleep study. I could have done a in-lab study but at the time I was getting ready to graduate with a engineering degree. The home study told the sleep tech that I had "mild" sleep apnea with 9 events per hour.... but I would have apneas where I stopped breathing more than 80 seconds. I was prescribed a CPAP due to this. As for the previous study I am suspicious that I had similar results but for some reason they didn't take it as seriously as they did this time. I do plan on trying to do another VA claim at somepoint over that.

AFTER CPAP

- I have more energy and feel more functional during my new job (no longer a intern!)
- I still yawn but it's not nearly as bad as before
- I wake up feeling refreshed rather than like the living dead
- I can feel alert within 15 minutes of moving around
- I have more energy to go to gym and feel more productive in gym when I go
- I can now reliably sleep from 9 pm till 5 am for work every night and I understand the importance of going to bed early
- Eliminated my naps largely.. although I''ll still very rarely take one (maybe once a week versus the 5+ a week I was at before)
- I have a brighter outlook on the world, I don't feel depressed and have no more suicidal thoughts.


While my SA is "mild" it sure didn't feel like it and I feel a lot better now. I use OSCAR (occasionally but its a pain in the ass to transfer over) to monitor sleep pressure ramping up and down throughout the night which is indicative of reacting to events.