Just ordered apap - nervous

[rubygirl1968]

I'm recently diagnosed ( AHI/RDI 28.1, SAT < 88% FOR 22 MIN, MOD SLEEP APNEA; APAP 4-20).

I decided to buy a machine outright since my insurance deductible is ridiculous and I'm super nervous. I ordered the S9 Autoset with humidifier for her and an Airfit 10 full face mask.

I've read as many reviews as I can and hope that I made a wise decision. The mask I can return if I don't like it, the machine I can't. It's supposed to be here early next week so hopefully I'll get used to it and feel like I've slept by the end of the month.

[spmccord]

Despite your deductible, I would reconsider and run the Apap through your insurance. Assuming your DME is in network, your insurance company has negotiated substantial discounts for services that the DME must write off.

[robysue]

I'm recently diagnosed ( AHI/RDI 28.1, SAT < 88% FOR 22 MIN, MOD SLEEP APNEA; APAP 4-20).

I decided to buy a machine outright since my insurance deductible is ridiculous and I'm super nervous. I ordered the S9 Autoset with humidifier for her and an Airfit 10 full face mask.

I've read as many reviews as I can and hope that I made a wise decision.

The S9 AutoSet for Her is a fine APAP. Most likely you'll be quite happy with the machine.

[Pugsy]

I agree with RobySue. That machine is a fine machine.
Only concern I might remotely have at this point is that setting range of 4 to 20. You may or may not be entirely comfortable at the starting point of 4 and if you want to use EPR exhale relief it can't work its magic if you are at 4 cm because that machine won't/can't go lower than 4 cm.
So if you try it and are comfortable...go for it and use SleepyHead to see how things are going.
If you aren't comfortable at 4 cm starting point and instead feel short of breath or suffocated...come back here and we can offer some ideas to help with the discomfort.

[Janknitz]

Here's a thought--if you paid for it out of pocket and can't return it, you'll be that much more motivated to make it work.

To quote Martha Stewart, "that's a good thing."

It's about the best machine you can get, so it's unlikely you'd want a different machine unless you absolutely have to have the latest and greatest (the newer model of ResMed is available and great).

[SewTired]

RubyGirl, I think you will be happy with your machine. The S9 is a great machine. The only problem I had with it was a tendency for my cat to step on the on/off button during the night. This did not, in fact, wake me up but made me wonder for quite awhile when reviewing my data in Sleepyhead...what the heck is that?.

I also agree with others. After you get your machine, contact your insurance company and find out if they reimburse at some percentage out-of-network. If yours is a Medicare or Medicaid supplemental, then they can't, but most other insurances usually have such an option.

[rubygirl1968]

Well, it came yesterday so I hooked it up last night and tried it - it was interesting, to say the least.

I followed the directions but was still quite surprised when I first turned it on and felt the air coming out - I don't like air blowing in my face so it took a little while to get used it but I finally fell asleep. I remember waking up in the middle of the night feeling like I couldn't breathe and I took it off. I didn't have time this morning before I left for work to download any data but the readings on the machine said pressure - 8.8, AHI 1.8, usage 3.8 hrs, and leak rate was 19.

Looks like the mask needs more adjusting and I need to figure how to change the minimum pressure, right now it's just the generic 4 - 20.

I'm sure it will get better. I keep reading all these stories of how people finally feel rested and I want that so bad.

[daddyof7]

Hang in there even if you can't go all night with it. Over time it will get better and soon you will look forward to getting in bed and using it. It took me several months to really get used to mine, several mask changes and finally started reaping the benefits from the therapy. I wouldn't want to sleep any other way now. Keep coming back here to vent your frustrations or ask questions, this is a terrific place to get very helpful support from very caring and sympathetic people.

Best wishes for your success!

[rubygirl1968]

http://i.imgur.com/VwY5MOj.png

http://i.imgur.com/emhW9JM.png

Sleepyhead data from last night. I did keep it on last night but think the mask is an issue. I've got it as tight as I can get it. I may have to exchange it or something. It keeps leaking.

[ChicagoGranny]

I've got it as tight as I can get it.

Tight is wrong! Watch the manufacturer's videos for instructions on use - https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

Some additional tips -

To reduce unintentional mask leak -

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.

- If your mask still has excessive leak, try other masks. Many people report trying several masks before they find one that works well for them.

Note: Links to just about all of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

- CG