Newly diagnosed and confused (Canada)

Yes, it is a good idea to work with someone local when you are starting out. I did that and it was helpful. If you keep reading this forum, you will soon know a lot and can then strike out on your own and perhaps buy online.

I first started buying online when I went to my Provider to get some replacement parts for the mask I was using at that time. I discovered that the parts would cost me within a few dollars of a whole new mask! That's when I began looking online. Things are a lot cheaper. You do need to be careful what online seller you deal with though because shipping costs can get you. The host of this forum, cpap.com is indeed the best bet for everyone, including Canadian online shoppers. Any info on that, you can ask about later.

It appears you can use "Sleepyhead software and it is free (developed by a member of this forum). When you begin to look at your data, you will probably have lots of questions. Ask on the forum and soon you'll be a pro!

I'm glad you got the C-Flex sorted out. For some, the exhalation relief is not helpful but many find it is easier to breath. I have been using cpap for 10 years now and my first machine did not have the exhalation relief. I seemed to do fine. Now, I can't get on without it! It makes a big difference for me.

You're going to do fine. There are lots of people here willing and able to answer your questions, as you have already discovered!

JO'M wrote: the 1st to confirm sleep apnea and the 2nd (a week ago) to get the level of pressure needed (12). Which was a night of torture

This is a good example of why the pressure found in the lab may not be the best pressure for you when you are at home sleeping in the comfort of your own bed.

It is best to get a machine with software and get educated about changing the machine pressure settings. Then you can analyze data every day at home and tweak your pressure settings if necessary. A sleep lab cannot do this.

Good luck,

JO'M wrote:
I checked the C-flex setting and set it at 2 and it was much easier to exhale. I didn't feel that I was drowning in air last night. I slept mostly ok last night, I wake up a lot though.

Yeah -- I was pretty sure from your first explanation that you didn't have C-Flex either ON or set right. If you really want comfort, try it on setting 3.