Posted by Bird Watcher on May 07, 2008 at 06:19:55:

In Reply to: Trying to understand new CPAP posted by Accx4 on May 02, 2008 at 15:23:31:

I can answer a few of your questions. Sleep hygiene is/are the daily practices (usually before bedtime) that promote better sleep. Things like not eating big meals before bedtime and not having caffine after 5:00 pm. The list can get long depending on the person and expands eventually for everyone once you start to understand why you have a sleep problem in the first place. Sleep hygiene also includes things like keeping the bedrom clean and fresh.

Your AHI figures are still kind of high and this may indicate that you should probably go back for a follow up study to have your pressure adjusted. If you cannot achieve an AHI of 5 or less after some period of trial and error, you may need to go to a higher technology machine. You also need to be thinking about using a nasal only mask. This is the preferred method over a FF mask.

You asked about follow up to your condition and where you go from here. You will likely be on CPAP indefinately if you continue with your same diet and exercise level. Go to any library or larger book store. Go to the health and diet section and see how many books have been written by well meaning people urging changes to diet and promoting regular exercise. This whole experience of needing the 'Macheeen' should be your cue that you need to pay more attention to what you eat and your daily exercise. By doing so you will improve your sleep with or without the CPAP. Doctors do a good job handing out a prescription for, say, high blood pressure, but sometimes have problems telling people they need to change their lifestyles. I am not a doctor. Good luck, my friend.

Follow Ups:

---

Copyright ©1995-2008 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved