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Posted by Charlie Smith on March 05, 1998 at 19:21:17:In Reply to: Getting Used to CPAP--A Few Questions posted by John on March 05, 1998 at 18:36:58:
Your questions are not weird. I am also on CPAP for now the 3rd week and have the same questions. I have already made several mistakes. The first is that you can only rent the machine. Everything else, mask, hose, humidifiers, harnesses, chin straps, etc. are all user items which are only sold, to prevent cross infection or contamination. I found this out the hard way when, although I specifically requested a heated humidifier, was instructed that I needed to try the passover first, because otherwise insurance would not cover a heated. Of course, it was inadequate, and I was unable to return the $150 passover humidifier.
I now have the sullivan humidair heated humidifier along with a sullivan V elite CPAP. This humidifier is very nice and helps reduce dryness and nasal congestion significantly. My doctor also put me on FLonase, since I have been using AFrin nightly for years. Its not as effective, but supposedly takes up to several weeks to be fully effective.
I went ahead and bought the mirage mask and also nasal pillows. I figure that if I am going to be using this for the rest of my life, its worth the effort to figure out what I like and don't like. I also hear good things about the phantom mask from sleepnet. The mirage leaks easily, but I find it much more comfortable than the nasal pillows. I tried the nasal pillows, and it was OK for 2 nights, but I had to rip it off the 3rd. I have also heard that the nasal pillows are much more comfortable if you use the 45 degree adapter. I've ordered one to check it out.
Meanwhile, I'm checking out CPAP machines. The DPAP from sleepnet is very interesting, as are the newer self titrating units from respironics. I have a question posted to see what others are using and am awaiting some responses. The Sullivan V elite is light and compact, and seems to work fairly well.
Good luck with your CPAP. I'm having nearly an identical experience as yours. Not as dramatic as I hoped, but not as sleepy during the day. I've been a confirmed night person for years, but now find myself in bed by 11 or 12, and easily up at 7:30, whereas I used to be happy if I could lay in bed until noon. Most nights I still wake up several times, and generally tolerate the CPAP OK. However, some nights, I just want to rip it off, and can't go to sleep. My friend on CPAP for several years told me that its easy after a while. I'm hoping.
Charlie
- Re: Getting Used to CPAP--A Few Questions Brian 3/06/98 (1)
- Re: Getting Used to CPAP--A Few Questions Tom Griffith 3/15/98 (0)
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