Sleep Apnea…………………..?
I know little about it but I was diagnosed. I am getting a CP AP machine soon. All I know is that I have 32 incidents an hour.
1) They sent me home with a mask, but yesterday, said they ordered one? Is there 2 masks? I am confused on this one….
2) Once I get the CP AP machine, will I feel better? How long does it take to feel good again?
3) Is my sleep apnea considered moderate or severe? I read contradictory websites, some say moderate, some say severe, who is right?
4) How long does it take to get used to the machine?
5) Anything else you can tell me, I mean anything at all would be great.
Thank you. I am asking the VA these questions whenever they call back, but they are slow and sometimes don’t even bother calling back, I can have the machine for a month before they decide to call back, Lol. So I’m trying to find out the information.
Tagged with: mask • masks • sleep
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
I have sleep apnea also.
1 – there is only one mask. As to why they gave you one and then ordered you another….I can’t say
2 – Lets say you will sleep better and better sleep usually means feeling better. I started to notice a difference right away. I was sleeping soundly for about 4 to 5 hours a night. Not long enough, but the sleep I was getting seemed to be more restful.
3 – 32 episodes in one hour is alot. I had a total of 365 episodes during one 8 hour sleep session. I stopped breathing several times during the night and kept coming up out of the deep sleep that is needed to feel rested. I am considered moderately severe. My setting on the C-Pap is 14.
4 – It does feel weird having a mask stuck on your face. You get tangled up in the hose once in awhile. But after about a week I found I was sleeping okay without too many problems
5 – can’t think of anything else. If they gave you a machine with a air humidifer on it, make sure that you use distilled water. Wash your mask nightly and the hose weekly. I was told to use baby shampoo, anything else is too harsh.
Good luck and I hope you have good results.
CPAP is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
The most likely sent you home with the mask you used for the test. Many times they just through that one away. Might as well give it to you to use as an extra. The home care company can provide you with 2 masks per year at no or little cost to you.
5 or more an hour will qualify you for a Cpap. I have heard of 62 an hour. I would say this is moderate.
Some take longer to get used to the machine but once you do, you will not want to sleep without it. Yes it can be that big of a difference.
Cpap therapy only works if you used the machine. Many machines today will record you usage and can be downloaded by the home care company.