Re: CPAP - OT/More questions

[Guest guest]

I too just got my diagnosis of Sleep Apnea (which I began pursuing as

my first real co-morbidity to help getting insurance approval for

WLS). I just started on the CPAP machine 2 nights ago. I am one of

the lucky ones in that my insurance is covering the equipment 100%!

(And go figure, I am expecting a battle to get the surgery

approved...)

My setting is a 13 but the machine starts at a 5 and works up to a 13

over 20 minutes. I use the nose pillows (based on a recommendation

from this list) and I find them quite tolerable. I also have the

'humidifier' attachment which is no more than a container of

distilled water that the air passes over. I noticed an improvement

in my sleep the first night they tried me on the CPAP in the sleep

lab. They said I was " REMming like crazy " otherwise known as a

rebound effect of going REM deprived for so long.

So now after the 2nd consecutive night on the machine my nose is

feeling a bit raw and dry and stretched. I guess I need to play

around with the fit of the headgear to find what is most comfortable

and still stays on through a variety of movements. I do feel more

" clear-headed " with a better concentration level and I haven't been

super drowsy during the day. Still can't help feeling like a Cyborg

in bed, though! Luckily my husband is a Star Trek fan! LOL!

Terri Hassiak

BMI 60

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=H980366398

maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe will be switched 5/9/01!

email(no spaces): bunsofluff @ hotmail.com

> Okay,

>

> I just got diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea and I

just got fitted for a C-PAP machine. (Another reason for me to have

WLS). What I was wondering was how long it took someone to get used

to using it ? The final adjustment we decided on (8) at least made it

so I didn't feel like I had to gasp for air, but it still felt really

weird and it felt like the inside of my nose was sore afterwards. He

(Neil, the Sleep Apnea coordinator, said that wasn't abnormal, but

we'd see if I need a humidifier or if I'd just get used to it, etc).

What I want to know is how long it took to get used to it and when

did it start helping ?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Anita

> Pre-pre-op in Denver

[Guest guest]

*ROFLMAO* Terri, I love the Star Trek comment I haven't seen the

nasal pillows one, although I didn't really peek in the box of masks

he had. He just had me try a standard small one first. (I have a

little head and wear junior glasses and ski goggles, etc which is why

I feel like the shrunken head guy from Beetlejuice being MO! *rolls*)

Oh well, I'm hoping I'll be more proportional after my BPD/DS I

think I'll get a humidifier as I really want to get the most benefit

out of this CPAP machine.

Thanks,

Anita

Pre-pre-op in Denver

> > Okay,

> >

> > I just got diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea and I

> just got fitted for a C-PAP machine. (Another reason for me to have

> WLS). What I was wondering was how long it took someone to get

used

> to using it ? The final adjustment we decided on (8) at least made

it

> so I didn't feel like I had to gasp for air, but it still felt

really

> weird and it felt like the inside of my nose was sore afterwards.

He

> (Neil, the Sleep Apnea coordinator, said that wasn't abnormal, but

> we'd see if I need a humidifier or if I'd just get used to it,

etc).

> What I want to know is how long it took to get used to it and when

> did it start helping ?

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Anita

> > Pre-pre-op in Denver