I tried 2 CPAP masks last night. I started with a full one and I had difficulty with it, as soon as I went on my side it leaked. It was very sweaty and claustrophobic as well as putting pressure on parts of my face. Then I tried a nasal only one and found that so much better. Rotten bed in hospital and I should have taken my own pillow, BUT we got through it. They did have a humidifier fitted and the machine was a Fisher & Paykel. It was not a real pleasant experience but I did what I had to and feel that I will be ok wearing the smaller mask in my own bed and environs. That with the encouragement from forum members I believe I WILL see an improvement in my quality of life.
Aussie Paul.
Big Gorilla said
01:16 PM Sep 3, 2014
Hope all works out well for you, your daughter and grand daughter....
aussie_paul said
01:39 PM Sep 3, 2014
Big Gorilla wrote:
Hope all works out well for you, your daughter and grand daughter....
Thanks Ken, at least my health has now improved enough to be able to enjoy grandkids and touring. 3 years ago I was not mentally capable, so glad they waited...Smelling the roses is bloody good fun....
Paul, as you are on a disability Pension, I do think you will be eligible for a Free machine...
You need to check out and see if they have a Sleep study group in Ballerat, I know there is one near me in Frankston, that is where I did my study...
The Machine has been good... My time of use has been increasing.. Originally I was just under 4hr's before I seemed to pull the mask off.. Now I find that I will pull it off during the night but then I will put it back on.. So I'm getting a full night sleep..
Paul, as you are on a disability Pension, I do think you will be eligible for a Free machine...
You need to check out and see if they have a Sleep study group in Ballerat, I know there is one near me in Frankston, that is where I did my study...
The Machine has been good... My time of use has been increasing.. Originally I was just under 4hr's before I seemed to pull the mask off.. Now I find that I will pull it off during the night but then I will put it back on.. So I'm getting a full night sleep..
Thanks Juergen, today has been a bit hectic!!! Tomorrow I am going to the Ballarat sleep study centre, where I did my study, to sus out machines etc. I will probably hire some gear to get me going while I am wheeling and dealing.
No luck today with CPAP dealings. I have to wait for the sleep Dr to receive the letter from the sleep study people and THEN start with machines, masks etc. Approx 2 weeks, so I have to just chill until then.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
06:56 PM Sep 19, 2014
Yesterday I received my prescription for my CPAP machine. The pressure nominated is 8 and the mask is a Respironics Nuance nasal pillow, size medium. Also test was with Humidification.
I hope to be getting a system this coming week. Also hoping to qualify for a State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP). Our daughter in law works in the Ballarat health Services and is making it easier for me to get correct info. I was getting shoved from one department to another and there seemed to be politics involved between sleep stud doctor and various health departments!!!!!!!!
Aussie Paul.
Big Gorilla said
07:38 PM Sep 19, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
Yesterday I received my prescription for my CPAP machine. The pressure nominated is 8 and the mask is a Respironics Nuance nasal pillow, size medium. Also test was with Humidification.
I hope to be getting a system this coming week. Also hoping to qualify for a State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP). Our daughter in law works in the Ballarat health Services and is making it easier for me to get correct info. I was getting shoved from one department to another and there seemed to be politics involved between sleep stud doctor and various health departments!!!!!!!!
Aussie Paul.
Hope it works for you Paul. I'll be making an appointment next week with two or three Dentists in Cebu City to try and decide if I'll go ahead with the mouthpiece. The highest quote was $250.00 in our money so probably worth a try. I'll keep you informed..
aussie_paul said
07:39 PM Sep 19, 2014
Hope it works for you Paul. I'll be making an appointment next week with two or three Dentists in Cebu City to try and decide if I'll go ahead with the mouthpiece. The highest quote was $250.00 in our money so probably worth a try. I'll keep you informed..
Thanks BG, and good luck with your endeavour.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
12:44 PM Sep 23, 2014
Well!!! I have been shoved from pillar to post by various agencies getting to the bottom of a funded CPAP machine, BUT, now have all the paperwork on its way. I hope to have the machine before the end of next week. Machine is funded, belongs to the local health service, and I buy and own my mask.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
11:09 PM Oct 5, 2014
I had to email a scanned copy of my disability pension card to the health authorities on Friday. I hope to be able to get my CPAP machine tomorrow.
Aussie Paul.
Big Gorilla said
09:48 AM Oct 6, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
I had to email a scanned copy of my disability pension card to the health authorities on Friday. I hope to be able to get my CPAP machine tomorrow.
Aussie Paul.
Good luck with the machine Paul. I'm going into the big City today for a dental appointment to see if they can make the mouthpiece I mentioned earlier...
aussie_paul said
01:54 AM Oct 7, 2014
Big Gorilla wrote:
aussie_paul wrote:
I had to email a scanned copy of my disability pension card to the health authorities on Friday. I hope to be able to get my CPAP machine tomorrow.
Aussie Paul.
Good luck with the machine Paul. I'm going into the big City today for a dental appointment to see if they can make the mouthpiece I mentioned earlier...
Good luck with it BG. I have an appointment today at 3.00pm to get kitted out.
Aussie Paul.
Big Gorilla said
10:03 AM Oct 9, 2014
Went to see 2 Dentists yesterday, one said cannot do, other said can do. Waiting on e-mail back with specifics and cost... How u handling the CPAP ?
aussie_paul said
10:54 AM Oct 9, 2014
Big Gorilla wrote:
Went to see 2 Dentists yesterday, one said cannot do, other said can do. Waiting on e-mail back with specifics and cost... How u handling the CPAP ?
Morning BG. I have had 2 nights now. This morning was not as comfortable waking up as we had turned the humidifier down. My mouth felt dry and yucky as if I had drunk 6 bottles of your red!! felt like a hangover without the fun of getting it!!! The first night, once I got the mask comfortable, I was able to sleep well. I had to get up twice for loo and settled back to sleep easily. I kept mask fitted and disconnected the hose. I guess I looked like a baby elephant with a floppy trunk. The first night the machine used 6 mm of the water in the supply and last night almost nothing.
It will probably take several weeks/months with adjustments until we get it right. The average person in my situation stops breathing briefly 0-5 times an hour. My sleep study showed 27 for me. This CPAP machine has a SD card and the provider can read that, and in consultation with sleep doctor can make adjustments to lower that number down to less than 5.
These machines now are quite a sophisticated machine and the medical knowledge of sleep apnea is so much better than 10 years ago when our son was using one until he lost weight.
So, I am on the way BG, hopefully to a less exhausted lifestyle.
Now to get the instruction books and and have a read!!!
Aussie Paul.
Oops, per hour, not per day.AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) is the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Or an index for sleep apnea. 5-20 mild, 21-50 moderate, above 50 severe.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 9th of October 2014 10:57:13 AM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 9th of October 2014 06:55:02 PM
Hope it works for you Paul. I really don't want to use a machine again even though you say they are more sophisticated now. Also it would be a real pain traveling overseas and in my MH. I'm hanging out for this mouthpiece so see what the proposal is and cost from this Dentist. I realize this post is only you and I but I hope others reading it will find it helpful if they have the same problem.
Here is a photo of the mouthpiece I want to have made:
I realize this post is only you and I but I hope others reading it will find it helpful if they have the same problem.
Exactly BG.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
04:26 PM Oct 26, 2014
We continue the CPAP journey, these are the results from the last 5 nights. As a matter of interest I wonder what setting all you CPAP users out there are using?
Paul you seem to be Lucky.. I think I was 90+ per hr..
Juergen
aussie_paul said
07:02 PM Oct 27, 2014
What CPAP pressure are you on Juergen?
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
07:58 PM Oct 31, 2014
The saga continues, since I came home from the second "shoulder" trip to hospital I was able to use the CPAP 9 days in a row. I had two nights where I must have been restless and ended up with the mask off. BUT the other nights great. I have an appointment with sleep doctor Monday and will get a printout from my machine to take to him. Not sure how he will handle my increasing the pressure from his prescribed 8.0 to 11.0!!!! I tried 12 but that was one of those restless nights. A couple of mornings ago I awoke at 6.30 for a loo break and looked at the AHI reading for the previous 7 hours and it was 4.7, very pleased I was. I went back to sleep for another couple of hours and the reading for that time was 7.6. Considering my sleep study report was 27. Not sure if I am getting benefit yet as the interruptions with trips to hospital and the shoulder operation has no doubt played a part.
Definition....AHI is used to evaluate. ApnoeaHypopnoea Index(AHI) is an index used to indicate the severity ofsleep apnea. It is represented by the number ofapneaandhypopneaevents per hour of sleep. The apneas (pauses in breathing) must last for at least 10 seconds and are associated with a decrease in blood oxygenation. Combining AHI andoxygen desaturationgives an overall sleep apnea severity score that evaluates both number sleep disruptions and degree of oxygen desaturation (low blood level).
The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea events by the number of hours of sleep. AHI values are categorized as:[1][2]
Normal: 0-4
Mild Sleep Apnea: 5-14
Moderate Sleep Apnea: 15-29
Severe Sleep Apnea: 30 or more
Aussie Paul.
Big Gorilla said
09:07 PM Oct 31, 2014
Still evaluating my mouthpiece Paul. Forgot it for 3 nights. Finding it hard to sleep with my mouth closed over it. Bloody thing fell out of my mouth last night while asleep. Had to get up, on the light and look for the damn thing.... Stop laughing at me !!!
aussie_paul said
09:24 PM Oct 31, 2014
Big Gorilla wrote:
Still evaluating my mouthpiece Paul. Forgot it for 3 nights. Finding it hard to sleep with my mouth closed over it. Bloody thing fell out of my mouth last night while asleep. Had to get up, on the light and look for the damn thing.... Stop laughing at me !!!
No, not laughing BG. Just smirking a little.
I hope you get the hang of it and it does its job.
Aussie Paul.
Blue said
03:15 PM Nov 1, 2014
congratulations Paul !!
aussie_paul said
10:23 PM Nov 4, 2014
I had an appointment with sleep Doc yesterday. He was not overly impressed that I had up the pressure from his prescribed 8 to 11!! He said to put it down to 9. I did that last night BUT was almost short of breath. Tonight I will try 10. My AHI went up a little with the setting on 9. He says that with my disabilities it may take longer than average to finally feel the benefits. He is sure that my exhaustion will improve, so hang in there until it happens.
BG, how are you going with your mouth splint?
Aussie Paul.
12 results of my AHI
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 4th of November 2014 10:25:13 PM
I guess it takes a while to get the pressure setting just right. Keep on trying.
I'm not sure about the mouth piece Paul. Some nights I forget to put it in, I suspect purposely. I'm still finding it difficult to sleep with my mouth closed. I often wake to find my mouth open and the plate has come unstuck. Might have to invest in some duct tape to shut my mouth...But I'll keep trying..
aussie_paul said
01:15 PM Nov 6, 2014
Big Gorilla wrote:
I guess it takes a while to get the pressure setting just right. Keep on trying.
I'm not sure about the mouth piece Paul. Some nights I forget to put it in, I suspect purposely. I'm still finding it difficult to sleep with my mouth closed. I often wake to find my mouth open and the plate has come unstuck. Might have to invest in some duct tape to shut my mouth...But I'll keep trying..
Hang in there, and persevere Ken.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
08:56 PM Nov 28, 2014
Continuing my CPAP saga. No, not really a saga at all. I have now downloaded software to read the SD card in my CPAP machine to get the info that the medicos use to evaluate my progress. I am going very well with it and wearing the nasal pillow mask is not a problem. I used to get up to the loo 2 or 3 times a night, now I go all night. They tell me it could make my Diabetes control easier and there is less pressure on my heart, of course Eril reckons the lack of my snoring is not half bad either.
Next Friday we are leaving for Loxton again to use the last 5 days of our travel auction. A free camp on the way up and several on the way back. I have just been out in the van on my hands and bloody knees testing my new 300 watt inverter with my CPAP machine. With humidifier on it is drawing 8 to 10 amps from the batteries. Without the humidifier approx. 2 amps. I now need to see now if I can be comfortable without the humidifier. Might try it tonight, so I can always turn it on. Always best to test when there is a plan B!!!!
Aussie Paul.
Appropriate logo.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Saturday 29th of November 2014 03:28:28 PM
I tried 2 CPAP masks last night. I started with a full one and I had difficulty with it, as soon as I went on my side it leaked. It was very sweaty and claustrophobic as well as putting pressure on parts of my face. Then I tried a nasal only one and found that so much better. Rotten bed in hospital and I should have taken my own pillow, BUT we got through it. They did have a humidifier fitted and the machine was a Fisher & Paykel. It was not a real pleasant experience but I did what I had to and feel that I will be ok wearing the smaller mask in my own bed and environs. That with the encouragement from forum members I believe I WILL see an improvement in my quality of life.
Aussie Paul.
Hope all works out well for you, your daughter and grand daughter....
Thanks Ken, at least my health has now improved enough to be able to enjoy grandkids and touring. 3 years ago I was not mentally capable, so glad they waited...Smelling the roses is bloody good fun....
Aussie Paul.
Now researching CPAP machines and masks. Also found this fwiw, http://cpapvictoria.com.au/somnoguard-mandibular-advancement-splint-p-92.html
Aussie Paul.
Paul, as you are on a disability Pension, I do think you will be eligible for a Free machine...
You need to check out and see if they have a Sleep study group in Ballerat, I know there is one near me in Frankston, that is where I did my study...
The Machine has been good... My time of use has been increasing.. Originally I was just under 4hr's before I seemed to pull the mask off.. Now I find that I will pull it off during the night but then I will put it back on.. So I'm getting a full night sleep..
Sleep Study Centre
There is the center in Ballerat
Hope that helps you out...
Juergen
Post any Links for Machines etc from USofA
Thanks Juergen, today has been a bit hectic!!! Tomorrow I am going to the Ballarat sleep study centre, where I did my study, to sus out machines etc. I will probably hire some gear to get me going while I am wheeling and dealing.
USA link www.1800cpap.com.
Aussie Paul.
No luck today with CPAP dealings. I have to wait for the sleep Dr to receive the letter from the sleep study people and THEN start with machines, masks etc. Approx 2 weeks, so I have to just chill until then.
Aussie Paul.
Yesterday I received my prescription for my CPAP machine. The pressure nominated is 8 and the mask is a Respironics Nuance nasal pillow, size medium. Also test was with Humidification.
I hope to be getting a system this coming week. Also hoping to qualify for a State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP). Our daughter in law works in the Ballarat health Services and is making it easier for me to get correct info. I was getting shoved from one department to another and there seemed to be politics involved between sleep stud doctor and various health departments!!!!!!!!
Aussie Paul.
Hope it works for you Paul. I'll be making an appointment next week with two or three Dentists in Cebu City to try and decide if I'll go ahead with the mouthpiece. The highest quote was $250.00 in our money so probably worth a try. I'll keep you informed..
Thanks BG, and good luck with your endeavour.
Aussie Paul.
Well!!! I have been shoved from pillar to post by various agencies getting to the bottom of a funded CPAP machine, BUT, now have all the paperwork on its way. I hope to have the machine before the end of next week. Machine is funded, belongs to the local health service, and I buy and own my mask.
Aussie Paul.
I had to email a scanned copy of my disability pension card to the health authorities on Friday. I hope to be able to get my CPAP machine tomorrow.
Aussie Paul.
Good luck with the machine Paul. I'm going into the big City today for a dental appointment to see if they can make the mouthpiece I mentioned earlier...
Good luck with it BG. I have an appointment today at 3.00pm to get kitted out.
Aussie Paul.
Went to see 2 Dentists yesterday, one said cannot do, other said can do. Waiting on e-mail back with specifics and cost... How u handling the CPAP ?
Morning BG. I have had 2 nights now. This morning was not as comfortable waking up as we had turned the humidifier down. My mouth felt dry and yucky as if I had drunk 6 bottles of your red!! felt like a hangover without the fun of getting it!!! The first night, once I got the mask comfortable, I was able to sleep well. I had to get up twice for loo and settled back to sleep easily. I kept mask fitted and disconnected the hose. I guess I looked like a baby elephant with a floppy trunk.
The first night the machine used 6 mm of the water in the supply and last night almost nothing.
It will probably take several weeks/months with adjustments until we get it right. The average person in my situation stops breathing briefly 0-5 times an hour. My sleep study showed 27 for me. This CPAP machine has a SD card and the provider can read that, and in consultation with sleep doctor can make adjustments to lower that number down to less than 5.
These machines now are quite a sophisticated machine and the medical knowledge of sleep apnea is so much better than 10 years ago when our son was using one until he lost weight.
So, I am on the way BG, hopefully to a less exhausted lifestyle.
Now to get the instruction books and and have a read!!!
Oops, per hour, not per day. AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) is the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Or an index for sleep apnea. 5-20 mild, 21-50 moderate, above 50 severe.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 9th of October 2014 10:57:13 AM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 9th of October 2014 06:55:02 PM
Hope it works for you Paul. I really don't want to use a machine again even though you say they are more sophisticated now. Also it would be a real pain traveling overseas and in my MH. I'm hanging out for this mouthpiece so see what the proposal is and cost from this Dentist. I realize this post is only you and I but I hope others reading it will find it helpful if they have the same problem.
Here is a photo of the mouthpiece I want to have made:
I realize this post is only you and I but I hope others reading it will find it helpful if they have the same problem.
Exactly BG.
Aussie Paul.
We continue the CPAP journey, these are the results from the last 5 nights. As a matter of interest I wonder what setting all you CPAP users out there are using?
Aussie Paul.
Juergen
What CPAP pressure are you on Juergen?
Aussie Paul.
The saga continues, since I came home from the second "shoulder" trip to hospital I was able to use the CPAP 9 days in a row. I had two nights where I must have been restless and ended up with the mask off. BUT the other nights great. I have an appointment with sleep doctor Monday and will get a printout from my machine to take to him. Not sure how he will handle my increasing the pressure from his prescribed 8.0 to 11.0!!!! I tried 12 but that was one of those restless nights. A couple of mornings ago I awoke at 6.30 for a loo break and looked at the AHI reading for the previous 7 hours and it was 4.7, very pleased I was. I went back to sleep for another couple of hours and the reading for that time was 7.6. Considering my sleep study report was 27. Not sure if I am getting benefit yet as the interruptions with trips to hospital and the shoulder operation has no doubt played a part.
Definition....AHI is used to evaluate. ApnoeaHypopnoea Index (AHI) is an index used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea. It is represented by the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. The apneas (pauses in breathing) must last for at least 10 seconds and are associated with a decrease in blood oxygenation. Combining AHI and oxygen desaturation gives an overall sleep apnea severity score that evaluates both number sleep disruptions and degree of oxygen desaturation (low blood level).
The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea events by the number of hours of sleep. AHI values are categorized as:[1][2]
Aussie Paul.
Still evaluating my mouthpiece Paul. Forgot it for 3 nights. Finding it hard to sleep with my mouth closed over it. Bloody thing fell out of my mouth last night while asleep. Had to get up, on the light and look for the damn thing.... Stop laughing at me !!!
No, not laughing BG. Just smirking a little.
I hope you get the hang of it and it does its job.
Aussie Paul.
I had an appointment with sleep Doc yesterday. He was not overly impressed that I had up the pressure from his prescribed 8 to 11!! He said to put it down to 9. I did that last night BUT was almost short of breath. Tonight I will try 10. My AHI went up a little with the setting on 9. He says that with my disabilities it may take longer than average to finally feel the benefits. He is sure that my exhaustion will improve, so hang in there until it happens.
BG, how are you going with your mouth splint?
Aussie Paul.
12 results of my AHI
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 4th of November 2014 10:25:13 PM
I guess it takes a while to get the pressure setting just right. Keep on trying.
I'm not sure about the mouth piece Paul. Some nights I forget to put it in, I suspect purposely. I'm still finding it difficult to sleep with my mouth closed. I often wake to find my mouth open and the plate has come unstuck. Might have to invest in some duct tape to shut my mouth...But I'll keep trying..
Hang in there, and persevere Ken.
Aussie Paul.
Continuing my CPAP saga. No, not really a saga at all. I have now downloaded software to read the SD card in my CPAP machine to get the info that the medicos use to evaluate my progress. I am going very well with it and wearing the nasal pillow mask is not a problem. I used to get up to the loo 2 or 3 times a night, now I go all night. They tell me it could make my Diabetes control easier and there is less pressure on my heart, of course Eril reckons the lack of my snoring is not half bad either.
Next Friday we are leaving for Loxton again to use the last 5 days of our travel auction. A free camp on the way up and several on the way back. I have just been out in the van on my hands and bloody knees testing my new 300 watt inverter with my CPAP machine. With humidifier on it is drawing 8 to 10 amps from the batteries. Without the humidifier approx. 2 amps. I now need to see now if I can be comfortable without the humidifier. Might try it tonight, so I can always turn it on. Always best to test when there is a plan B!!!!
Aussie Paul.
Appropriate logo.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Saturday 29th of November 2014 03:28:28 PM