CPAP Machine

[BJ_1]

I will be purchasing a cpap machine next week for my sleep apnea and wondered if anyone had any tips or advice on what I should be looking for or at when purchasing one.  Also does anyone have any comments on the face mask verses the nasal mask?? Thanks

[Mcilvain]

I recieved my CPAP machine about 8 months ago. It did take me a while to get used to it. I went through 3 kinds of masks.The nasal one works better for me. I did get a sore on the bridge of my nose, so I put a bandaide on untill my nose ajusted. My husband was so happy, he said the snoring stopped, and it was a good thing he said the walls were going to cave in. All so I don't toss and turn anymore. And when I put my mask on I have to hear the same thing every night. Pilot to Co-Pilot I love you!  Don't dive up on the machine, I all most did.

Good Luck,  Rhonda        

[Curtis1960]

Good morning, BJ_1.

I recommend you get a CPAP machine that is fully data capable.  The fully data capable CPAP machine will have a smart card that records your apneas, mask leaks, etc.  You can view the data yourself or send the card to your sleep doctor for him to read.

As far as masks are concerned, if you are primarily a mouth breather then a full face mask would be better.  If you breathe through the nose then a nasal mask would work.  If you are buying your equipment through a medical service that will come to your home, have them bring three or four different masks to try while you are laying down on your own bed and own pillow.  

There's a great website for apnea sufferers called www.apneasupport.org.  It is a forum where you can ask questions and get replies from very experienced apnea sufferers.  It is especially helpful for new apnea patients.

Good luck!

Curt

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi.

Most patients on CPAP require some time to adjust to the machine. The time required for adjustment is variable, ranging from a few days to a few weeks to may be a few months! Most important is that you should not give up.

If you don’t face any nasal congestions or rhinitis and are able to sleep properly, then you should be back to normal in a few days time. Just in case if some problems related to a good fit exist, you can try out some other brand/model. Cognitive behavioral therapy at the beginning of usage of the machine also increases compliance.

If mask is causing some discomfort or claustrophobia, you may try out some desensitization training. This will make you unaware of the fact that you are using some mask for breathing. You should try wearing the mask first for shorter duration and when you are busy in some other activity such as watching TV. Gradually you can increase the time of wearing the mask till you get accustomed to it. Ultimately you should be able to sleeping with the CPAP all night long.

Generally compliance is greater with nose mask CPAP than with face mask CPAP because of better overall comfort. However, this varies from patient to patient. In case, you face any difficulties, you should consult your physician so that he can suggest you some other options.

http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/123/3/662

Hope this gives you some insight.
Take care