Just wondering who else has sleep apnea. I am pre-band, and have been trying to using a bipafor 2 years with no success.

evilah

I need to take it in to be fixed. But, I also think I need a different mask. I know if I could get the mask right I would sleep better with it. It just drives me crazy at the moment.

My CPAP machine changed my life. I had become depressed, short-tempered, unhappy, stressed and generally mean, without having the slightest clue that it was a severe lack of sleep that was causing it. Within 2 weeks of being diagnosed with sleep apnea, and sleeping with my CPAP - in spite of the discomfort and adjustment to the equipment - I noticed key changes in all area of my life. I'm not crazy about sleeping with a mask on my face, but compared to the alternative it's a simple no-brainer!

Julz, did you know you need a new mask every 3 to 6 months...preferably 3 months..the oils on your face make the mask weak and not hold the air properly..I think that is a lot of peoples problems with the cpap..no one tells them they need to get new mask new parts for their mask...

When I bought my mask, I also got a spare because I was also told that I would need a new mask in 6 months. I also bought a few extra 'pillows' to replace during the 6 months. It's been 18 months since I last replaced the pillows and the original mask is doing just fine. I haven't noticed any deterioration in either the mask or the pillows during that time. Go figure.

Today, after reading through some sleep apnea threads, I decided to give my machine anothe rtry. (I've had this particular machine since april of 2005, so over 2 years-- during which I've repeatedly tried to make it work for me, it's a bipap machine) I read about it on the internet and tried to figure out why I felt like it was choking or smothering me while I was sleeping.

I checked the exhalation pressure-- it was cranked all the way up to 11

!!! After all of this time trying to use it, calling the center, GOING to the sleep center, meeting with RT's. What are those people? RETARDED? So I made a makeshift chin strap and turned the exhalation pressure all the way down, and took a nap. The first time ever that I successfully went to sleep and woke up with the machine still on and feeling okay, feeling great actually, because I got to sleep on my back, which I love to do and haven't done in years-- because I breathe better on my side with pillows anchoring my top shoulder down and away from my neck.

Evilah

you know, when your doctor prescribes a bipap, because you can't use and don't like the cpap, you just ASSUME that the machine is properly set by professionals to act like a bipap, and reduce the pressure during exhalation. (I think it's pretty standard for people who have higher pressure to have a bipap, my grandfather does, but my mom who uses a lower pressure uses a cpap). I'M SO MAD! ! ! !

-Evilah

GOod for you Evilah...I had NO luck looking for how to adjust my pressure..Mine is suppose to be a SMART CPAP system..yeah right...So, I did find the directions of how to change pressure on my machine...on EBAY...paid 6.95...better that paying 60 or 70 to go to doc for 5 minutes and him to say ok...lets reset your pressure...I am not against going to the doctor..just would rather not go if I dont need to...

Julz, did you know you need a new mask every 3 to 6 months...preferably 3 months..the oils on your face make the mask weak and not hold the air properly.

No, I did not know that. I haven't had mine that long I'vr had it just over a month.

I got mine fixed and tried to wear it. But, the mask just drives me nuts. I really think I need a different mask. I'm in between a small and a medium. I definately would wear it if it fit right. But, I keep trying!! LOL

I too have sleep apnea. I was diagnosed in November and have had my CPAP since December of last year. I have to have a letter of stability on CPAP for my doctor before anything is submitted to the insurance company. They said to get this from my pulmonary doctor. The problem is that I have never met the man that read my sleep studies. I went to a sleep center and sent by my allergest. When I called the sleep center they didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Does anyone have any suggestions?