The Big CPAP Success Thread - Must Read for Newbies!

[sixofnine]

Old, new guy here!
One week on from getting my S8 on the good old NHS, I can report total sucess so far.
Machine reports:-
Mask fit = excellent (in spite of beard).
AHI = 2.5
Max pressure = 10.5

New me = no naps during the day. No groggy mornings.
Roll on getting license back.

[Fredxx]

Excellent going. Sounds like you have really taken to it well and that it is making a real difference to you. Shouldn't be long before you have the evidence you need for the DVLA to give you that licence back.

[Dirty Trucker 68]

What is AHI?

Can someone tell me what AHI stands for,Ive been checking my useage by useing the info button on my resmed machine and at the bottom of the screen its says AHI and then numbers which seem to change every night:confused

[Fredxx]

AHI is the Apnoea Hypopnoea Index.

An Apnoea is when you stop breathing
A Hypopnoea is when there is a partial obstruction to breathing

An event is one of those which lasts at least 10 seconds, and the index (AHI) is the number of events per hour.

The number will change every night as the number of events you have will vary.

The usual target for effective treatment is for that number to be below 5, if that is the case, great.
If it is between 5 and 10, don't worry, but mention it when you are next at the clinic and they will probably adjust it a little.
If it is over 10, get in touch with the clinic and tell them.

[Dirty Trucker 68]

Thank you,the highest mine has been is 2 but last night it was 0.2 and i was worried that the machine was not working properly!!!!

[Fredxx]

anything between 0 and 5 is fine, anything below 2 is excellent!

[QuietMan]

Had my check with the consultant last week. AHI less than 2 and average time on machine 6hrs 54min so I was quite pleased. No more daytime drowsiness. Only thing that puzzles me is that I am getting up to the loo at least twice a night now - better than the hourly trip before CPAP, I know - but I am disappointed Having said that, I have changed my diet a lot in the last few weeks and shed 1stone plus eating more fruit and veg and drinking a lot more water, after my evening bike ride. Maybe that has something to do with it.

QM

[Fredxx]

I think the clue might have been "drinking a lot more water..>" lol

Good going on teh healthy lifestyle though

[Darren Carter]

Tinnitus and osa

Prior to commencing CPAP treatment, I had moved into a spare bedroom to allow my wife to get a good nights sleep, I was so tired during the day, if I went out in the car I would have to stop for naps to drive home. My work life was suffering, my social life had deteriorated, if we went to the cinema I would nod off and start snoring, our friends commented on how tired I always was.

Now my life has changed beyond recognition, I no longer affect my wifes sleep, I feel like I have energy to do things now, drives into the country on a week-end are now a pleasure to look forward to, I no longer drop off to sleep watching the TV, in fact I get about 7 hours good sleep each night, if I did not have Tinittus I would look forward to going to bed.

I did go through a short but traumatic time getting used to the equipment, but three masks down the line, a fleecy cover for my hose an understanding sleep technician and filtered water have improved the use of the CPAP machine, it has now become a way of life, a new way of life.
Stefan

Do you think there is a link i have these as well as high blood pressure high cholsterol hypothyroidism i am going into hospital on the 30th to start treatment for osa

[Guest]

Do you think there is a link i have these as well as high blood pressure high cholsterol hypothyroidism i am going into hospital on the 30th to start treatment for osa

Yes all side effects(and more) of OSA, my GP tested me for thyroid twice as she was convinced about it. It took another 6 months and another doc to work it all out. 18 months after and things gradually sorting them selves out.

[jackieb]

I have had a thyroid problem for about 10 years but since being diagnosed with osa I have also developed diabetes type 2, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and copd all within 18months of starting cpap hopefully given time some of these symptoms will lower my cholesterol is now down to 4.5 but I have had to go onto statins, now being threatened with tablets for diabestes. I hate taking tablets.

[andymoir]

Hi All Andy from West Sussex

Hello eveyone and Happy New Year

I am a newbie to this site and have read this thread and it's very encouraging to see the positve results most are getting WELL DONE ALL

I was diagnosed about 4 weeks ago with OSA and was diagnosed at Worthing Clinic, I was told to try the mask without the CPAP for a few minutes a couple of nights before "Going live"

I must report a positve my end I too feel refreshed during the day, however I do suffer with insomnia so it has not been easy

the first couple of days I had a leaky mask, my fault as I wasnt putting it on properly, now thanks to my partner no leaks

My snoring has completly gone and I now dont fidget so much with RLS and I hope now the OSA is under control, the only problem I do have is I get a very dry mouth any advice would be greatly appreciated

at least now my partner can get a decent nights sleep and to that end so am I, i can go 7-8 hours solid sleep and hardly ever get up for the loo

I look forward to joining in the forums
My CPAP is a Fisher & Paykel resmed with a gel facemask. has ramp up function of 4 gaining to 10 and has a built in humidifier

All the best Andy

[Sparticus]

I have had a thyroid problem for about 10 years but since being diagnosed with osa I have also developed diabetes type 2, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and copd all within 18months of starting cpap hopefully given time some of these symptoms will lower my cholesterol is now down to 4.5 but I have had to go onto statins, now being threatened with tablets for diabestes. I hate taking tablets.

Would you prefer Injecting?? keep up the good work Jacky it may go away in time

[jackieb]

Would you prefer Injecting?? keep up the good work Jacky it may go away in time

I would hate to inject morbid fear of needles luckily at the moment it is dietry control but it was harder giving up my sweet tooth treats than smoking but I will persevere.

[Sparticus]

I would hate to inject morbid fear of needles luckily at the moment it is dietry control but it was harder giving up my sweet tooth treats than smoking but I will persevere.

Oh yes sister Im with you there, I use to laugh at people who couldnt diet and thought quitting smoking was hell now I know its the other way round. Stopping smoking is easy compaired to cutting out food......