CPAP recommendations?

Hi all,

I just got home from my sleep a few hours ago. It was quite possibly the worst sleep EVER. The tech who set me up was very sweet though. She was a polish lady in her 40?s. We talked about surgery and she even gave me some of her favourite healthy recipes. She even tucked me into bed like a baby which I thought was funny.

ANYWAY...she said I have mild sleep apnea when I'm in a dream state of sleep. I got a prescription for a auto-CPAP and was wondering what recommendations you have as far was brands/models? I?m curious. I am going next week to buy one. Here is part of my prescription:

Hey Lina_Ann

I don't know anything about sleep apnea I just know that Carlingwood Mall has these peeps https://www.completecpap.ca/ and my friend who has severe sleep apnea just loves them.

I have used a ResMed AirSense 10 for at least 2 years. Very durable and easy to use. For the mask, I have a ComfortGel Blue Nasal Mask. I can't sleep without it now.

Have you checked in with your insurance company? Your CPAP is likely covered under you durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, and they may have a vendor that you are required to get it from.

I don't have any insurance except OHIP which covers part of the machine. And yes I was given a list of vendors :) Im fortunate enough to have my father help me pay for anything that's not covered.

I had a Resmed and I love it. Be sure to pay the extra for an insulated hose, it makes a huge difference.

As for masks, you really nees to go in and try them on. Everyone's face shape is different and sleeping habits like side sleeping, mouth breathing, etc. will determine the best one for you. I do suggest you get a mask with soft straps or buy strap covers - it will leave marks on your face in the morning.

OHIP will cover a certain amount for an APAP - there really aren't that many models and they basically all do the same thing except some are more expensive than others and you will have to pay out of pocket for some of it. The bigger question is masks. You should research which ones you would like as there are several different types (ie: full face, nasal pillows, nasal mask). You will need a good fitting mask and that will make all the difference. Make sure try them all on and have them test it with the machine while being reclined. If your pressure is set high (14+) it can be hard to use the nasal pillows. Also make sure that they are ok with you returning the mask for a different model if it doesn't work out for you once you take it home. I went through 3 masks before I found the one I could sleep with.

My husband has sleep apnea and he goes through MediGas for his machine. Things he recommends are getting a unit with a humidifier, it helps keep the membranes in your nose from getting so dried out that they crack and bleed. If you are claustrophobic at all (even a bit) try and get a mask that is nose only. His current machine is by Philips and has an App that you can download to your phone so you can see how your previous nights sleep was. Its nice because you can see trends, like, oh I had a glass of wine before bed and my sleep was garbage and that happened last week too, maybe I shouldn't have any alcoholic beverages before bed.

Hope this helps some!

Thanks! I have really bad allergies and I'm always congested late at night and early in the morning so I don't think a nose mask would be for me :(

I also have had bad allergies and miserable bedtime congestion, but the CPAP (resmed airsense 10 w/humidifier & nasal mask) has solved that for me - some combination of the filter and the humidity has just solved the congestion. It's great. Try as many masks as you need to and let the sleep lab folks help with it - at least in my experience they were very helpful and resourceful.