eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Aug 18, 2015 1:29:24 GMT
I was dx'ed about 2 months ago with OSA. Both sleep studies gave similar results- moderate during sleep until REM when it becomes severe. Here's what I can't wrap my head around. My machine reports zero events on most nights. So, is my machine reporting zero events or it is preventing all events. I've researched the CPAP forums and can't find a post that really explains it. When I asked my Dr. his eyes glazed over which lead me to believe it really is a stupid question.   He told me the test gives a "snapshot of time which is the basis of the averages used to diagnosis." Can you dumb it down for me?? |
|
|
|
Post by pmm on Aug 18, 2015 1:38:55 GMT
It's been a while since I looked at those reports; I am a respiratory therapist that has worked in home care. The CPAP generates pressure in the airway to keep the tongue where it belongs and the airway open. This will prevent you from having "events".
Keep up the good work using your CPAP. Your body is thankful for it and you are reducing your risk for health problems in the future.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 18:25:41 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2015 1:41:24 GMT
I was dx'ed about 2 months ago with OSA. Both sleep studies gave similar results- moderate during sleep until REM when it becomes severe. Here's what I can't wrap my head around. My machine reports zero events on most nights. So, is my machine reporting zero events or it is preventing all events. I've researched the CPAP forums and can't find a post that really explains it. When I asked my Dr. his eyes glazed over which lead me to believe it really is a stupid question. He told me the test gives a "snapshot of time which is the basis of the averages used to diagnosis." Can you dumb it down for me?? Your cpap is reporting 0 events because it is functioning at the correct pressure level to prevent events. This CAN change in the future so if it starts to record events you know it is time to have the machine recalibrated to a new setting that once again prevents you from experiencing the events. eta: the tests tell what was going on without treatment (using the cpap) |
|
eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Aug 18, 2015 2:09:09 GMT
Got it. Prevention. Thank you!
PMM-- you have no idea! I have complained of so many symptoms over time including daytime sleepiness (falling asleep at stop lights... scary!), headaches, feeling like I live in a bubble, etc. I can't tell you enough how waking up without a headache is life changing! And now, if I'm tired in the afternoon it's because I'm tired from working hard, not being sleep deprived. My dad died of heart disease which probably could have been prevented, but I'm convinced that my heart will be much healthier because of it. So yes, I'm a fan! I should add, I don't "look like OSA" so getting tested was darn near impossible. It was a hail Mary by a Dr. who was literally tired of my complaining. Even the neurologist was shocked I had OSA. He was convinced I was going to be narcoleptic or something due to my daytime sleepiness.
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,456
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Aug 18, 2015 2:12:55 GMT
Yep, if you have zero events it's working. I love my CPAP.
I didn't use it last night (one night at a hotel and didn't want to lug it around) and I was miserable!
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,456
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Aug 18, 2015 2:16:13 GMT
Got it. Prevention. Thank you! PMM-- you have no idea! I have complained of so many symptoms over time including daytime sleepiness (falling asleep at stop lights... scary!), headaches, feeling like I live in a bubble, etc. I can't tell you enough how waking up without a headache is life changing! And now, if I'm tired in the afternoon it's because I'm tired from working hard, not being sleep deprived. My dad died of heart disease which probably could have been prevented, but I'm convinced that my heart will be much healthier because of it. So yes, I'm a fan! I should add, I don't "look like OSA" so getting tested was darn near impossible. It was a hail Mary by a Dr. who was literally tired of my complaining. Even the neurologist was shocked I had OSA. He was convinced I was going to be narcoleptic or something due to my daytime sleepiness. Same here. I complained to my doctor for years. But I don't have all the contributing factors . She wouldn't authorize testing because our dogs slept on our bed. Well the last time I asked she still didn't want to test and I told her my dogs are dead now, I want the test. Yep, OSA. |
|
|
|
Post by pmm on Aug 18, 2015 14:35:17 GMT
Sleep medicine is still in its "infancy" as far as specialties in medicine go. When I went to school in the late 80s and early 90s you did not have to have any formal training or degree to be a sleep technologist. It was all OJT. Now there is schooling, credentialing, and national organizations.
Back in the day we were told to look for the no neck/thick necked obese person that snored. I did home care for 6 years I can tell you I set just as many CPAPs up on rail thin people as I did the obese. Many doctors still are looking only at the obese. So I understand when you say it was a long road to get where you are at. I'm glad you are feeling better.
Thank you to the others that expanded on my answer. You ladies are a wonderful wealth of information!
|
|
|
|
Post by micpea on Aug 18, 2015 17:34:59 GMT
My machine reports zero events on most nights. eleezybeth, how do you know this? Is there a place to read this info? We've only had to pull out our chips & provide them the first 30 days after we rec'd our machines. Is there something we can see or check ourselves?  I wear mine CPAP faithfully every night, hubby, not so much. I would love to show him the differences. thanks |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 18:25:41 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2015 17:39:14 GMT
My machine reports zero events on most nights. eleezybeth, how do you know this? Is there a place to read this info? We've only had to pull out our chips & provide them the first 30 days after we rec'd our machines. Is there something we can see or check ourselves? I wear mine CPAP faithfully every night, hubby, not so much. I would love to show him the differences. thanks This totally depends on the machine. The literature that came with your machine will tell you how if it is possible. If it doesn't tell you how then it is not possible for your model. |
|
eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Aug 18, 2015 18:40:39 GMT
My machine reports zero events on most nights. eleezybeth, how do you know this? Is there a place to read this info? We've only had to pull out our chips & provide them the first 30 days after we rec'd our machines. Is there something we can see or check ourselves? I wear mine CPAP faithfully every night, hubby, not so much. I would love to show him the differences. thanks What machine do you have? I have a resmed and I can go online to myair.com to check. My machine has a wi-fi upload. If your machine is older you might not have the option. However, there is a program that the CPAP forums love that allows you at home to read your chip. It is a free program called SleepyHead. I haven't used it because honestly, the report I get from myair.com is close enough. My Dr. and DME provider have both shown me what they can see from my chip and the online source is enough for the end user. Check out the CPAP forums and they will convince you to download it. They are pretty informative about the info you get back. |
|
He told me the test gives a "snapshot of time which is the basis of the averages used to diagnosis." 
I wear mine CPAP faithfully every night, hubby, not so much. I would love to show him the differences.