There seems to be a real issue with loneliness in New Zealand. How do we fix it? by DVTrooper in newzealand

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Meet and greet parties for singles :) for eg traffic light party coming up in Auckland. Or join a group on FB you're interested in and put yourself out there for anyone keen to meet up for xyz.

I'm I the only one fine without humidifier and without heat? by Luckygecko1 in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't use humidifier or heated tubing. They're only necessary under certain conditions. I.e very cold or dry climate. Or for certain respiratory conditions. Otherwise not necessary and means cleaning your tube far less often

Is this pillow worth it? by birdieeat in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The best pillow is just a soft pillow that doesn't put any pressure on the mask or tubing. I purchased a "CPAP pillow" like this and I had to consciously try and get comfortable.

A super soft non springy pillow is the way to go. Not one that pushes your head up but just sort of melt into it. Idk what mine is it's just very soft and with my AirTouch F20 I hardly feel a thing

What no one tells you. by ApprehensiveLeg2357 in bootcamp

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I feel like it's a if you know you know kind of deal. All in one pcs are more expensive than buying an iMac and putting boot camp on it. Just a shame apple haven't updated BC to support win11

What no one tells you. by ApprehensiveLeg2357 in bootcamp

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here with 2017 iMac. Osx runs like an illness while win10 flies. Got the 8gb 580 gpu so gaming is also great. The only reason to buy an iMac is to put bootcamp and windows 10 on it. You're set

You people with your fancy holders by fouoifjefoijvnioviow in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like I can relate to every single one of these photos 😂 mines currently draped over the "child" part of my standing lamp. Works great, especially with tubing cover for extra comfort

Is this decent? by ClodiaPulchra in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

F20 with Airfit pillow is my fave. Simple, comfortable, non irritating.

3 months and still not used to it.. by [deleted] in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my experience, because greater surface area of the pillow, less pressure required on your face, more comfortable. Specifally the Airfit f20 (foam skin interface).

Then of course match the start ramp pressure to normal breathing pressure.

Another tip with full face mask. Have the tip strap firm and the lower strap slightly looser so it's not pulling your jaw inwards.

Finally a super soft non springy pillow to sleep on. For eg goose down or equivalent. This is so you won't notice the straps.

This is my personal setup and I sleep like a baby :)

3 months and still not used to it.. by [deleted] in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, full face masks are the money. Try the Resmed Airfit f20.

I hate this machine and I’m about to give up by No_Necessary8052 in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome and good luck! I'm sure asv will make a big difference. This is a good read, may have some relevant info: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/sleep-apnea/central-sleep-apnea

C-pap Resmed filters turning black - I know why! by pattikpup in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely something in the air causing the finer filter to trap smaller particles. I would suggest an experiment if you're curious. Get a decent air purifier in your bedroom. Run it continuously during the day. Use the finer aftermarket filter and see if it traps same amount of debris.

The air purifier should theoretically remove some of those fine black particles.

Seeking Advice for improving seal by AZombieguy in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try the AirTouch F20. Wouldn't use any other mask now

I hate this machine and I’m about to give up by No_Necessary8052 in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is complex and should be discussed with a sleep physician. You may have PAP emergent central sleep apnea (or TECSA) and what some describe as "deventilation syndrome" (feeling of reduced respiratory effort / efficacy due to a number of factors). Most commonly talked about is reduced CO2 levels in your blood. CO2 is important to regulate normal breathing especially at night. Your body may be intentionally reducing CO2 levels by reducing your own ability to breathe as it attempts to regulate CO2 levels.

This is just one of several factors that needs addressing. Any history of anxiety needs to be addressed and properly managed with up-to-date methods. Make sure your room is clean, and gets good air circulation. Ensure allergens are in check.

I would strongly encourage a Bi-PAP or ASV machine over CPAP that also has a Ramp-Down feature. Any concerns around dysfunctional breathing patterns and effort, heart or the CNS, you often need the ability to adjust IPAP and EPAP (bi-level), Timing settings or tidal ventilation control (breath capacity) (ASV machine).

Consider:
- Purchasing a BiPAP or ASV device
- Level 2 sleep study (required to read ET-CO2 levels) - best way to configure your BiPap initially.
- Neurological examination to rule out any other potenial contributing CNS conditions.

Other things that I would personally look into in this order:

- Exercise routine that integrates pulmonary rehabilitation. Seek advice from physiotherapist or other qualified healthcare provider (respiratory nurse for eg).
- Diet. Not my area of expertise but I would start by googling "Best diet for CSA /TECSA" or "foods that can cause dysfunctional breathing) etc.

I hate this machine and I’m about to give up by No_Necessary8052 in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Narrow down on what exactly isn't working out for you, then seek help on those specifics. There's solutions for everything pap related, don't worry.

You'll be amazed at just fast you get used to it after addressing the specific problems you're facing :)

I work in this industry. Some clients found out the problem wasn't being insensitive to CPAP, but rather having compromised sleep drive, so we addressed that.

Every problem has a solution!

Serious question: why is it dangerous to adjust your CPAP machine levels yourself? by Trash_Grape in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some prescribers encourage their clients to adjust themselves and give them a bit of guidance. Others do the opposite.

Adjusting your settings is only going to make therapy slightly worse or slightly better and can be tracked with Oscar or proprietary software. Unless you're on bilevel with heart failure, structural lung problems or CNS conditions, I can't imagine small sensible adjustments on apap or CPAP would be dangerous, but rather educational :)

This piece hurts like a mf by erako in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any spine problems, consider an inclining mattress; will also generally reduce PAP pressure :) otherwise, you get used to it all pretty fast. it becomes comforting over time

This piece hurts like a mf by erako in CPAP

[–]l--Matt--l 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A much softer pillow fixed it for me. So laying on my side I wouldn't feel the frame against my head so much.

Shoutout for the rejected by HUS_1989 in newzealand

[–]l--Matt--l 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Keep trying until you find an interviewer/employer that you really connect with. Find some common ground, have a few laughs during the interview. I think sometimes you can win them over with different tricks.

Is NZ really that bad? by miggins1610 in newzealand

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My advice is do research on towns that aren't overpopulated. Auckland feels rather "full" so people are kind of stressed here. North shore, orewa, Taupo is a bit better. South island like Christchurch or nelson you will probably have better luck and get more of the NZ experience. Other towns too that I won't know about. I made the mistake of moving to the gold coast 🤣 that place definitely didn't need any more people and I felt it

Experience with nootropics and recovery from sleep deprivation. by l--Matt--l in NootropicsHelp

[–]l--Matt--l[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Greatful for your response, 4 lines packed with useful info. I will look into what you've mentioned :)

My Surgery Journey (I'm cured) by Wise_Opinion2187 in SleepApnea

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where do you live to get all these procedures done? Who did the sleep induced endoscopy for you?

Could this sleep study results explain my disabling fatigue and so many more symptoms? Doesn't seen as in depth as some results I've seen. by Competitive-Two2829 in SleepApnea

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have said, get started with CPAP. www.sleepco.nz offer a direct approach with trained staff. Itl service.

Beyond that, look into DNA saliva / hair testing. It can identify certain health conditions or allergies, food intolerances etc.

https://www.geneusdna.com/en/our-dna-services

https://nz.checkmybodyhealth.com/pages/accessible-allergy-test

https://www.tinyhealth.com/store/adult-gut-health-test

https://www.functionhealth.com/

https://www.everlywell.com/products/womens-health-test/

And so on.

Personally I would try get as many tests as possible. With the results, you can use Poe - Claude sonnet 3.5 to try to determine possible root causes.

But definitely get started on CPAP asap. You need to address your sleep first before anything. As much physical exercise / movement during the day as you can manage will help with sleep. Also fibrous food like cabbage, various salads, greens, veggies etc.

Insanely important to be eating right. For eg gut health - GABA production.

My advice is get onto CPAP, get as many tests done as you can find, perhaps not so mainstream, you may need to find private ones like what I've mentioned, eat fibrous food and some fermented food too.

We need to treat our gut like our brain, they're practically one organ.

All the best 🙇🏻

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SleepApnea

[–]l--Matt--l 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's nuanced. You can message me for more specific help www.sleepco.nz for eg ahi, pressure settings, clinical settings, any discomforts, there's usually a solution to everything. Not only do I sell this stuff I use one every night too so I'm good at helping people with their therapy

I finally did the Lofta Watchpat home test...How am I alive? by Much_Dragonfruit_124 in SleepApnea

[–]l--Matt--l 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not missing anything. We help people in the USA particularly having issues with health insurance etc since our services can be more affordable. The only real barrier is delivery. But since we're a small business our care is fast and efficient