My Journey To Better Sleep: A Review Of The Resmed Airsense S10

For years, I dismissed my loud snoring as just a quirk. However, my wife's concern about my occasional pauses in breathing during sleep, coupled with persistent morning headaches, led me down a path to discovering and addressing a serious condition: sleep apnea.

This is my journey, from diagnosis to finding the right CPAP machine and finally achieving restful sleep.

The Wake-Up Call: Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. It's a condition where you repeatedly stop and start breathing during sleep. Suspecting I might have it, I underwent a sleep study at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, which involved monitoring my breathing patterns overnight. The results were clear: an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 35 indicated severe sleep apnea. The AHI measures the number of apneas and hypopneas (episodes of shallow breathing) per hour of sleep. An AHI above 30 is generally considered severe.

The doctor recommended a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, a device that delivers a constant stream of air to keep your airways open during sleep. I was also given contact information for a Philips sales representative, setting the stage for my CPAP machine selection process.

Navigating the CPAP Market: Choosing the Right Machine

Choosing a CPAP machine can feel overwhelming, but I narrowed down my options based on a few key criteria: quiet operation and reliability. The major players in the CPAP market include ResMed, Philips (Respironics), Fisher & Paykel, and the domestic brand Yuwell.

I quickly ruled out Yuwell and Fisher & Paykel. Fisher & Paykel's models seemed outdated. That left me with ResMed and Philips. I visited a Philips dealer in person to examine the device.

The prices at the local store were ridiculous! An outdated single-level model cost almost 10,000 yuan, and a new complete set cost over 20,000 yuan. I realized that buying it online would be more affordable.

The Allure of International Purchase

I decided to explore international purchase, specifically through Amazon.com. I found a ResMed AirSense S10, including a heated hose but excluding a mask, for just over 4,000 yuan! I purchased a ResMed N30 mask on eBay for 280 yuan including postage.

Tip for Finding CPAP Machines Online: Search for AirSense S10 instead of ResMed to avoid being overwhelmed by accessories. Add any machine you find to your shopping cart and then you will gradually find what you want.

International purchase is a great option. Even after accounting for import duties, it is still significantly cheaper than buying from a local retailer. Plus, you can educate yourself with online resources.

Setting Up and Fine-Tuning Your CPAP Therapy

My ResMed AirSense S10 came with a universal voltage power supply (100V-240V) and a convenient travel bag. Here are the key settings I've learned to adjust:

Mask Type: Choose the correct mask type in the settings: Pillows (nasal pillow mask), Full Face (mouth and nose mask), or Nasal (nasal mask).
Pressure Settings: The pressure range determines the air pressure delivered by the machine. My doctor prescribed a range of 4.0 to 15.0. If you experience chest tightness in the morning, lower the maximum pressure.

Conclusion

Investing in a CPAP machine and committing to therapy has significantly improved my sleep quality and overall well-being. While the initial setup and adjustments may require some effort, the long-term benefits are well worth it.

Don't let snoring or suspected sleep apnea go unchecked. Take control of your sleep and enjoy a more restful and healthier life.