Hi, I am new to CPAP & am doing the usual 'research' in advance of buying the 'right' equipment.
Because I plan to buy via the Internet from offshore to the US, some of the decisions I need to make are influenced by the opportunity to get all the gear in one go in the justifiable belief that the P&H cost for the lot will be the lower that if I buy the items piecemeal. E.g., paying $12 for an extra 10ft tube will become $20 if it is ordered & shipped to my part of the world, separately.
My purchase plan at the moment is as follows:
Respironics RemStar plus w/cflex & heated humidifier. 1 x ResMed Activa Nasal Mask, 1 x ResMed Ultra Mirage F/F mask. I thought long & hard over the value of a RemStra 'pro' model but can't comeup with any good reason to pay an extra $100 for the extras offered. They seem to offer nothing to the ordinary user.
The 1st question here is in regard to if I should also include a 10ft breathing tube as it seems a cheap add-on but I am not sure if it is really practical. I am hoping someone here might add advice such as "10ft waste of money - more tube to drown in" or "for the price, buy it & try it" etc:
Does anyone have an opinion on the value of heated tubes (the climate where I live is very mild all year round - cold is 50 degrees F (perhaps 40F in a bad week)).
Re the decision to buy f/f mask plus a nasal, my 2nd sleep clinic night was inconclusive when using the above nasal mask. In the night the attendant came in & tried to fit me with a chin strap saying I kepp opening my mouth but it didn't seem to achieve the desired result hence the clinic suggested I might want to try a f/f mask.
What I don't really know is if those of us who tend to open our mouths, can train ourselves to stop doing it. I tend to think yes but being a novice don't know if this belief is hollow.
Any advice on the above issues will be most welcome.
DSM
6ft breathing tube vs 10ft
Re: 6ft breathing tube vs 10ft
dsm wrote:Hi, I am new to CPAP & am doing the usual 'research' in advance of buying the 'right' equipment.
Because I plan to buy via the Internet from offshore to the US, some of the decisions I need to make are influenced by the opportunity to get all the gear in one go in the justifiable belief that the P&H cost for the lot will be the lower that if I buy the items piecemeal. E.g., paying $12 for an extra 10ft tube will become $20 if it is ordered & shipped to my part of the world, separately.
My purchase plan at the moment is as follows:
Respironics RemStar plus w/cflex & heated humidifier. 1 x ResMed Activa Nasal Mask, 1 x ResMed Ultra Mirage F/F mask. I thought long & hard over the value of a RemStra 'pro' model but can't comeup with any good reason to pay an extra $100 for the extras offered. They seem to offer nothing to the ordinary user.
The pro will allow you to add the Encore Software (actually the pro2) that will help you determine if you are having problems, ie mask leak or mouth leak. True its not a necessity, but it does make troubleshooting easier.
dsm wrote:
The 1st question here is in regard to if I should also include a 10ft breathing tube as it seems a cheap add-on but I am not sure if it is really practical. I am hoping someone here might add advice such as "10ft waste of money - more tube to drown in" or "for the price, buy it & try it" etc:
I did the same, bought one, and have yet to need it. Even with travelling. YMMV.
dsm wrote:
Does anyone have an opinion on the value of heated tubes (the climate where I live is very mild all year round - cold is 50 degrees F (perhaps 40F in a bad week)).
You would probably benefit from a heated hose. It really depends on how much humidity you add tho. I waited til I had rainout in the tube before buying... It is expensive buying the Aussie hose, but it is the best solution to rainout.
dsm wrote:
Re the decision to buy f/f mask plus a nasal, my 2nd sleep clinic night was inconclusive when using the above nasal mask. In the night the attendant came in & tried to fit me with a chin strap saying I kepp opening my mouth but it didn't seem to achieve the desired result hence the clinic suggested I might want to try a f/f mask.
What I don't really know is if those of us who tend to open our mouths, can train ourselves to stop doing it. I tend to think yes but being a novice don't know if this belief is hollow.
Any advice on the above issues will be most welcome.
DSM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, humidifier, mirage, activa, CPAP
Yes you can try to keep your mouth closed and "teach" yourself to do it. I was in the same boat, the tech said nasal mask won't work you have to have a Full Face Mask. What I found was that after working at it a bit, I was able to use a chin strap and a nasal only mask. If you do a search you will find that some people even resort to tape!
Best of luck with all of this and keep us posted!
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wading thru the muck!
- Posts: 2799
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:42 am
Hi DSM,
Thanks for visiting cpaptalk with your questions.
The machine you picked should serve you well. If you were to upgrade though, I would suggest the REMstar auto w/ C-flex. For the money it would give you mare options in your treatment. You are right though, for the average user those options may go un-utilized.
I would stick with the 6 foot hose unless you think you may want to move the machine further away than a bedside table. You might do this is you felt the sound of the machine would keep you up. I think my machine is very quiet, but some report being sensitive to the sound. Either way, I would suggest that you get a velcro strap and anchor the hose to a hook on your headboard or the wall next to your bed. This will minimize the torque on the mask caused by the weight of the hose and help minimize any leaks at the mask.
I use a heated hose every night. I like to have the heated humidifier turned up to near the top. For you, it will depend on the exact conditions in your bedroom. If the air in the hose becomes colder than will hold the humidity level you will get rain-out. This can be very disrupting. You will either get drops of water on your face or up your nose or enough water will collect at a low spot in the hose and cause the most obnoxious gurgling noise. I don't mean to make it sound as though this is what YOU can expect, but if the conditions are right in your locale, that is what will happen.
The masks you have chosen are good ones. I prefer a nasal pillow type interface and use the AEIOMed aura. I was able to train myself to keep my mouth closed and would recommend that you try. The key is not in strapping you chin, but keeping your nasal breathing passages open. Your best luck in achieving this will be with high humidity. You may also try a saline nasal wash or a prescription nasal spray like nasonex is you have nasal congestion. It's not a bad idea to keep a FF mask as a back-up if you are having trouble with mouth breathing.
Good luck, post a follow-up if you have further questions. Please let us know what you ultimately chose. It is very informative to have a window to the thought processes on a person choosing their first cpap equipment.
Also, consider registering on the forum. It will give you the ability to use the Private Message feature. You may find you want to communicate in more depth with a specific poster regarding details of you treatment.
Thanks for visiting cpaptalk with your questions.
The machine you picked should serve you well. If you were to upgrade though, I would suggest the REMstar auto w/ C-flex. For the money it would give you mare options in your treatment. You are right though, for the average user those options may go un-utilized.
I would stick with the 6 foot hose unless you think you may want to move the machine further away than a bedside table. You might do this is you felt the sound of the machine would keep you up. I think my machine is very quiet, but some report being sensitive to the sound. Either way, I would suggest that you get a velcro strap and anchor the hose to a hook on your headboard or the wall next to your bed. This will minimize the torque on the mask caused by the weight of the hose and help minimize any leaks at the mask.
I use a heated hose every night. I like to have the heated humidifier turned up to near the top. For you, it will depend on the exact conditions in your bedroom. If the air in the hose becomes colder than will hold the humidity level you will get rain-out. This can be very disrupting. You will either get drops of water on your face or up your nose or enough water will collect at a low spot in the hose and cause the most obnoxious gurgling noise. I don't mean to make it sound as though this is what YOU can expect, but if the conditions are right in your locale, that is what will happen.
The masks you have chosen are good ones. I prefer a nasal pillow type interface and use the AEIOMed aura. I was able to train myself to keep my mouth closed and would recommend that you try. The key is not in strapping you chin, but keeping your nasal breathing passages open. Your best luck in achieving this will be with high humidity. You may also try a saline nasal wash or a prescription nasal spray like nasonex is you have nasal congestion. It's not a bad idea to keep a FF mask as a back-up if you are having trouble with mouth breathing.
Good luck, post a follow-up if you have further questions. Please let us know what you ultimately chose. It is very informative to have a window to the thought processes on a person choosing their first cpap equipment.
Also, consider registering on the forum. It will give you the ability to use the Private Message feature. You may find you want to communicate in more depth with a specific poster regarding details of you treatment.
Sincerely,
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
Took the advice & registered. Now officially dsm as a member.
It is great to get such helpful feedback and so quickly.
It will be a few weeks before I have any real input as am off to Asia for a couple of weeks & due to unlikelihood of receiving my order, decided to delay purchase until returned.
The 1st night in the sleep clinic (last week) for getting fitted was a bit anxious for me. My nose seemed to block up to the point I could not really breathe even with the activa mask & 6 cm pressure. Nurse gave me a nasal decongestant & that seemed to solve the breathing. I wondered if the sudden 'sizing' up of my nose was a bit of anxiety manifesting itself. But, I came a way optimistic the cpap treatment will work.
More as it unfolds.
Cheers DSM
It is great to get such helpful feedback and so quickly.
It will be a few weeks before I have any real input as am off to Asia for a couple of weeks & due to unlikelihood of receiving my order, decided to delay purchase until returned.
The 1st night in the sleep clinic (last week) for getting fitted was a bit anxious for me. My nose seemed to block up to the point I could not really breathe even with the activa mask & 6 cm pressure. Nurse gave me a nasal decongestant & that seemed to solve the breathing. I wondered if the sudden 'sizing' up of my nose was a bit of anxiety manifesting itself. But, I came a way optimistic the cpap treatment will work.
More as it unfolds.
Cheers DSM
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wading thru the muck!
- Posts: 2799
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:42 am
-
Janelle
the heated hose is NOT a necessity, in spite of what many others say. Your temperatures will probably allow you to get by with the much less expensive hose wrap (polar fleece type material sewn into a tube and slipped on the main hose. It is very humid where I live and indoor temps are around 65-70, cooler at night. I used a hose wrap all last winter when I started having rainout and it took care of it, even with the heat turned up to 4 or so. But I don't like it turned all the way up like some. I think you can actually get too much warmth.
And if you buy the heated hose you might have to also buy the adapter for it to be used for your electrical system. So, that's about $85 for the heated hose and another $20 for the adapter.
You can buy a hose wrap for about $15.
And if you buy the heated hose you might have to also buy the adapter for it to be used for your electrical system. So, that's about $85 for the heated hose and another $20 for the adapter.
You can buy a hose wrap for about $15.
Hi, The heated hose is a nice extra. It all depends on how cool you allow your house to become. I would spend the money on an AUTO unit. You really don't realize how much you are missing till you've tried an auto. It will also save you $$ later. No sleep study to adjust your pressure. It does it nitely.
On second thought, the heated hose isn't a luxury . Its necessary. At least for me. Unless you like waking up to GLUG, GLUG. The the auto thinks its a snore and pours on the pressure. LOL.
Don't pass up the the auto if you can get one. Others here would kill to get an auto but the DME says no.
:twis ted:
On second thought, the heated hose isn't a luxury . Its necessary. At least for me. Unless you like waking up to GLUG, GLUG. The the auto thinks its a snore and pours on the pressure. LOL.
Don't pass up the the auto if you can get one. Others here would kill to get an auto but the DME says no.
:twis ted:
Re Auto machines.
Our sleep clinic advisors have suggested we not buy auto machines until they are better understood. The people who advise this sleep clinic have included Prof Sullivan and other Sydney Uni researchers.
The reason the sleep clinic gives is that the machines take short period to work out a pressure range, then stick to it after that period even if it becomes inappropriate later in the night.
I am all ears on any feedback re experience with auto particularly because of the advice given to us at this clinic.
I have read one write by someone who was using an auto & who was analysing the output to better understand his compliance.
Cheers DSM
Our sleep clinic advisors have suggested we not buy auto machines until they are better understood. The people who advise this sleep clinic have included Prof Sullivan and other Sydney Uni researchers.
The reason the sleep clinic gives is that the machines take short period to work out a pressure range, then stick to it after that period even if it becomes inappropriate later in the night.
I am all ears on any feedback re experience with auto particularly because of the advice given to us at this clinic.
I have read one write by someone who was using an auto & who was analysing the output to better understand his compliance.
Cheers DSM
dsm,
Your sleep clinic advisors say that because they want repeat business . If you use an auto you won't be returning. Your sleep clinic advisors don't understand how auto units work. The rest of us d just fine.
Don't take my word for it. I have used an auto for 4 years now. Listen to the sales people at the sleep clinic insuring repeat customers. They're professionals.
Here is an article from sleep review magazine,
http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/Articles. ... d=S0311F03
RG , Wader, anyone care to back me on this ?
Cheers,
Chris
Your sleep clinic advisors say that because they want repeat business . If you use an auto you won't be returning. Your sleep clinic advisors don't understand how auto units work. The rest of us d just fine.
Don't take my word for it. I have used an auto for 4 years now. Listen to the sales people at the sleep clinic insuring repeat customers. They're professionals.
Here is an article from sleep review magazine,
http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/Articles. ... d=S0311F03
RG , Wader, anyone care to back me on this ?
Cheers,
Chris
AUTO machines vs static
It is interesting to hear what actual users think about this issue.
It would be fair to say that the people giving us this advice did qualify their comments by saying they were not saying that auto didn't work only that a professor working with them believed more research was needed before they should openly recommend the machines to patients.
One factor that might support the notion that they have a reason to discourage them is if auto machines in some way, cut off their supply of research patients.
From what I gather, the actual machines used in the sleep clinic trials are remotely controlled autos but are monitored all night by a staff members.
Perhaps they are being overly cautious ?
DSM
It would be fair to say that the people giving us this advice did qualify their comments by saying they were not saying that auto didn't work only that a professor working with them believed more research was needed before they should openly recommend the machines to patients.
One factor that might support the notion that they have a reason to discourage them is if auto machines in some way, cut off their supply of research patients.
From what I gather, the actual machines used in the sleep clinic trials are remotely controlled autos but are monitored all night by a staff members.
Perhaps they are being overly cautious ?
DSM
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MartiniLover
- Posts: 364
- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:16 pm
- Location: Davison Michigan
I have to tell you, I like the Ten Foot Hose. Although I think machines come with the six.
I am a side sleeper who turns over and over. (Roller)
It is not unusal for me to wake up looking like the Michelin Man.
With the six footer, I have pulled the machine off the table.
Good Luck and Good Night
I am a side sleeper who turns over and over. (Roller)
It is not unusal for me to wake up looking like the Michelin Man.
With the six footer, I have pulled the machine off the table.
Good Luck and Good Night
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Second favorite mask--Nasal Aire II |
I am a two martini lover. Two martinis and I think I am a lover!
Bipap 13/9, 10ft Hose
Bipap 13/9, 10ft Hose
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wading thru the muck!
- Posts: 2799
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:42 am
chrisp wrote:dsm,
Your sleep clinic advisors say that because they want repeat business . If you use an auto you won't be returning. Your sleep clinic advisors don't understand how auto units work. The rest of us d just fine.
Don't take my word for it. I have used an auto for 4 years now. Listen to the sales people at the sleep clinic insuring repeat customers. They're professionals.
Here is an article from sleep review magazine,
http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/Articles. ... d=S0311F03
RG , Wader, anyone care to back me on this ?
Chrisp is absolutely right on this. If you have an auto you will likely never need another sleep study. That will cut into the sleep lab profits big time.
Sincerely,
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
In general if you are getting good therapy with an auto you shouldn't NEED another one, but if that situation changes and you are not getting therapy and experiencing symptoms similar to those before CPAP, something has changed and talking to a doc is a good idea, and another sleep study might be in order....
dsm--
i have never been rained on. turn up my humidifier all the way and i'm fine.
nose stuffiness can be nasty and can take a while to deal with. i have to use some form of saline every nite and my nose has gotten pretty sore. that's another lesson if you should have the problem.
i think you should look at either the aura or swift. it's really nice not having a big mask on your face. i got activa but i may alternate with swift. because i'm always stuffed up (deviated septum) i'm also doing full-face. but that may not be necessary if i can get the nose under control. swift is very motivating for that for me, and i would think aura would be too.
cheers.
have a good time on your break.
caroline
i have never been rained on. turn up my humidifier all the way and i'm fine.
nose stuffiness can be nasty and can take a while to deal with. i have to use some form of saline every nite and my nose has gotten pretty sore. that's another lesson if you should have the problem.
i think you should look at either the aura or swift. it's really nice not having a big mask on your face. i got activa but i may alternate with swift. because i'm always stuffed up (deviated septum) i'm also doing full-face. but that may not be necessary if i can get the nose under control. swift is very motivating for that for me, and i would think aura would be too.
cheers.
have a good time on your break.
caroline
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| Mask | ||||
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| Additional Comments: Large mask collection | ||||
caroline