Newbie saying thank you

[KatieW]

I have been lurking here for several weeks now, and just registered, so I could post a big THANK YOU you to this forum and its knowledgeable and generous members. I have spent many many hours reading here.

I had my Sleep Study with titration, a week ago and will meet with the pulmonologist on Oct 13, when I expect to get a copy of the results and a prescription for my equipment which I plan to buy on-line. My insurance doesn't cover DME's, which actually simplifies things (after reading about DME hassels).

Thanks to what I have learned here, this is the equipment that seems to be best for my situation: ResMed S8 Auto Set II with H4i heated humidifier. I had a good experience with the Comfort Lite 2 in my sleep study, and will also order a nasal mask as a backup. I have spoken to the local DME, and have an appointment to try on their masks, with no commitment to buy anything from them. Also plan to order the heated hose and software from Australia.

Thank you everyone--I could never have done this without you!

PS Any suggestions about my plan would be welcome.

KatieW

[Kiralynx]

Hi, Katie!

Can't comment about your machine as I don't really know Resmeds. However, the Comfortlite 2, which is the mask I was titrated with, and which is definitely a favorite, can have a "simple seal," which is a regular nasal mask, it can have regular nasal pillows, or a slightly different kind of pillow called the direct seal. All on one mask!

So, since you're buying this out of pocket, your Comfortlite 2 will come with a simple seal AND nasal pillows, so you don't have to buy two masks while you're getting everything else.

[KatieW]

Thank you Kiralynx, that's a good thought.

[carbonman]

KW, congrats! to you for being so proactive.

You're in charge from the get go.

Your plan sounds well thought out.

I am a Resmed convert and am getting excellent therapy from mine.
I am actually looking forward to the cold weather so I can
start using my Ozzy heated hose again. I really enjoyed it last winter.

All the best for you as your journey begins.

[cflame1]

you may want to consider some kind of full face (or hybrid) mask in case you get sick, instead of the nasal.

[rested gal]

Sounds like an excellent plan, KatieW.

You've definitely been doing your homework -- all the way to knowing about the Aussie heated hose! You're a smart lady.

You've probably already come across the topic linked below, but for new readers it's a little treasure trove:

Moogy's thread about hints and tips:

Oct 30, 2006 subject: Please Share Misc Helpful Hints
viewtopic.php?t=14746

Good luck with your therapy. I predict you're going to be a major "CPAP Success." I think you'll figure out how to deal with all the initial blips in the road just fine.

Do keep us posted on how it goes, please!

[KatieW]

you may want to consider some kind of full face (or hybrid) mask in case you get sick, instead of the nasal.

Yes, I hadn't considered that. Off to do more research...thanks.

[rosiefrosie]

Good for you Katie. Looks as if you know what you want and have done your homework. Good luck and welcome!
Rosie

[GumbyCT]

PS Any suggestions about my plan would be welcome.

My suggestion would have been to read and learn as much as you can about how this sleep stuff works, So you can be your own advocate. But you've already done that. It sounds like you've got a good idea on how to handle things.

You've become a member here and can post easily if you have any further questions.


Good Luck.

[Kiralynx]

you may want to consider some kind of full face (or hybrid) mask in case you get sick, instead of the nasal.

Yes, I hadn't considered that. Off to do more research...thanks.

Katie,

Speaking as one who had Been There and Done That, definitely get a full face -- the Zzz-mask is a not-too-expensive full-face which is good for those times when the respiratory grunge has you down.

I got caught without one, and my trusty Comfortlite didn't help because my nose was too stuffed for me to breathe. CPAP.COM, bless their souls, recommended the Zzz mask to me, and overnighted it.

<g> I then proceeded to labrat it, and use it with, of all things, the strap from my Comfortlite, 'cause the strap that came with it was too big for my head.

I can't pretend to like full face masks (some people swear by them; I just swear AT them) but they are really worth while at times, and although I hated the Zzz-mask at first, I now consider it a very useful and very necessary part of my xPAP tool kit.

[bdp522]

You might also want to have ready,
Ayr Gel, for sore nares
white plumbers tape, for holes in hoses,leaking joints on the mask
Medical paper tape and chapstick, just in case you mouth leak
Distilled water, for the humidifier
White vinegar, I use it when cleaning the mask-helps remove soap residues
PadACheeks, or at least the website. The PACs for the CL2 are a must for me

Brenda

[GumbyCT]

white plumbers tape, for holes in hoses,leaking joints on the mask

aka "Teflon tape".

[KatieW]

you may want to consider some kind of full face (or hybrid) mask in case you get sick, instead of the nasal.

Yes, I hadn't considered that. Off to do more research...thanks.

Katie,

Speaking as one who had Been There and Done That, definitely get a full face -- the Zzz-mask is a not-too-expensive full-face which is good for those times when the respiratory grunge has you down.

I got caught without one, and my trusty Comfortlite didn't help because my nose was too stuffed for me to breathe. CPAP.COM, bless their souls, recommended the Zzz mask to me, and overnighted it.

<g> I then proceeded to labrat it, and use it with, of all things, the strap from my Comfortlite, 'cause the strap that came with it was too big for my head.

I can't pretend to like full face masks (some people swear by them; I just swear AT them) but they are really worth while at times, and although I hated the Zzz-mask at first, I now consider it a very useful and very necessary part of my xPAP tool kit.

Kyralynx, thanks for the suggestion. I read the reviews, and it sounds good. According to the Mask Fitting Guide at cpap.com, it should fit me. I'll see if I can try it on at the local DME. Or else, order it, with the extra insurance.

[KatieW]

You might also want to have ready,
Ayr Gel, for sore nares
white plumbers tape, for holes in hoses,leaking joints on the mask
Medical paper tape and chapstick, just in case you mouth leak
Distilled water, for the humidifier
White vinegar, I use it when cleaning the mask-helps remove soap residues
PadACheeks, or at least the website. The PACs for the CL2 are a must for me

Brenda

LOL Brenda. Except for the PadACheeks, all those things are on my Walmart shopping list. But thanks for the reminders. And the PadACheeks are on "my on-line shopping list". They are both long lists.

[Kiralynx]

Kyralynx, thanks for the suggestion. I read the reviews, and it sounds good. According to the Mask Fitting Guide at cpap.com, it should fit me. I'll see if I can try it on at the local DME. Or else, order it, with the extra insurance.

Exactly! Between the Zzz mask and the Comfortlite, you should be all set. Of course, you do realize that there's this frenzy which overtakes even hardened CPAPers when contemplating a new mask. Each new mask we hope is THE MASK, the Holy Grail of CPAPdom.

I can also recommend the Aeiomed Headrest as a good mask.