Bravo/NA II cross - Thanks to Babette's idea
Bravo/NA II cross - Thanks to Babette's idea
I had a miserable night last night trying the Bravo. The nose part was fine, but the headgear was the worst. I can't figure out how anyone could keep it on their head! I've never had a problem with the Swift. The pillows kept leaking because the headgear wouldn't stay in place, the most leaks I've ever seen on my charts even without mouth taping in the beginning.
Tonight I'm trying a cross between the Nasal Aire II and the Bravo and Babette's fix with the Tiara Topaz chinstrap. Here's a picture of it for those who haven't seen it:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/
The only difference for me is that I'm using the nasal pillows part from the Bravo with this, sans headgear. Same exact picture, but put in the Bravo pillows and pillow holder. I tried it this afternoon and it seems like it will work well. I'll let everyone know tomorrow.
After trying a friend's Topaz, I got one this afternoon from my DME using my insurance which will cover a chinstrap every 6 months.
Babette, this is a fabulous idea!
Tonight I'm trying a cross between the Nasal Aire II and the Bravo and Babette's fix with the Tiara Topaz chinstrap. Here's a picture of it for those who haven't seen it:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/
The only difference for me is that I'm using the nasal pillows part from the Bravo with this, sans headgear. Same exact picture, but put in the Bravo pillows and pillow holder. I tried it this afternoon and it seems like it will work well. I'll let everyone know tomorrow.
After trying a friend's Topaz, I got one this afternoon from my DME using my insurance which will cover a chinstrap every 6 months.
Babette, this is a fabulous idea!
_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Alternate Mask: Headrest. Pressure 9.0. Aussie Hose, padacheeks, AHI: 0.0 on 12/26/07. Pillow-stuffed backpack=side sleeping & lower AHI. |
- Rose
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
No problem! Glad to help!
Hey Rosemary... Since you know how to post images, you have my permission to post the images from my Photobucket here.
I can't access it from work.
EDITTED TO PUT TIP SHEET CLOSER TO TOP OF THREAD:
NASAL AIRE II TIP SHEET
08/15/07
By Barbara Smith aka “Babette” @ http://www.cpaptalk.com, or http://www.geocities.com/babettelinks
Nasal Aire II (NAII) Videos – Scroll to bottom of page:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/innome ... re-ii.html
Innomed – NAII manufacturer’s website: (BTW, Innomed, Teleflex, and Hudson RCI are all the same co.)
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innomedinc/na2.htm
How to wear headgear:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... adgear.pdf
APAP Trial Stats:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... ptrial.pdf
NAII Product Brochure:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... e%20II.pdf
New Improved Headgear:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... adgear.pdf
All Sizes in One Kit Brochure:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... ochure.pdf
Buy all Sizes at once for only $9 more than just the three size kit – Then sell off your unneeded prongs:
http://directhomemedical.com/masks-cpap ... ggodz3TZLQ
DME 2007 Reimbursement Schedule:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... dmepos.pdf
SIZING: I have found the best size for me is one that is difficult to insert. I have to fold and shove to get them in, every night. Some nights it takes me more time than others. According to the Teleflex Rep I spoke to at a vendor fair, the idea is to push them in as far as they will go, then gently pull them back until the little bulge at the end “stops”. That’s the optimum position for the least amount of leakage. YMMV. I end up pushing them up and back several times a night. I still fiddle with this mask, but I’m sleeping a good 7+ hours, with 2.1 AHI, so I’m very happy with it. For reference, I wear Medium Plus on the NAII, Large on the Breeze, and Small on the CL2.
I have abandoned the headgear, and attached the NAII to my chinstrap. I wear a Tiara Brand “Topaz” style chinstrap. I use little strips of Velcro “one wrap” (the stuff that has hooks one side, and loops on the other side, so it hooks to itself) to bind the side tubes to the side pieces of my chinstrap. I have two loops on each side. I found two works better for me. I leave them slightly loose, so I can slide the tubes up and down as needed. I then have the bolo loops from the headgear placed on the tubes so they come together at the crown of my head. I route the tubes up over my head, they meet the main machine tube behind my pillow, and the tube then runs along the top of my mattress where it meets the headboard and on up to my machine. You can see pix of what I did here:
viewtopic.php?t=21841&highlight=babette+chin+strap
RosemaryB’s Nasal Aire II Headgear Mod: viewtopic/t23202/Another-Nasal-Aire-II- ... 0d3c3b76bc
I have found if there is any liquid present, I get leaks. Initially, I had trouble when I inserted the prongs while my nose was wet with Ayr Gel. I then started putting on the Ayr Gel, letting it dry, then inserted the prongs. Now I skip the Ayr Gel entirely. I use it when I feel any irritation, but usually only in the mornings, not at night. So far, haven’t had any irritation from using prongs without Ayr Gel. I also sleep with my HH at 0. Rainout causes leaks for me, too.
Mouth Taping: This worked for me. I was successful with it, but I don’t like taping.
viewtopic.php?t=9653&highlight=rooster+tape
Hey Rosemary... Since you know how to post images, you have my permission to post the images from my Photobucket here.
I can't access it from work.
EDITTED TO PUT TIP SHEET CLOSER TO TOP OF THREAD:
NASAL AIRE II TIP SHEET
08/15/07
By Barbara Smith aka “Babette” @ http://www.cpaptalk.com, or http://www.geocities.com/babettelinks
Nasal Aire II (NAII) Videos – Scroll to bottom of page:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/innome ... re-ii.html
Innomed – NAII manufacturer’s website: (BTW, Innomed, Teleflex, and Hudson RCI are all the same co.)
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innomedinc/na2.htm
How to wear headgear:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... adgear.pdf
APAP Trial Stats:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... ptrial.pdf
NAII Product Brochure:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... e%20II.pdf
New Improved Headgear:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... adgear.pdf
All Sizes in One Kit Brochure:
http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... ochure.pdf
Buy all Sizes at once for only $9 more than just the three size kit – Then sell off your unneeded prongs:
http://directhomemedical.com/masks-cpap ... ggodz3TZLQ
DME 2007 Reimbursement Schedule:
http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/innome ... dmepos.pdf
SIZING: I have found the best size for me is one that is difficult to insert. I have to fold and shove to get them in, every night. Some nights it takes me more time than others. According to the Teleflex Rep I spoke to at a vendor fair, the idea is to push them in as far as they will go, then gently pull them back until the little bulge at the end “stops”. That’s the optimum position for the least amount of leakage. YMMV. I end up pushing them up and back several times a night. I still fiddle with this mask, but I’m sleeping a good 7+ hours, with 2.1 AHI, so I’m very happy with it. For reference, I wear Medium Plus on the NAII, Large on the Breeze, and Small on the CL2.
I have abandoned the headgear, and attached the NAII to my chinstrap. I wear a Tiara Brand “Topaz” style chinstrap. I use little strips of Velcro “one wrap” (the stuff that has hooks one side, and loops on the other side, so it hooks to itself) to bind the side tubes to the side pieces of my chinstrap. I have two loops on each side. I found two works better for me. I leave them slightly loose, so I can slide the tubes up and down as needed. I then have the bolo loops from the headgear placed on the tubes so they come together at the crown of my head. I route the tubes up over my head, they meet the main machine tube behind my pillow, and the tube then runs along the top of my mattress where it meets the headboard and on up to my machine. You can see pix of what I did here:
viewtopic.php?t=21841&highlight=babette+chin+strap
RosemaryB’s Nasal Aire II Headgear Mod: viewtopic/t23202/Another-Nasal-Aire-II- ... 0d3c3b76bc
I have found if there is any liquid present, I get leaks. Initially, I had trouble when I inserted the prongs while my nose was wet with Ayr Gel. I then started putting on the Ayr Gel, letting it dry, then inserted the prongs. Now I skip the Ayr Gel entirely. I use it when I feel any irritation, but usually only in the mornings, not at night. So far, haven’t had any irritation from using prongs without Ayr Gel. I also sleep with my HH at 0. Rainout causes leaks for me, too.
Mouth Taping: This worked for me. I was successful with it, but I don’t like taping.
viewtopic.php?t=9653&highlight=rooster+tape
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
Last edited by Babette on Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
One question about the NAII, Babette: Do you have relatively round nostrils or "slotted" nostrils? I keep wondering if that's why the NA II didn't work well for me, but kept leaking. I tried the supersize medium and they still leaked. The large was just too big for me.
OK, here are the images. They may be large, since I can't edit them to forum size, but very worthwihle to see how it's done. What a great solution!
OK, here are the images. They may be large, since I can't edit them to forum size, but very worthwihle to see how it's done. What a great solution!
_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Alternate Mask: Headrest. Pressure 9.0. Aussie Hose, padacheeks, AHI: 0.0 on 12/26/07. Pillow-stuffed backpack=side sleeping & lower AHI. |
- Rose
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
I think I have ovoid nostrils, which seem to fit the NAII prongs pretty well. I do get teensy little leaks now and again, but I can trace them to the presence of liquid. If I get too much ayr gel on - leaks. If I get condensation - leaks. If I'm snotty - leaks.
So, if I'm leaking, I take it off, mop up the nose, and try again. Still works better for me than anything else.
Rosemary, if you're frustrated with the NAII, PM me and LET'S MAKE A DEAL!
LOL,
B.
So, if I'm leaking, I take it off, mop up the nose, and try again. Still works better for me than anything else.
Rosemary, if you're frustrated with the NAII, PM me and LET'S MAKE A DEAL!
LOL,
B.
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
- rested gal
- Posts: 12883
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
YOU LIKE ME? YOU REALLY LIKE ME????
Who knew I'd see this day back in April when I SWORE I was TOO DARNED TIRED TO LAB RAT ANYTHING and just wanted to pay people to fix everything for me....
RG - YOU'VE MADE MY DAY! This is a milestone for me folks. I started xpap 04/20/07. It's 07/07/07, and I feel NORMAL, and ENERGETIC, and CREATIVE, and... GASP! SOCIABLE!!!
I'm having people over tomorrow. First time in 4 years. Not many people, but I'm actually COOKING and FEEDING them!
Thanks to all of YOU!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't have done it without YOU!!!!!
Lessee:
Rested Gal, Snoredog, Wulfman, TWolf, DreamStalker, DreamSeeker, JohnMudie, Socknitster, ChristineQuilts, RobbieH, IBTeri, SleepySandy, Gasp, PaulB, Blarg, Jefe, JeffH, Shari, Mommaw, RosemaryB, BrianRT....
Well dang, it, ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
Hugs, kisses, and LOTS OF GRATITUDE!!!!
Barbara
Who knew I'd see this day back in April when I SWORE I was TOO DARNED TIRED TO LAB RAT ANYTHING and just wanted to pay people to fix everything for me....
RG - YOU'VE MADE MY DAY! This is a milestone for me folks. I started xpap 04/20/07. It's 07/07/07, and I feel NORMAL, and ENERGETIC, and CREATIVE, and... GASP! SOCIABLE!!!
I'm having people over tomorrow. First time in 4 years. Not many people, but I'm actually COOKING and FEEDING them!
Thanks to all of YOU!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't have done it without YOU!!!!!
Lessee:
Rested Gal, Snoredog, Wulfman, TWolf, DreamStalker, DreamSeeker, JohnMudie, Socknitster, ChristineQuilts, RobbieH, IBTeri, SleepySandy, Gasp, PaulB, Blarg, Jefe, JeffH, Shari, Mommaw, RosemaryB, BrianRT....
Well dang, it, ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
Hugs, kisses, and LOTS OF GRATITUDE!!!!
Barbara
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
- birdshell
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:58 am
- Location: Southeast Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
A triple mask lab-ratting solution? WOW!
Congratulations, Babette and future congratulations for Rosemary (I'm an eternal optimist. )
Congratulations, Babette and future congratulations for Rosemary (I'm an eternal optimist. )
Be kinder than necessary; everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Click => Free Mammograms
Click => Free Mammograms
Oh yeah, did I bother to THANK YOU ROSEMARY for posting pix for me? MERCI BEAUCOUP!!!!!!!!!!
I can't do that from work. Yeah, I spend most of my time here from work. Sue me. I can prove I do three times the work of my coworkers even so - We had a recent computer upgrade and my boss and my assistant both backed up their entire computers on 1 512 mb pen drive each. My computer took 1.0 gb, 1 512 mb, and 1 128 mb.
LOL,
B.
I can't do that from work. Yeah, I spend most of my time here from work. Sue me. I can prove I do three times the work of my coworkers even so - We had a recent computer upgrade and my boss and my assistant both backed up their entire computers on 1 512 mb pen drive each. My computer took 1.0 gb, 1 512 mb, and 1 128 mb.
LOL,
B.
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
Congratulations on the award, Babette.
When I saw this, I thought "Lab Rat Award." I tried it on with my nasal Aire II and it seems great. I'm not ready to give up on my Nasal Aire yet. I have slotted nares, but not extreme ones kind of ovoid, too , so I'm still hoping to get it to work. The lure of not having leaking pillows is a strong one and since I have the Topaz headgear, I will experiment more using the "Topaz-Nasal Aire" modification.
I've figured out what the problem is with the mask for me and now I'm working on solutions. I tried one last night, but a different one tonight. I'll post pictures when I get something that works. I love the IDEA of the Bravo, now to make it work. I'm pretty determined because I really love the Swift and it works great for me except for the side part which makes it hard to sleep on both sides. It seems like the Bravo is like the Swift but no side piece. However, it's got the worst headgear (for me anyway) that I can imagine. So mods are needed.
I'll try the second mod tonight.
When I saw this, I thought "Lab Rat Award." I tried it on with my nasal Aire II and it seems great. I'm not ready to give up on my Nasal Aire yet. I have slotted nares, but not extreme ones kind of ovoid, too , so I'm still hoping to get it to work. The lure of not having leaking pillows is a strong one and since I have the Topaz headgear, I will experiment more using the "Topaz-Nasal Aire" modification.
Still working on it, but I'm not sure it's going to include the nasal Aire part now. It looked good but then it was hard to get it seated properly without the swivel action of the elbows at the ends of the pillows part.birdshell wrote:A triple mask lab-ratting solution? WOW!
Congratulations, Babette and future congratulations for Rosemary (I'm an eternal optimist. )
I've figured out what the problem is with the mask for me and now I'm working on solutions. I tried one last night, but a different one tonight. I'll post pictures when I get something that works. I love the IDEA of the Bravo, now to make it work. I'm pretty determined because I really love the Swift and it works great for me except for the side part which makes it hard to sleep on both sides. It seems like the Bravo is like the Swift but no side piece. However, it's got the worst headgear (for me anyway) that I can imagine. So mods are needed.
I'll try the second mod tonight.
_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Alternate Mask: Headrest. Pressure 9.0. Aussie Hose, padacheeks, AHI: 0.0 on 12/26/07. Pillow-stuffed backpack=side sleeping & lower AHI. |
- Rose
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thanks for continuing to tweak the Bravo, Rosemary. There are several members - like me - who just tossed it aside. I'm lucky that I've got something else that works well for me. But I feel for those that don't. I know they await your results anxiously!
Good luck and I'm looking forward to your pix!!!
Barbara
Good luck and I'm looking forward to your pix!!!
Barbara
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
- socknitster
- Posts: 1740
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:55 am
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Contact:
Forgive, me--I'm feeling a bit dense. I want to make sure I understand.
These pics are of a NasalAire II combined with a Tiara Topaz chinstrap and some velcro ties?
Rosemary is thinking of doing something similar except with the bravo?
I want to understand because currently I'm using the optilife and I do really like it, but combine it with a chin strap and it is just too much headgear! I just ordered a new Hans Rudolph full face in a smaller size and I still need to try the swift I bought from Blarg. Those are on the "soon to do" list. Lately I just haven't felt like trying anything new because the optilife has been working for me and there has been lots of stuff going on around the house so I want to be sure to sleep well so I'm not so darn crabby.
The bravo, opus and na II are on my list of next mask purchase/trades.
Not to hijack this thread, but I called my insurance to see how many masks they would allow me at a time before the 3 month mask replacement time is up. They said as long as I have a doctor's letter of medical necessity, it isn't limited. Good grief, I wish I hadn't been so tired before that this hadn't occurred to me as a possibility. I'm going to call my ent and have a letter faxed to my dme to get either the bravo, opus or the naII. Anyone with experiene with the optilife and one of these care to chime in with a comment on this idea?
Jen
These pics are of a NasalAire II combined with a Tiara Topaz chinstrap and some velcro ties?
Rosemary is thinking of doing something similar except with the bravo?
I want to understand because currently I'm using the optilife and I do really like it, but combine it with a chin strap and it is just too much headgear! I just ordered a new Hans Rudolph full face in a smaller size and I still need to try the swift I bought from Blarg. Those are on the "soon to do" list. Lately I just haven't felt like trying anything new because the optilife has been working for me and there has been lots of stuff going on around the house so I want to be sure to sleep well so I'm not so darn crabby.
The bravo, opus and na II are on my list of next mask purchase/trades.
Not to hijack this thread, but I called my insurance to see how many masks they would allow me at a time before the 3 month mask replacement time is up. They said as long as I have a doctor's letter of medical necessity, it isn't limited. Good grief, I wish I hadn't been so tired before that this hadn't occurred to me as a possibility. I'm going to call my ent and have a letter faxed to my dme to get either the bravo, opus or the naII. Anyone with experiene with the optilife and one of these care to chime in with a comment on this idea?
Jen
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: ResMed AirFit™ F30 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Jen, yes, that's my NAII that I morphed with my Tiara Brand Topaz chin strap. Just a couple of velcro one-wraps and you're done. Don't bother with my first step - sewing velcro onto the chin strap. Didn't work as well as just tying the tubes to the chinstrap with loops of velcro one-wrap.
I think you could definitely experiment with this concept with any mask. You just need a roll of velcro one-wrap, which I found at Michael's, Joanns, and Lowe's.
I couldn't keep the OptiLife in place ANYWAY, so I can't really think HOW to do this, but you are more clever than I, and I await your metamorphosis!
Good luck! May the Velcro be With You!
B.
I think you could definitely experiment with this concept with any mask. You just need a roll of velcro one-wrap, which I found at Michael's, Joanns, and Lowe's.
I couldn't keep the OptiLife in place ANYWAY, so I can't really think HOW to do this, but you are more clever than I, and I await your metamorphosis!
Good luck! May the Velcro be With You!
B.
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
Last edited by Babette on Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.
- socknitster
- Posts: 1740
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:55 am
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Contact:
Yeah, I don't think the optilife is going to work any way except with the optilife headgear, just too complicated with the wings and whatnots.
I'm just thinking future reference, for when I get a new mask. I actually like my Tiara Topaz chinstrap. I tried a respironics and didn't care for it! I wear it backwards though, I believe (the tiara). Whatever works!
I wear it so that the longest strap is going to the center top of my head from the chin instead of pulling to the back of my head. This way there is less forcing my jaw BACK and more forcing my jaw UP. The idea is to not make my underbite (which is definitely causing my tongue to be in my throat blocking airflow) to be any worse than necessary!
Just another scintillating tidbit from Jen!
Congrats on the Lab Rat Award, BAbs!
JEn
I'm just thinking future reference, for when I get a new mask. I actually like my Tiara Topaz chinstrap. I tried a respironics and didn't care for it! I wear it backwards though, I believe (the tiara). Whatever works!
I wear it so that the longest strap is going to the center top of my head from the chin instead of pulling to the back of my head. This way there is less forcing my jaw BACK and more forcing my jaw UP. The idea is to not make my underbite (which is definitely causing my tongue to be in my throat blocking airflow) to be any worse than necessary!
Just another scintillating tidbit from Jen!
Congrats on the Lab Rat Award, BAbs!
JEn
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: ResMed AirFit™ F30 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Jen, I just tried the backwards Topaz and I think I'll like it better, too. I have an underbite, so what you say makes a lot of sense.
I'm going to try the new fix with the Bravo tonight, so I'll let you know how it works tomorrow.
I'm going to try the new fix with the Bravo tonight, so I'll let you know how it works tomorrow.
_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Alternate Mask: Headrest. Pressure 9.0. Aussie Hose, padacheeks, AHI: 0.0 on 12/26/07. Pillow-stuffed backpack=side sleeping & lower AHI. |
- Rose
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Thread on how I overcame aerophagia
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3383 ... hagia.html
Thread on my TAP III experience
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t3705 ... ges--.html
Okay, just my experience - the chinstrap doesn't force my chin in any direction. It just gently reminds me to keep my LIPS closed. I can even slack on my jaw, but it keeps my lips closed. I think it's the breadth of the under chin portion that pushes my lips closed.
I can talk, sip water, yawn, all that good stuff. It's very gentle and stretchy. But when I'm relaxed, it reminds me to keep my jaw shut. Like, right now, my lips are closed, but my jaw is loose. There's probably a 1/8-1/4" gap between my teeth. But my lips are closed, and I'm nose breathing. No chinstrap required. I view my chinstrap sort of like a training device to remind me to nose breathe. I think it's working pretty well for me in that regrad.
But, YMMV. I'm not against anyone turning it around, turning it inside out, doing whatever. You gotta make it work for you. The reason I mention this is someone asked me specifically if this chinstrap would "force" her chin into a position that would be bad for her. I just haven't had that experience with it.
Cheers,
B.
I can talk, sip water, yawn, all that good stuff. It's very gentle and stretchy. But when I'm relaxed, it reminds me to keep my jaw shut. Like, right now, my lips are closed, but my jaw is loose. There's probably a 1/8-1/4" gap between my teeth. But my lips are closed, and I'm nose breathing. No chinstrap required. I view my chinstrap sort of like a training device to remind me to nose breathe. I think it's working pretty well for me in that regrad.
But, YMMV. I'm not against anyone turning it around, turning it inside out, doing whatever. You gotta make it work for you. The reason I mention this is someone asked me specifically if this chinstrap would "force" her chin into a position that would be bad for her. I just haven't had that experience with it.
Cheers,
B.
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Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap. |
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula.