I know you all have heard the questions before....

laniej · Post by **laniej** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:50 pm

but here goes anyway. I recently was diagnosed with OSA. It surprised me because I am a rather petite woman in my early thirties and don't fit the regular bill for those who usually have it. At any rate, I have the Remstar Plus [url=https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart/CPAP]CPAP machine[/url] and the [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=resmed]ResMed[/url] Ultra [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=mirage]Mirage[/url] Mask. I really don't have a problem with the pressure setting that I am at, but I do have a problem with the mask. I am a side sleeper and end up with a very sore nose, especially the bridge. I tried and tried, but could only make it about 2 hours every night before I would get frustrated and throw the mask on the floor and end up waking up my husband with my snoring by morning. So, upon my visit to the Dr., he recommended I switch to either the [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=breeze]Breeze[/url] or the [url=https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php?query=swift]Swift[/url]. Unfortunately the insurance company will only replace the mask every 6 months (you've all heard this one I am sure). So, can anyone recommend a mask and a reasonably priced place to buy it?

Thanks!

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:57 pm

laniej, I'm a relative newcomer to OSA and APAP. I too have an ultra (the full face model). I struggled with it for the better part of a week, tightening straps, adjusting angle at the top, loosening straps, tightening, tightening, tightening. Finally, I gave up and went back to ground zero.....loosened all the straps, put the upper part vertical and then tightened everyone just enough to keep it from falling down on my chin. Then, tightened the straps ever-so-slightly and voila! It works great and I don't even know it's on now.

Hang in there!

snoozin' · Post by **snoozin'** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:02 pm

Laniej,
You can check out the prices right here at cpap.com. The prices are quite good. Also, do a search on this board for those interfaces, and you'll get peoples' opinions - what worked, what didn't, what they liked or hated, etc.
Debbie

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:20 pm

Lainej,

Check this one out. It's new and looks like a winner. I have one on the way so I'll be able to tell you more tomorrow. Look at the link below. Ted the Titrator, a distiguished member of this forum, tried it and wrote the linked review. It sells for $99 at cpap.com. I am a side sleeper and have tried many masks. This one seems to have all the benefits of the side sleep masks without any of the drawbacks I've found with some I've tried.

Link: Review of Aura Patient Interface

derek · Post by **derek** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:29 pm

Hey Swimming thru the Swamp! (or whatever your name is),
Will you please post your immdiate reaction to the Aura when you get it. I'm potentially very interested.
derek (or whatever my name is)

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:35 pm

Laniej, I like the Breeze/nasal pillows the best. The Swift is good too. cpap.com is a good place to buy things.

TXKajun is right about how it takes some fiddling with the vertical bar adjustment to get the right tilt of mask to face, and that straps on a mask that suits you should really be fairly loose.

I'd add this... do ALL your adjustments to any mask - straps, everything - while lying down in your normal sleeping position. It's pretty much useless to try to fit or adjust a mask while sitting up. Gravity changes everything when we lie down. Routing the main air hose overhead might make your current mask work better - avoiding the weight of the hose tugging at the mask.

You might want to do a "search" on this message board for the words Swift and Breeze. Both have their fans. But what matters is what works for you - which might turn out to be something not many others use.

Here's a link you can click to a previous topic to get you started:

Jan 22, 2005 subject: Your comparison of nasal pillow interfaces?

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:04 pm

Lanie,
I own all 3 of the masks you mentioned, and maybe 5 more on top of that...

Both the Breeze and Swift are good for side sleepers. I find the Breeze a little quieter than the Swift, but we all have difference tolerance levels. The Swift is very small and light.

Both are available from on-line vendors at prices that are way lower than your local equipment provider would charge your insurance company. cpap.com not only sponsors this forum, but they have great prices and service. Great folks!

laniej · Post by **laniej** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:07 pm

Wow, thanks! You all are a terrific group. I really didn't realize that cpap.com sponsored this forum. I really appreciate all the input and look forward to hearing more.

L

gailzee · Post by **gailzee** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:13 pm

Welcome to the sea of masks! But in all seriousness, I use the swift it's ok, less obtrusive on the face, nothing really touching nose, except the pillows. Straps at first are a little rigid, but with time will be softer and more pliable. Don't like the straps on top of the head, yanks hair. Plus I have added a chin strap, which I have to adjust over and over a few x's.I am slowly getting used to it.

Other masks touch nose, head, forehead, etc. for me a big no no, this is about as far as I can stand on/around my face.

It's best to try it lying down as ''rested gal'' suggested, and you are to be complimented, at recognizing at your young age apnea problems and tackling them earlier, not later, when potential for other medical/heath related problems increases (as well I know!).

Good luck.

laniej wrote:but here goes anyway. I recently was diagnosed with OSA. It surprised me because I am a rather petite woman in my early thirties and don't fit the regular bill for those who usually have it. At any rate, I have the Remstar Plus CPAP machine and the ResMed Ultra Mirage Mask. I really don't have a problem with the pressure setting that I am at, but I do have a problem with the mask. I am a side sleeper and end up with a very sore nose, especially the bridge. I tried and tried, but could only make it about 2 hours every night before I would get frustrated and throw the mask on the floor and end up waking up my husband with my snoring by morning. So, upon my visit to the Dr., he recommended I switch to either the Breeze or the Swift. Unfortunately the insurance company will only replace the mask every 6 months (you've all heard this one I am sure). So, can anyone recommend a mask and a reasonably priced place to buy it?

Thanks!

I know you all have heard the questions before....

I know you all have heard the questions before....

Re: I know you all have heard the questions before....