O.k., I have a resmed S8 elite, which I like, however I was originally prescribed with a full mask. It worked fine, except my eyes were messed up. I have problems with watery eyes this time of year, but my vision stayed blurry most of the day.
Called the sleep company and they told me changing masks would require new rx from PCP. Now he's a nice guy and all, but doesn't know that much about CPAP. I think the sleep co therapist knows more, actually.
So, like some others doing things on their own, I went out and bought a resmed swift nasal pillows mask and a chin strap. Well, the chin strap was not quite strong enough to keep my mouth shut, so I used this other elastic band I had which works great.
Bottom line, it appears to work (you definately know it if you open your mouth as it is very loud). I set the S-8 to the appropriate mask setting and used it. No eye problems! The only other indicator I have is that I use a small O2 sat monitor and O2 sat has usually been at 96% in the AM. I think it was slightly lower with the full mask.
Now, it would take a lot of convincing to get me back to the full mask and I am very confident my mouth stays shut as it is not dry in the morning and I would most certainly hear the loud air rushing out. Still, I feel a little guilty doing it on my own. I do like the pressure (13) and feel anything lower would not be beneficial.
Perhaps I should discuss changing masks with someone again to make sure I'm getting the correct treatment. I did buy the clinicians manual and will study it, but don't want to change anything else on the machine.
I feel it works but is it kosher?
- rested gal
- Posts: 12883
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Re: I feel it works but is it kosher?
Don't feel guilty. You're making YOUR treatment work for YOU. You are doing the right thing, imho. Of course, I'm not a doctor.hankzzz wrote:Still, I feel a little guilty doing it on my own.
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
-
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:52 pm
- Location: The Vast cornfields of northwest Ohio
Hey an Sp O2 level of 96% is excellent and perfectly normal. Even people without apnea aren't always that high.
_________________
Mask: FlexiFit HC432 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Pressure 14.5, compliant since 2004 |
I should add....
I should ad that using this little finger o2 meter usually gives me a 93% or even sometimes 91 % when awake. I don't put too much stock in it, but it is easy to use. It's kind of interesting as you can do some deep breathing exercises and move the 02 level up. Today, I took a brief nap without cpap and O2 sat was like at 85 after I got up.
Generally I feel a little more energy on cpap, but not a whole lot. They said that I had a low O2 sat of 67% during the sleep study.
Generally I feel a little more energy on cpap, but not a whole lot. They said that I had a low O2 sat of 67% during the sleep study.
Put simply:
They're trying to make a buck off of you. Just like any other service you receive, are you satisfied? If the answer is no, then look into the competition. Believe me, if they can pinch a penny out of you, they will, and that's a GOOD thing. It's called capitalism.
So vote with your feet.
My DME thought it was a riot when I called up and said, "Ok, here's how this is going to work. You're going to give me a Twilight NP, and you're going to bill my insurance."
"But sir, we have to have a mask fitting appoin..."
"Yes, I've been to one. I know exactly which mask I want. Either you're getting it for me, or I'll get it elsewhere."
"Oh, good luck finding supplies for less than 300 dollars."
"cpap.com. Done. Now, do you want my business?"
"Well, you'll have to come in for a mask fitting app"
*hangs up*
They're trying to make a buck off of you. Just like any other service you receive, are you satisfied? If the answer is no, then look into the competition. Believe me, if they can pinch a penny out of you, they will, and that's a GOOD thing. It's called capitalism.
So vote with your feet.
My DME thought it was a riot when I called up and said, "Ok, here's how this is going to work. You're going to give me a Twilight NP, and you're going to bill my insurance."
"But sir, we have to have a mask fitting appoin..."
"Yes, I've been to one. I know exactly which mask I want. Either you're getting it for me, or I'll get it elsewhere."
"Oh, good luck finding supplies for less than 300 dollars."
"cpap.com. Done. Now, do you want my business?"
"Well, you'll have to come in for a mask fitting app"
*hangs up*
I'm a programmer Jim, not a doctor!
Sometimes I get the feeling robots are starting to rule the world ("I" must be teaching them) and mostly come in chirpy, cheerful clerk sizes! I really don't want this to offend anyone, but why is it that brains seem to run a distant ... 5th or something when it comes to criteria for hiring front line people these days? Are being cheery and chirpy the only things that count?
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Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: IntelliPAP Integrated Heated Humidifier |