shopping around

needcpap · Post by **needcpap** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:03 pm

I'm very grateful that I found this site!! Been shopping machines and and leaning toward the remstar pro but am at a loss when it comes to the mask...I have pretty bad allergies with nasal stuffiness and don't want to become a afrin addict (am also fairly certain that I am a mouth breather)...do I go with a full face mask ? How does one know what mask is right without trying them on? (my titration test mask left me the next am with the feeling that someone had clocked the bridge of my nose)---

After reading some postings it looks like you end up with a bunch of masks...

I really want to be compliant - have pulmonary hypertension that I WANT to hopefully reverse

feeling pretty overwhelmed

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:12 pm

Don't overlook the auto units. The extra $ (130 $) is well worth it. If for some reason you don't like it just switch it off and run it in cpap mode. Those straight cpaps work but why take your max pressure if its not needed . It will take some time, a few weeks maybe, to tweak the low pressure but when its done you will be much happier.

The DMEs want to seel you a straight unit because there is more profit for them. Beware of the EVIL DME.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, auto

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:30 pm

How does one know what mask is right without trying them on?

The answer is: one doesn't. If you're unable to try them on its really just a crapshoot. Everybody's facial and head structure is a little different so what works for some doesn't work for others.

In full face masks a lot of people on this forum swear by the Ultra Mirage. It didn't work for me at all. I like the F&P Flexifit 431. You just never know...

needcpap · Post by **needcpap** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:31 pm

oh yeah, I have 4 yo and 1 1/2 yo kids and from time to time need to emergently jump out of bed and deal....any thoughts on masks that would be better and masks to avoid (will want to remove the whole thing quickly so I dont scare the you know what out of them!!!!

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:34 pm

IMHO they're all easy to get off in a hurry. You might want to let your kids see the mask and help you put it on... because sooner or later they're bound to see you in it and you don't want them to freak out!

needcpap · Post by **needcpap** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:56 pm

[quote="chrisp"]Don't overlook the auto units. The extra $ (130 $) is well worth it. If for some reason you don't like it just switch it off and run it in cpap mode. Those straight cpaps work but why take your max pressure if its not needed . It will take some time, a few weeks maybe, to tweak the low pressure but when its done you will be much happier.

The DMEs want to seel you a straight unit because there is more profit for them. Beware of the EVIL DME.

__great advice ---- I thought that the pro was automatic???_______________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, auto

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:01 pm

This is the Auto https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1607

They use the word Pro to fool you when you buy from a Evil DME. Just like they use "comfort" with their Crappy masks.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): auto

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:15 pm

As to your mask question, the number onbe mask for compliance is the Resmed Activa. This is not full face mask but most are willing to tape their mouths shut or wear a chin lift just to get it's comfort and lack of leaks. It should be the very first maks you should try IMHO

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:32 am

Hi needcpap,

Seems to me you need to deal with your allergies/nasal stuffiness before you will get proper treatment and satisfaction with any mask.

There are threads on this forum that discuss the issue. You should read these and see if any ideas can help you. Also discuss this with your doctor for some resolution.

I was always stuffed up before xPAP and had real difficulty adapting to the Activa mask (am not a mouth breather). Decided to try Flonase and it works well for me. xPAP compliance is much easier. There are other very useful suggestions on the congestion threads. It seems many have to deal with congestion even if this was not a problem before the mask. You will have double trouble with night time mask breathing unless you find a solution - the mask alone will not cure the congestion.

Good luck!

Bob F

Teej813 · Post by **Teej813** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:45 am

Hi Need, and welcome.

I believe i read that adding a humidifier helps with stuffiness. You might discuss this with your doctor to see if he will prescribe one for you.

As for masks, I had similar questions. After reading twenty or so threads on this forum, I was convinced that the Activa was a mask I wanted to try. My DME showed me a sample, and I chose it. I've been very happy with it... it's comfortable and hardly leaks at all. Note: I'm brand new at this, so i hope you have a salt shaker handy... or a whole box

Sorry, but i have no experience with a full-face mask. I'm hoping I never need one.

Hope this helps some.

teej

SheilaB · Post by **SheilaB** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:45 pm

Hello Needcpap,

I am new to the group --started my therapy last week. I had the same problems choosing a mask. I finally settled on the Mirage Activa (probably the one Rock and Roll is talking about) Look for a picture on cpap.com. I liked it because it only takes a second to release the hose from your nose. If you need to take the mask off it just requires unlocking a quick clip. I find I can see to walk around the house in the middle of the night fine with the mask on. If I needed to read something I would unclip it.

The headgear bothers me some and I feel like a "mask-head" in the morning for a couple of hours (feels like the mask is still on) but other than that I am happy.

I am a side, back, side, back, side, back sleeper! So far the mask has not lost its seal no matter how many times I toss and turn!

I wanted a comfort curve at first but was scared I would not be able to keep it sealed no matter how comfortable it was. Good luck. My DME was very nice about mask selection and told me I could return the mask after a few days if I did not like it.[/img]

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:13 pm

Thats the one SheillaB,

Good luck with it, I don't kknow many that don't like it.

Wear the headgear loose, very loose, rediculously so and you will love it. Once sealed, it stays that way and does not need to be worn tight.

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 10:08 am

rock and roll wrote:As to your mask question, the number one mask for compliance is the Resmed Activa...

Hey Rock, do you have a reference to a study that supports this claim? I'd be interested to see other results that came from it.

Ron

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:56 pm

My own study and the opinion of many here and at DMEs I have talked to and my insurance company. I should have qualified it as IMHO.

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:00 pm

Ok, thanks.

ron