New User with PAPillow low cost alternative

I've been a CPAP user for about a month, using the Breeze nasal pillows interface and Goodnight 420E. Since I have shared rooms with CPAP users and was used to the much louder noise of their machines, I was very pleasantly surprised at how quiet the machines are now. Of course my husband says I sound like Darth Vader when I inhale, but that's better than snoring!

I was first suspected to have Sleep Apnea when I jerked awak while driving and found myself heading straight on to a car in the opposite lane. Luckily, I was quick enough to swear and avoid a head on but still ended up side-swiping the other car. But it woke me up pretty quick to the fact I needed some help and fast.

It still took me about another 2-3 months to go through the sleep labs, various specialists, etc. to get a machine and treatment, during which I was under doctor's orders to drive no more than 15 minutes from home. My husband just *loved* being my personal chauffeur!

While I've adjusted pretty quickly to all-night use of the interface, I'm not that happy with the Breeze headgear and have had to make some adjustments to it, like taping down the hose another 4 inches back to keep it from popping out of the single hose retainer on top. And I have no idea how anyone can wear one of these at night without the straps.

I'm ordering a Swift interface as soon as possible, although I had considered a SNAPP. My DME won't let me try out any masks, just gave me this one and that was it, and insurance won't pay for another for 6 months.

I've learned a few tricks during this month that I haven't seen on the forum. Just yesterday I was reading about the PAPillow and like many others was concerned (my husband being retired and income a bit limited) about the cost. I had purchased one of the Therapeutic (memory foam) back pillows at Walmart for about $15 and since my extra firm pillow had "bottomed out" right in the middle and was giving my neck no support I hit on the idea of using the back pillow.

Not only has this given my neck a lot better support for both side and back sleeping, but it has turned out to be a great PAPillow, too! Because of the small size, the shell of the Breeze isn't being pushed to the side since I can kind of hang over the edge with it, and it conforms better to my face, too.

Since I had shoulder surgery about 2 months ago, side sleeping has been difficult because of the shoulder pain, and with the back pillow, this is gone too when sleeping on my side.

I have found this forum wonderfully informative and have recommended it to other new users.

Hi Janelle

Sounds like you doing great so far. You've got a great machine and started out with one of the better interfaces (masks). I think you will like the Swift as an alternative to the Breeze. I have also found that it is good to secure the hose an additional time on the Swift. It gives the mask more stability. I also bought the Walmart "cheap" version of the pappillow. It has worked fine for me and at $15 it's easier to replace when it wears out (they all wear out no matter what you pay). If you are buying the Swift yourself, have you shopped online? I purchased all my equipment from cpap.com... they have the best prices and compared to a local DME they are
"dirt cheap"

Thanks for sharing your experience with us and please post again.

Good Luck!

Exactlty where at Walmart did you find the "cheap" version of the Papillow? In the bedding or health, or did you get the same thing i did?

Janelle,

Sorry if I mis-spoke. When I said "cheap" I meant "generic". The pillow I got I think was called a contour pillow. For me it accomplishes the same result. It is most likely similar to what you've got.

I did spend the bucks for the PAPillow. It's been worth it for me though. I needed something a bit firm but would allow me to roll over on my side.

Jeanne