Revised: 10/16/08- Added links to other mask test drives.
viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html
INFORMATION ON THE GREAT NASAL AIRE II TEST DRIVE:
viewtopic/t30639/The-Return-of-the-Grea ... Drive.html
OTHER MASK TEST DRIVES
viewtopic/t35991/Mask-Test-Drives--Try- ... uy-it.html
HYBRID – by pjwalman
viewtopic/t33434/Hybrid-TestDrive-Continues.html
SMALL LIBERTY – by fortomorrow
viewtopic/t35474/ResMed-Mirage-Liberty-Test-Drive.html
LARGE LIBERTY – by echo
viewtopic/t35486/Large-Liberty-test-drive.html
COMFORT GEL MEDIUM – by 2girlsmomviewtopic/t35867/ComfortGel-Medium-FF-test-drive.html
PIX OF MY CHINSTRAP/HEADGEAR MOD:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/
Nasal Aire II Links on http://www.cpaptalk.com FAQ’s: cpaptalk-faq.php?FCID=11#11
Nasal Aire II (NAII) Videos – Scroll to bottom of page: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/innome ... re-ii.html
Buy all Sizes at once for only a little more than just the three size kit – Then sell/swap your unneeded prongs:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=2672&PAID=517
BTW - I have bought this one, and my insurance reimbursed me in full.
All Sizes in One Kit Brochure: http://www.hudsonrci.com/Products/docs/ ... ochure.pdf
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
NAII LEAK RATES: viewtopic.php?t=30213&highlight=nasal+aire
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... kChart.jpg
BABETTE'S CHINSTRAP MOD:
I have abandoned the headgear, and attached the NAII to my chinstrap. I initially did this with a Tiara Brand “Topaz” style chinstrap, but the neoprene in the Topaz irritated my skin. I LOVE the design - I HATE the fabric. I've now upgraded to the Deluxe Chinstrap from https://www.cpap.com - don't pay more for the name brand, they're identical. I have pix and explanations of both mods here:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/
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 initially used two loops on each side. I found that after I added the fleece snuggle covers to my side hoses, I could get away with just one on each side. Take a couple of inches of Velcro One Wrap and position it where you want to secure the mask hoses. Stitch it directly to the chinstrap, in the center. Now lay the side hose inside the velcro, and bring the ends around and fasten to each other.
I found sewing the Velcro to the chinstrap to be the very best way to assure stability. If you just "velcro" them to your chinstrap, everytime you roll on them, the velcro re-positions itself - literally rolling away from you. If you sew the loops to the chinstrap, everything stays put.
I then route the tubes over my head, and tie them together with another length of Velcro One Wrap. 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, at the crack where it meets the headboard, and on down to my machine, which I keep about a foot below my head.
LEAKS: I have found if there is liquid present, I get leaks. Initially, I had trouble when I inserted the prongs while my nose was wet with Ayr Gel. I'd get some whistling around the wet nares. Then I 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, I 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. Winter update: I can now sleep with HH as high as 2 during cold weather. I use a fleece hose cover, and two smaller ones covering the NAII hoses (Thanks SleepyCarol!). I found my nose dried out in the winter and I needed the increased humidity to combat blood and irritation.
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.
Update 12/07: I have now moved from the MP to the Large. I think my nose has just gotten used to the feel of the prongs and is accommodating it more. I DO NOT notice that my nose looks larger.
NAI VS. NAII CANNULAS: I've recently learned from forum member Issac that the difference between the NAI and the NAII is the cannula only. The hoses are completely interchangeable between the two. The NAI cannula has a more pronounced bulb at the end than the NAII. Some people find that larger bulb to be essential. If you have a soft and pliable nose, and you're using an NAII XL, and you are getting leaks - try the NAI XL. Likewise any other size. If you find the NAI cannula to be just a hair too small, and yet the next size up is TOO BIG, try the NAI. Unfortunately, the NAI doesn't come in the all six sizes in one package. Of course...
THE NASAL AIRE II PETITE: This is a completely different animal. And it's often called an NAII by what I consider unscrupulous vendors, particularly on the auction sites. It's a really crappy design, that, in my experience, has only worked for one six year old girl on this forum. No one else, even those in need of a TINY mask liked it. Why? For one thing, the hoses are SO SHORT, you can NOT route it anywhere except down over your chest. Major pain. And then the cannula is reversed from the design of the NAII, so it doesn't hug your nose but rides on your upper lip. More garbage. Anyway, if it intriques you, see it here: https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum ... petite.jpg It MIGHT work for you, but don't freak out if it doesn't - most people hate it.
NASAL IRRITATION: I was fine up until winter. Then I found I was getting bloody scabs in my left nostril. I used neosporin and ayr gel routinely during the day, and increased my humidity at night. After a few weeks, no more problems. I don't have to use the ayr gel or neosporin anymore.
MOUTH TAPING:This worked for me. I was successful with it, but I don’t like taping.
viewtopic.php?t=9653&highlight=rooster+tape
More Pix of Mods:
RosemaryB’s Bravo/NAII cross:
viewtopic.php?t=21841&highlight=babette+chin+strap
RosemaryB’s Nasal Aire II Headgear Mod: viewtopic/t23202/Another-Nasal-Aire-II- ... 0d3c3b76bc
SleeypCarol’s NAII Headgear Mod:
viewtopic.php?t=26645&highlight=
Onecoknower’s NAII/Bravo/Ballcap Headgear Mod:
viewtopic.php?t=24458
NASAL AIRE II LAB RAT AWARDS:
cpaptalk-faq.php?FCID=11#11
PUR-SLEEP: I use Pur Sleep products from http://www.pur-sleep.com. You can also buy them at https://www.cpap.com. I am not a big believer in aromatherapy and alot of "woo woo" stuff. I don't think these scents will "cure" anything. But they are pleasant, and if you are having trouble with keeping your mask on all night long, I HIGHLY recommend you try these. I'm 100% compliant since using them. Plus it's just NICE to sniff pretty smells instead of plastic. I find I fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer when I use them. For those on a budget, you CAN just buy any AROMATHERAPY GRADE essential oil, and put it on a cotton ball, and position that below your vent. I've done this. I just happen to like Bret's (SleepGuy, owner of PurSleep) forumulas. He makes blends that are very pleasant. I'm partial to Peace and Spice. BTW, Bret did two years of research into Aromatherapy and found numerous medical studies to prove that the lavendar and other essential oils he's using have a clinically proven relaxing and sleep-inducing effect.
SINUS RINSE by NEILMED: I use Neil Med's Sinus Rinse, the squeeze bottle, not the NetiPot. http://www.neilmed.com/ I don't use it every day, but many people do, and swear by it. It took me a litte bit of practice to do it RIGHT, but I'm dumber than the average bear. Just remember to KEEP BREATHING THROUGH YOUR MOUTH while you do this. That's the trick. I really like to use this when I'm travelling by air, to flush out all the foreign germies I'm inhaling. Planes make me sick. I buy these for under $10 at Walgreens.
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THE GREAT NASAL AIRE II TEST DRIVE MANUAL
Many thanks to NEW2, Issac, 6ptStar, JoyceS, SleepyCarol, MellaBella and all the others who have contributed masks and parts to this test drive!!!!
To join the Test Drive, you need to send me:
1. Your real name
2. Your mailing address
3. Your offline email address
4. Your phone number
Once I get all that, I’ll put you on the mailing list, and tell you how many people are ahead of you on the list, so you can judge how long before it gets to you.
The general idea is this:
1. The person ahead of you mails the mask to you. They email you and tell you it's on it's way.
2. You get the box, read all the instructions, and try the mask out. Each person should be able to judge whether this is working for them or not within 7 days (approximately).
3. When you are ready to pass it on, email me, and I’ll give you the info for the next person in line. You mail them the box. Then email the person, tell them it's on it's way, and YOU'RE DONE!
So, in other words, your only cost is the postage to mail it on to the next person. Sort of "paying it forward," as it were. Ignore anything I say to the contrary. Some of my posts about reimbursing the person who mailed it to you are from earlier, when it seemed to my sleepy brain that was a good thing, but test drivers have taught me the error of my ways. The mailer pays the postage. You should only be paying that once. That's enough.
So, now you have it, what next?
CONTENTS OF THIS BOX: This box should contain:
1. This Test Drive Manual,
2. One set of “side hoses” for the NAII,
3. One pair of fleece “snuggle hoses” for the side hoses (Courtesy SleepyCarol),
4. Six NAII Cannulas (XS, SM, MED, MP, LG, XL),
5. NAII Headgear,
6. and Extra Velcro One-Wrap (for lab-ratting headgear).
CLEAN IT: First, wash/disinfect everything to your own standards. Yes, it was washed before it was mailed to you, but now it’s been in the mail and exposed to gosh knows what. Make yourself COMFORTABLE that it’s CLEAN. My cleaning method: Wash thoroughly with hot water and Dr. Bronner’s brand Peppermint liquid soap. Then soak in a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and hot water for several hours. Then re-wash in peppermint soap to cut the vinegar smell. Air dry.
FIT IT: Next, using the cannulas unattached to the hoses, try fitting them up your nose. The best fit for me is one that DOES NOT slide easily up my nose. I have to fold and shove to get them in, then tug gently back down, to unfold and get them “seated” at a comfortable spot in my nose. I think women who use tampons are probably more comfortable with this concept than men or women who don’t use tampons. But that’s just my supposition. DO NOT USE ANY LUBRICANT TO GET THE CANNULA IN! You will just get leaks once it’s all rigged up.
ASSEMBLE IT: Once you’ve picked out a cannula you think will work, assemble the mask and headgear.
SNUGGLE HOSES: First, I highly recommend you slip the fleece “snuggle hoses” over the hoses. I’ve found these do several things – A) they cut down on rainout considerably, B) they make the hoses stay put in the headgear much better without sliding, and C) they make the hoses softer on your face and even more comfortable. I have NO PROBLEM lying on the hoses and find them perfectly comfortable, but the fleece just makes it even better.
CANNULA TO HOSES: Then attach the cannula to the hoses. I like to make sure the molded name is facing OUT, to reduce any sort of friction it might cause on my upper lip.
HEADGEAR: This is going to be your call. I’m enclosing some ideas. We all do it differently. I prefer to route the hoses over my head “ponytail” style. I am currently wearing them attached to my chinstrap with one Velcro One Wrap on each side to hold the hoses. I sewed the middle of the strips down to the chin strap, then I bring the two ends over the side hoses, and cinch them down. Then I run the two hoses over my head, and connect them to each other with a longer piece of One Wrap so that I create a nice tension keeping the hoses and cannula taught. See the Tipsheet links for the “official” headgear configurations.
ATTACH TO MAIN HOSE: Okay, this should be pretty self-explanatory…
FINAL FITTING: Once it’s all assembled, lay down in bed. Lying on your pillow on your back, pull the headgear and/or chinstrap on, and pull the cannula to your nose and insert it. I recommend doing this while lying down, as your face will have a different tension requirement for the mask lying down vs. sitting up. Insert the cannula, and then adjust the tension of the side hoses, so that they are pulling the cannula tight against your nose. You should NOT feel the cannula sitting on your upper lip. You SHOULD feel your nose being pulled slightly up. Not uncomfortably, just enough so there’s good tension. Adjust the headgear and/or chinstrap until everything feels secure. Now roll around and make sure it’s all secure.
TURN ON THE XPAP: Now turn on your machine, and see how it goes. If you find that the cannula is slipping out of your nose, you need a larger size. You can also experiment with twisting the ends of the cannula on the hoses. I like to twist it so that the exhaust ports are pointing nearly 90 degrees away from my body, rather than down my body.
LEAKS: I find that if there is any moisture at all, the cannula will leak and slip on me. I do NOT use any lubricant for this reason. If I have a runny nose, sometimes I have to take off the mask, and swab my nose good with a tissue before re-inserting. Also, if you develop rainout, you’ll probably have to do this, as well as shake out the mask as much as you can. I test for leakage by blocking the vents and then feeling and listening for air escaping elsewhere.
SIZING ISSUES: If you have fixed all the moisture problems, fiddled with different headgear configurations, tried a larger size cannula, etc. etc., and still have leakage or slippage issues, you might want to try the Nasal Aire I. The cannulas are shaped slightly differently (the bulb at the end is more pronounced in the NAI), and work better for some people. They are interchangeable with the NAII hoses. I recommend getting the NAI size that is the same as the NAII size that worked BEST for you.
HOUSEKEEPING FOR THE TEST DRIVE:
Okay, now that you’ve figured out how to put it all together and wear it, here’s some Housekeeping for the Test Drive.
MAILING: I mailed the first one out via USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. It doesn’t NEED that big of a box, but its flat rate, and no surprises. Also – you can get the boxes FREE from the post office. I highly recommend that when you go to mail it to the next person, you do the same thing – get a new Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, and re-package everything, and ship it out Flat Rate. If you can manage to re-use the box you got it in, all the better. Otherwise, please remember to recycle.
SEND ALL PAPERWORK AND ALL SUPPLIES TO THE NEXT PERSON: Send all the printed materials you found in the box, along with all the mask parts and supplies you found in the box, along to the next person on the Test Drive. Unless you and I agree to other arrangements.
HOW LONG CAN I KEEP IT? Generally, I can tell within a few nights if a mask will work for me or not. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you don’t make a decision based on ONE NIGHT ONLY – whether that night was good or bad. I can have one GREAT night, then be unable to ever replicate it. Also, if you have trouble, come to the forum (or me directly) and ask for help before giving up. So, my answer is – I expect folks can probably figure it out in 7 days time. Variables arise. Unexpected trips, illness, etc. But let’s aim for 7 days at each house, and work from there, okay?
WHERE DO I SEND IT NEXT? Email me and I’ll send you the information for the next person in the Test Drive. You should mail it directly to them, and communicate with them about that, so they know it's coming, just like was done for you when you received it.
CAN I KEEP IT? NO.
Well, this IS Version 3.0, which ought to tell you that somewhere out there are people who now OWN Versions 1 and 2. (Update - I've lost count how many versions I'm on now - I think I'm on 6. ) Generally, the idea is to allow you to TEST DRIVE this mask, and decide if it’s the one for you, and then if it IS, you go out and buy your own, either through your DME or online at https://www.cpap.com or http://www.cpapauction.com or somewhere else. Occasionally I learn of people in financial difficulties, who don’t have medical insurance, etc. etc., and two of those people have now received free masks, for the cost of postage. ANYWAY… If you’ve got a sob story to tell, I’ll consider it. But if you have other resources, please just keep passing this along to the next person on the list. WHERE TO BUY YOUR OWN: I highly recommend buying the “all-sizes-in-one kit” from https://www.cpap.com. Why? So you can trade off your unwanted cannulas to other forum members, or even donate them to the Test Drive. I’ve been doing that for the past year, and my insurance reimburses me 100%, no questions asked. I also decided at one point I wanted to go up one cannula size, so it was nice to have that available. I’ve also found good deals on http://www.cpapauction.com.
SNUGGLE HOSES: Someone asked me if I'd make them their very own snuggle hoses. NO! They're terribly easy to make. If you don't sew, call someone you know who does. You need some fleece in a color you like. Cut a rectangle out that is about 1 inch larger than the diameter of the hose, and 1-2 inches longer than the length of the hoses. Sew the long edges of the rectangle together, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn inside out, so the seam is inside. Now pull over the hoses. Once you've attached the cannula, the snugglies aren't going anywhere. The extra length helps ensure they are plenty long, with a generous "scrunch". The extra diameter ensures ease of getting on and off. Don't cut these too narrow! If they are too small, they won't slide on and off the hoses and it will just be a royal pain.
