Next steps.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
User avatar
congahands
Posts: 95
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:59 pm
Location: Near Burlington, NC

Next steps.

Post by congahands » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:47 am

Hi fellow hose heads!

I've been reading a lot but not posting. Things are pretty okay, at least I think so.

I've been on the hose for 143 days. I'm 99.3% compliant.

I missed one day because I was coughing so hard. I kept raising my hands up to cover my mouth and banging my hand on the mask.

For the last 2 weeks:
My AI is 1.6
My HI is 1.1
So my AHI is 2.7

My leak rate is 45.1 which is spot on for my mask and pressure.

According to my insurance company, I am due for a new mask and hose in about 6 weeks. I've been happy with my Quattro. I went with a FF mask because I am asthmatic and couldn't keep my mouth shut during my titration. One last bit of background. My quattro seems to be fine except the cushion appears to be getting a little worn out(scratched up and not quite so soft).

So here's my dilemma is this. With the knowledge gained here about taping, I think i could be very comfortable with a nasal mask.
I'm looking at the Mirage Micro, the Mirage Activa LT, maybe the Mirage Vista. If I did this, I would also get a new cushion for the Quattro.

The other option is to leave well enough alone and get another Quattro.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

_________________
Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Using SleepyHead software as of 12/31/2012
CH

APAP pressure=14-18, Original prescription pressure=16 with C-flex setting of 1
Hosehead since 10/20/2008

SharkBait
Posts: 594
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:41 pm
Location: Texas -- the ugly part... El Paso? No, not quite THAT ugly...

Re: Next steps.

Post by SharkBait » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:54 am

I'm a huge fan of the Swift LT and I get great results with those.

That said, I continue to try different things. Who knows? There might be something else out there better for me. So far I'm not finding it (Swift Liberty and Flexifit 432 so far aren't quite there...).

As long as you have your quattro to fall back on, then I'm of the mindset to try new things. But, if your Quattro looks like it might be in need of replacement soon, I wouldn't risk it and wait on next time to try new things.

But your numbers are awesome, so make sure you will always have the Quattro available to you...

_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Software: Encore Smart Card Reader - USB
Additional Comments: Titrated at 10.0; APAP 10-14; A-Flex = 1; Humidifier = 2; Backup FFM -- Mirage Liberty & F&P HC432; Lansinoh Lanolin; Fluticasone spray; SnuggleHose
Encore Pro 1.8.49; Encore Pro Analyzer 0.8.9 by James Skinner
SnuggleHose - Got the 8 foot and cut it down to 6, used the rest for mask hoses.
Memory Foam Pillow - Cut my own out of my Tempur-pedic pillow. (works great!)
Hose Mgmt - Velcro Tie Strap

User avatar
carbonman
Posts: 2526
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:57 am

Re: Next steps.

Post by carbonman » Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:03 am

congahands wrote:Hi fellow hose heads!
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I suggest you go for the total experience.
I started w/nasal mask. I chinstrapped and glued.
I was very successfull and it made my therapy work.
I don't regret learning how to use a nasal mask.
I have the experience and know what people are talking
about when they post here. Been there, done that.

But, it was not comfortable and I really didn't like it.
So, I now use a ffm. I am very comfortable w/it and
my therapy is working great.

Go the distance!

I think Babette runs a test mask around, check her signature for details.
"If your therapy is improving your health but you're not doing anything
to see or feel those changes, you'll never know what you're capable of."
I said that.

User avatar
Wulfman
Posts: 12321
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:43 pm
Location: Nearest fishing spot

Re: Next steps.

Post by Wulfman » Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:43 pm

Have you thought about trying an Ultra Mirage Full Face (UMFF)?

My philosophies are: When you find what works for you......quit while you're ahead......and buy more of them.

Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05