My dad recently switched to the ComfortGel Blue full face mask from a nasal mask. He is having trouble with the hose release allowing the hose to come off too easily. Has anyone else had this problem and found a good fix? The only thing I could think of is a longer hose so it doesn't get pulled as m...

Re: Blood tests Prior to CPAP my red blood cell count was a little high. I found out recently that I am back within normal range. Because the test was so far into my CPAP treatment we can't know for sure (about 18 months), but the guess is that CPAP is responsible for the change. It seems to make se...

I have several friends who have had the surgery. A few have lost a lot and have kept it off, others haven't been as successful. One very common issue I hear, however, is ongoing, serious nutrient deficiencies. Even with supplements they struggle to get what their bodies need. For me however, I know ...

My father recently had surgery and the hospital he was at had a neat little coupler thingy that went between the hose and the machine that had a port for the supplemental oxygen. If they have that you may be ok with your normal mask.

Good luck with your surgery!

Obviously I'm not her, but I was curious about what your response would be to my answers Do you believe in personal responsibility? Yes or no? Absolutely. Do you believe others should be responsible for your welfare? Yes or no? No, but I believe part of personal responsibility extends to being a res...

Over the years I have been through no less than 5 antidepressants. The only one I was not able to tolerate for even a week was Paxil. Stomach issues were always the side effect that hit me, and w/ Paxil they were unbearable. When I was discussing going on a new med w/ my doctor recently, she didn't ...

I don't think I'll ever forget arguing with my father's nurse in ICU about CPAP versus BiPAP. At the time, 15 or so years ago, all she knew were the big BiPAP machines they use in hospitals for something other than OSA. I don't think she had ever even heard of a CPAP machine for home use. Contrast t...

You answered it yourself: high tech products loved by consumers aka: scale and desirability If everyone was dying to be a hosehead (instead of dying while avoiding being a hosehead), we would have cooler machines than any of us can imagine...or no machines at all because someone would have found a C...

Maybe take it a step further and add multiple usb ports to the machine to allow more "add ons" like a larger data storage device, the alarm clock, Oximetry, or some other custom innovation. You can get it quickly at a low price when the market is deregulated. I'm not going to hold my breath....I'm ...

Greed is just too powerful to be overcome by sanity. This sums up exactly why I trust the government over a corporation. No, our government isn't perfect...but it is what we have to work with and it is pretty darned good compared to some nations'. Our government is supposed to be on the side of the...

Hi Xena and welcome! It sounds like one of the "hybrid" type masks would be something that might work for you. One is actually called "Hybrid" and the other is "Mirage Liberty." These masks have nasal pillows but also another "piece" that goes over the mouth. Neither have anything on the bridge of t...

I second the recommendation for 1st Class Medical. (feel free to PM me for more info)

They consider APAPs "different therapy", but they at least provide data capable machines and prompt courteous service. I too have never gotten a bill from them for a balance.

Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to go straight from the lab to purchase a machine. The results of the overnighter will need to be evaluated by a physician and he will need to write a prescription for the machine. If you call them in advance and explain the situation, they might be able to ...

Might the sleep center let you try a size down (or up) to see if that might help? Also are you cleaning the mask seal daily? (I know most of us do, but my DME told me weekly would be fine so I check.) When you adjust your mask before going to sleep do your final adjustments laying down and at full p...

I have had a lot of trouble finding an antidepressant that, first, didn't have unbearable side effects(GI issues). The one that I was able to tolerate the longest still gave me moderate side effects with only so-so results. I stopped it several years ago and was debating starting it again but just d...