Getting Ready to Start...

Well, my new ResMed Auto Set II is on its way. This is my first time on CPAP, so I am trying to figure out what I will need to make this a smooth (or less horrible) transition.

I haven't decided on the mask yet. During the titration my mouth opened up during the night, so they used a chin strap. The tech said that a full face may be useful. I was thinking about getting a Mirage Quattro or Ultra Mirage for a full face option. Should I also try a nasal mask or pillows during my intro stage to see if i can tolerate them?

Since I am a side sleeper, should I get a hosebuddy right out of the gate? CPAP Pillow?

Thanks!

When you go in to pick up your equipment, insist on being allowed to try the Quattro and Ultra Mirage as well as a nasal cushion and a nasal pillows AND a "hybrid" style mask (i.e. combination nasal pillows and mouth cushion). The newer Resmed Swift LT is garnering a lot of fans for the nasal pillows style mask.

If money isn't a problem it wouldn't do any harm to get a Hosebuddy and PAPpillow. But a little innovation can let you try out those ideas yourself considerably cheaper. Check out the various "Lab Rat" posts.

The most important thing, aside from the mask, is to know which CPAP models are fully data capable and INSIST on being provided w/a fully data capable CPAP. The Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR and the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex are the two most popular fully data capable CPAPs.

Thanks for the response. I strongly requested the ResMed AutoSet II that is fully data capable and has EPR in both CPAP and APAP modes. Both my doc and DME capitulated.

Slinky wrote:
The most important thing, aside from the mask, is to know which CPAP models are fully data capable and INSIST on being provided w/a fully data capable CPAP. The Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR and the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex are the two most popular fully data capable CPAPs.

Welcome to the board, Tallen! You've chosen a very good machine and you're considering two FF masks that work very well for many people. Glad to hear your doctor and DME are being cooperative about the machine.

As Slinky said, there are cheap, effective ways to handle keeping the main air hose out of the way:
LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

Slinky, or Rested_Gal, would one of you'll come out here and go to the DME with me?
I've narrowed by choice down to m-series with A-flex or:
Resmed Autoset II

They, I'm almost sure, are going to try to give me something else.
Well, I'm not going to take it, I'll just go somewhere else.

I know I'm in for another of their lectures, and I'll probably wind up on the phone again with "that woman in another city."
Can they charge me for the machines I've tried and for the time I've spent there?
I'm am tire of their runaround.

Will they give me back my prescription and just let me say, "It's been fun, no hard feelings. Have a nice day"?

Your advice would be appreciated.
Jay

Never mind. I called the office there, and just asked what the "woman from another city" ' s phone number was. We had a nice talk. To her credit, she listened and said she understood. I told her which model I wanted and that was it.

She said it would be sent as soon as possible. (Resmed Autoset II) Praise the Lord!!!!!!

Jay

Hot dang! Another Resmed-er!!! Good goin', PackItIn!!!

Slinky wrote:When you go in to pick up your equipment, insist on being allowed to try the Quattro and Ultra Mirage as well as a nasal cushion and a nasal pillows AND a "hybrid" style mask (i.e. combination nasal pillows and mouth cushion). The newer Resmed Swift LT is garnering a lot of fans for the nasal pillows style mask.

If money isn't a problem it wouldn't do any harm to get a Hosebuddy and PAPpillow. But a little innovation can let you try out those ideas yourself considerably cheaper. Check out the various "Lab Rat" posts.

The most important thing, aside from the mask, is to know which CPAP models are fully data capable and INSIST on being provided w/a fully data capable CPAP. The Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR and the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex are the two most popular fully data capable CPAPs.

I covered my AFlex's ears so it wouldn't be offended thinking the CFlex is top dog. Since the AFlex can be put in CFlex mode, wouldn't it make sense to get it in case the exhalation relief is needed?

My DME said insurance companies are getting used to the AFlex being prescribed and there isn't such a hassle getting this new to the market machine. I've had mine for a year now and as you are all probably aware of (ad nauseam) I wouldn't trade it for anything - well almost anything - I'd trade it for not having apnea.

So sorry to offend your A-Flex, Gasp!! It was just a matter of fat fingers. Or the fingers not knowing what the mind was thinking.

Slinky wrote:So sorry to offend your A-Flex, Gasp!! It was just a matter of fat fingers. Or the fingers not knowing what the mind was thinking.

Thanks - I'll relay your message. Maybe it will quit huffing and puffing. Such a drama machine.

You've got me choking on that one, Gasp!!!

packitin wrote:She said it would be sent as soon as possible. (Resmed Autoset II) Praise the Lord!!!!!!

Jay

That's welcome news, Jay! Ya done good.

packitin wrote:Never mind. I called the office there, and just asked what the "woman from another city" ' s phone number was. We had a nice talk. To her credit, she listened and said she understood. I told her which model I wanted and that was it.

She said it would be sent as soon as possible. (Resmed Autoset II) Praise the Lord!!!!!!

Jay

OK, even though it's not a Respironics A-Flex, I'll deal : ))) BTW, I can't really judge since I haven't used that machine. Congrats on your new machine!