I've been a successful "hosehead" for about 8 years now. It's wonderful not to take my life in my hands (not to mention my loved ones) when I drive the car. I used to fall asleep at the wheel uncounted times. Thankfully I was successfully diagnosed and the cpap is a wonderful tool.
My question is...I am in the market for a new machine. I travel a good bit and would like a smaller and quieter machine. I am also wondering what types of headgear y'all use.
I've had the Adam headgear and nasal pillows for all 8 years and have been satisfied. I know I don't want a full face mask, but am wondering if the Breeze headgear provides comfort.
I look forward to any information.
Good luck and sound sleeping to all!
Helen
What type of headgear do you prefer?
8 posts
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Helen, I travel quite a bit, also, and wanted a nice portable unit that also was comfortable. I ended up with a Goodknight 420E AutoPAP and an UltraMirage Full Face mask that seems to work (and travel) well. I just received mine with the humidifier, but it came with a nice carrying case that should be easy to travel with. Last week, my rental 420E (without humidifier) and I went to Idaho and there were no problems travelling, the unit was easy to carry and worked well.
Course, I'm only about 4 weeks into treatment, but, like you, I appreciate not nodding off at the slightest break in activity.
Course, I'm only about 4 weeks into treatment, but, like you, I appreciate not nodding off at the slightest break in activity.
_________________
| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: APAP, 8-14 cm H2O. |
This therapy WORKS!!!
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nodding off
- Posts: 133
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:54 pm
- Location: Central Mass
- Contact:
Hi Helen,
I don't have one but the Goodknight 420e would probably be my choice for travel. It weighs less than 2 pounds, and mt respiratory therapist raved about the machine. I ended up with the Resmed spirit, but only because I already had a humidifier for it. Like you, I slept with the same mask (Monarch mini) for 8 years, and used the same machine (a PB Companion 314) until about a month ago. It sounded like a freight train going through my bedroom. You won't believe the advances in equipment!! I got myself a ResMed Mirage Activa mask and I am highly satisfied with it. It's extremely comfortable, doesn't leak, and travels well (it's alrerady been to Mexico with me). Make sure you get a heated humidifier if you don't already have one. That makes a HUGE difference in the comfort of treatment. Enjoy your new equipment and even better rest.
I don't have one but the Goodknight 420e would probably be my choice for travel. It weighs less than 2 pounds, and mt respiratory therapist raved about the machine. I ended up with the Resmed spirit, but only because I already had a humidifier for it. Like you, I slept with the same mask (Monarch mini) for 8 years, and used the same machine (a PB Companion 314) until about a month ago. It sounded like a freight train going through my bedroom. You won't believe the advances in equipment!! I got myself a ResMed Mirage Activa mask and I am highly satisfied with it. It's extremely comfortable, doesn't leak, and travels well (it's alrerady been to Mexico with me). Make sure you get a heated humidifier if you don't already have one. That makes a HUGE difference in the comfort of treatment. Enjoy your new equipment and even better rest.
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Zees Pleez
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:08 pm
bare minimum
Headgear? What headgear?
Nasal Aire cannula with only the single strp between the split hose. Goes on in under 10 seconds, no leaks, easy to sleep with and doesn't scare my kids.
Nasal Aire cannula with only the single strp between the split hose. Goes on in under 10 seconds, no leaks, easy to sleep with and doesn't scare my kids.
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Zees Pleez
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:08 pm
nasal aire
I got a PIM asking for more detail, and I figure I would post the details I replied with...
As a point of reference, here are pictures of the one I use but I don't use the optional headband:
Nasal Aire II
>How large are the tubes that drape over your ears and to your nose piece?
They are about 1/2" in diameter, but fairly soft.
>Can you sleep on your side or stomach?
Yes, I sleep on my side a lot. I try to avoid sleeping on my stomach, but sometimes I feel like I have to lay that way for a bit while getting settled. Most of the time I sleep on my back. I do not toss and turn in my sleep.
>Do you get marks when and if you sleep on your face?
No I don't. I have to admit I expected to. I use a Temper-Pedic pillow and they are firm in general but forgiving in small areas (the memory foam that they make a handprint in during the ads) which I think is part of why and also the tubes are somewhat soft but don't collapse. Medical equipment seems pricey sometimes, but the tubing they use is not something you are going to find at the hardware store.
>Do you have problems with air leakage?
Not really. A couple of times I didn't snug up the band in the back enough and had a "blowout" during the night when the pressure kicked up (I am on APAP).
>Do you have nasal pillows that seal your nares?
Yes. I had a hard time getting over the idea of sticking them in there before I tried them, but for the convenience and appearance (I was worried about how it would affect my kids if I looked like I was on life support) I decided to get past that and try. I am very glad I did.
>Does the system feel "secure", meaning do you wake through the night to readjust?
No problems at all. I have never even thought about using the optional headband.
The only negative comment I can make is that on low pressure it makes a little noise (not very much, but a little) when I inhale deeply and "outrun" the airflow. If you are on CPAP or have a high low end on APAP, this wouldn't happen. The unit is very easy to clean and very simple to assemble properly.
As a point of reference, here are pictures of the one I use but I don't use the optional headband:
Nasal Aire II
>How large are the tubes that drape over your ears and to your nose piece?
They are about 1/2" in diameter, but fairly soft.
>Can you sleep on your side or stomach?
Yes, I sleep on my side a lot. I try to avoid sleeping on my stomach, but sometimes I feel like I have to lay that way for a bit while getting settled. Most of the time I sleep on my back. I do not toss and turn in my sleep.
>Do you get marks when and if you sleep on your face?
No I don't. I have to admit I expected to. I use a Temper-Pedic pillow and they are firm in general but forgiving in small areas (the memory foam that they make a handprint in during the ads) which I think is part of why and also the tubes are somewhat soft but don't collapse. Medical equipment seems pricey sometimes, but the tubing they use is not something you are going to find at the hardware store.
>Do you have problems with air leakage?
Not really. A couple of times I didn't snug up the band in the back enough and had a "blowout" during the night when the pressure kicked up (I am on APAP).
>Do you have nasal pillows that seal your nares?
Yes. I had a hard time getting over the idea of sticking them in there before I tried them, but for the convenience and appearance (I was worried about how it would affect my kids if I looked like I was on life support) I decided to get past that and try. I am very glad I did.
>Does the system feel "secure", meaning do you wake through the night to readjust?
No problems at all. I have never even thought about using the optional headband.
The only negative comment I can make is that on low pressure it makes a little noise (not very much, but a little) when I inhale deeply and "outrun" the airflow. If you are on CPAP or have a high low end on APAP, this wouldn't happen. The unit is very easy to clean and very simple to assemble properly.
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Zees Pleez
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:08 pm
following up on myself again...
There is one other tidbit I probably should have mentioned. The RT told me that not everyone can use a Nasal Aire because of the shape of their nose or difference in size of the nares. I would be very hesitant to order one unless I had already tried one for a few minutes with pressure. I was able to do that at my DME, but if my insurance wasn't covering it I would not wanted to have paid their price for it - around $200!! It's half that online.
There is one other tidbit I probably should have mentioned. The RT told me that not everyone can use a Nasal Aire because of the shape of their nose or difference in size of the nares. I would be very hesitant to order one unless I had already tried one for a few minutes with pressure. I was able to do that at my DME, but if my insurance wasn't covering it I would not wanted to have paid their price for it - around $200!! It's half that online.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12880
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Good points, Zees.
And good recommendations, imho, by TXCajun and nodding off about the 420E auto being a nice size and light weight for travel. It's a super good machine for full time use at home, too.
Helen, I'm in awe - 8 years on cpap doing fine with an interface that you like. While it's fun (and exasperating AND expensive!) to experiment with different masks, gee....I'd probably just stick with the one that's tried-and-true for you.
The closest "other pillows interface" to what you already like, is the Breeze with nasal pillows (my favorite, by far.) You probably already know from using the Adams that it's good to use nasal pillows that most people fitting you would say are "too large", so that they sit more to the outside of the nostrils for comfort and a better seal. If you try a Breeze, it might be more stable if you place the side straps much lower than they are shown in ad pics.
Here's a picture I've retouched to show where I place the side straps. In the retouched pic it looks like the straps are tight against the eyebrows, but they actually don't even touch the face from the temples forward. I also retouched the hose to show how I route it upward to hang overhead and keep the main hose from tugging on the mask when I turn over.
And good recommendations, imho, by TXCajun and nodding off about the 420E auto being a nice size and light weight for travel. It's a super good machine for full time use at home, too.
Helen, I'm in awe - 8 years on cpap doing fine with an interface that you like. While it's fun (and exasperating AND expensive!) to experiment with different masks, gee....I'd probably just stick with the one that's tried-and-true for you.
The closest "other pillows interface" to what you already like, is the Breeze with nasal pillows (my favorite, by far.) You probably already know from using the Adams that it's good to use nasal pillows that most people fitting you would say are "too large", so that they sit more to the outside of the nostrils for comfort and a better seal. If you try a Breeze, it might be more stable if you place the side straps much lower than they are shown in ad pics.
Here's a picture I've retouched to show where I place the side straps. In the retouched pic it looks like the straps are tight against the eyebrows, but they actually don't even touch the face from the temples forward. I also retouched the hose to show how I route it upward to hang overhead and keep the main hose from tugging on the mask when I turn over.
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wading thru the muck!
- Posts: 2799
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:42 am
Helen,
Many will recommend the Puritan Bennet 420E as a good small unit for travel. I have this machine and it is a good unit. That being said, if you are looking for a new machine I would recommend the REMstar Auto with C-flex. I've included links below to reviews of this machine by myself and rested gal. These reviews will explain why this machine is the one to buy. As far as masks, since you are already using a nasal pillow interface I would recommend the ResMed Mirage Swift. You could also look at the Puritan Bennett Breeze but it would be my second choice.
Review: REMstar-Auto-Cflex-by-wader
Review: REMstar-Auto-Cflex by rested gal
Many will recommend the Puritan Bennet 420E as a good small unit for travel. I have this machine and it is a good unit. That being said, if you are looking for a new machine I would recommend the REMstar Auto with C-flex. I've included links below to reviews of this machine by myself and rested gal. These reviews will explain why this machine is the one to buy. As far as masks, since you are already using a nasal pillow interface I would recommend the ResMed Mirage Swift. You could also look at the Puritan Bennett Breeze but it would be my second choice.
Review: REMstar-Auto-Cflex-by-wader
Review: REMstar-Auto-Cflex by rested gal
Sincerely,
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!
8 posts
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