Just Starting the Journey

[clopez57]

Hi there,

I'm very new to all of this--don't even have my machine yet. I am scheduled to go to a class and get my machine on Thursday morning. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones because I have 100% coverage (God bless Kasier!)

I had a horrible time with the equipment during the testing--how the heck can you sleep with all the tubes and junk--my dog wouldn't even come near me! So my question is this: do they let you pick the type of mask you want? I've done some research and either the Nasal Aire I or II looks the best in terms of comfort--it goes into and around your nose and the hoses go over your ears and around to the front of your neck--no head gear! Does anyone know anything about this mask? It appears to be cheaper than the larger more cumbersome ones with the head gear so I should think there would be some leeway in choosing if I have a choice. I've also been told that the Profile Lite is pretty good but still has all the cumbersome hoses and headgear which I'd like to avoid if at all possible.

Thanks in advance.

[JudyAnn]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to being a new "Hosehead". That is what we are called. I think it such a funny name but believe me it fits.

I started on this journey on July 20, 2004 and it took me 6 weeks to sleep through the whole night with all the stuff on. It takes a lot of patience and determination to get used to your new "bed buddy". It is so important to stick with it as not doing so is dangerous to your health.

Also, the people on this forum are always here to help with helpful hints, support and encouragement. There are a lot of people here that have been doing this for years. There are a lot of people who can give their choices for machines/masks to you also.

I started out on a Resmed CPAP machine but after 4 weeks I could not tolerate the constant air pressure so they put me on a Resmed Auto machine which just gives me the high pressure when I need it. I have a Redmed Mirage Activa nose mask and the Resmed Swift Pillow systems which are nasal pillows. I like the autopap machine and these masks a lot.

Good Luck and Welcome Aboard the boat we are all in.
______________
Judy
Atlanta, GA

[rested gal]

Hi Chris,

JudyAnn has excellent advice on "getting used to" this strange new way of sleeping....sometimes it just takes time - and a determination to make it work. The message boards sure make it easier than it is if you are just tossed out to sink or swim.

Different masks suit different people. I personally didn't like the one Profile Lite mask I tried out. The Activa, that JudyAnn mentioned, is one of my favorites - very comfy and leakproof on my face. The Nasal Aire.... I found it to be very noisy, and I didn't like the way the "prongs" felt in my nostrils. There are people who like it very much, though. I personally prefer two other "nasal pillows" interfaces - the Breeze and the Swift.

I well remember how difficult it was for me to decide what to buy at the beginning. You're lucky to have 100% insurance coverage, but you're still going to have to push for the more comfortable things, most likely. Things like a heated humidifier, a really good mask, etc....those are things that the insurance company (and thus, the DME - supplier of "Durable Medical Equipment") often drag their feet about, trying to make you settle for cheaper stuff. So, keep reading, keep asking questions!

Best of luck!

[papasmurf]

Hi Chris,

I just got my machine and mask about three weeks ago so I'm not that far ahead of you. The Mirage Activa was recommended at the get go as being the most comfortable so I had that from the beginning. Only having the one they used for testing at the sleep center to compare to I gotta say the Activa is by far better than that puppy. I have since opted for the full face Ultra Mirage as I had a problem with opening my mouth during the night which allows all the air to escape through that portal. I'm on my second week with the full face mask and although not yet sleeping through the night I am gaining a little each night. I wouldn't worry too much about the hoses being cumbersome and in the way. I have my machine on the stand by the bed and sleep on my side facing the machine so the hose just hangs there, and hardly no weight to it so not like it's trying to drag you out of bed. If you toss and turn a lot during the night I can see where the hose might be a problem but I roll over a couple times a night and so far I haven't even noticed the hose not following or anything. Good luck and check in here often like I do for new ideas and answers to your questions and you will be sleeping like a baby in no time.

papasmurf

[JudyAnn]

Hey, as far as the hose goes. I got the idea from Rested Gal to put a hook above my head on the wall (no headboard) about a foot or so and wrap a scrunchy (pony tail holder) around the hook and put the hose through that. That way it is out of your way and seems to slide through pretty easily when you move from side to side.

I also have a heated humidifier on my Resmed machine and I keep the number on 2 which seems fine for me. I use a chin strap with my mask as I am not a mouth breather but during the night I tend to drop my mouth open and get the choaking, desert dry mouth so the chin strap works the majority of the time for me. Last night, however, I guess it slipped forward and my mouth was able to drop open and I woke up choaking with dry mouth. Let's face it, this big boat we are all in will spring some leaks now and then, just have to plug them up and keep at it.

Judy

[Hawthorne]

I tried both the Nasal Aire I and II and did not like either one. I did like the face part but had problems with the tubing coming down on each side of my neck. My provider allows for a week trial on any mask I am considering and it would be good if you had a supplier that did the same. It's really helpful and you can try several that you think you might like before purchasing. You might like the Nasal Aire but just sharing my experience.

[JeffH]

Chris,

I was at the resp. ther. office today trying on various headgear. I have been on CPAP for about 6 years and use the old fashion Adams circuit headgear. I tried on the Nasal Aire you are talking about and it sticks up into your nose and I found it painful. One of the things you will learn about this trip is how sensitive the inside of your nose is...at least I've found that to be the case.

Good luck trying out the different head gear that are out there.

JeffH

[storminnormin]

Chris,
I tried the comfortlite II during my titration study. It has 2 fittings, a nasal prong/pillow that fits just barely inside your nostril and the other fitting was a more standard small nose mask cover (not sure what its called as I'm new at this too). The comforlite II prong caused a very uncomfortable cold burning sensation in one nostril. I finally asked the tech to take it off me and she gave me the other fitting instead. It worked great! However, i tend to mouth breath and once on apap, I've switched to a full face mask. Keep studying and learn all you possibly can on this forum! Good luck!
Stormin