Mask Recommendations for Parkinson Patient with Dexterity Issue

[DS256]

I am looking for a better solution for a cousin who has dexterity problems in putting on her mask by herself. She does not have the range of motion to get the mask over her head by herself. We will be looking at physio to see if that can improve it. She currently has a Resmed Airsense 10 and, I think, an Airfit P30 nasal pillow head set.

I have sought advice from Resmed but they referred me to a local dealer. The problem I find with local dealers is their limited inventory and thus flexibility in solutions.

Has anyone else had experience with such a patient and have suggestions?

Thanks

[ChicagoGranny]

She does not have the range of motion to get the mask over her head by herself.

That's a tough one. It's unconventional, but maybe the Bleep nasal interface? - https://bleepsleep.com/ Watch the youtube video.

The Bleep does have its fans in this forum.

[DS256]

Thanks. I'd seen the endorsements for Bleep but I have found very few sources for their products here in Canada.

I'm also concerned about the steps in applying the Dreamports described here https://www.canadacpapsupply.com/catalo ... ory/14584/. This would have to be done by the PSW that comes nightly to help her get ready for bed and can be different people. She would never be able to put them on herself.

[booksfan]

Thanks. I'd seen the endorsements for Bleep but I have found very few sources for their products here in Canada.

I'm also concerned about the steps in applying the Dreamports described here https://www.canadacpapsupply.com/catalo ... ory/14584/. This would have to be done by the PSW that comes nightly to help her get ready for bed and can be different people. She would never be able to put them on herself.

I can see that the DreamPorts might be a problem as they do require a certain amount of manual dexterity. I have arthritis in my left hand that has limited my ROM in my hand and it can be a challenge at times. However, the new iteration, the Eclipse Halos, which should be out in October, are MUCH easier to use! Just apply the adhesive and the magnetic interface practically attaches itself! I was a beta tester and can't wait to receive my shipment...I'm counting the days (wish I knew how many!). If you don't find something before then, this might be an option.

[lynninnj]

I am looking for a better solution for a cousin who has dexterity problems in putting on her mask by herself. She does not have the range of motion to get the mask over her head by herself. We will be looking at physio to see if that can improve it. She currently has a Resmed Airsense 10 and, I think, an Airfit P30 nasal pillow head set.

I have sought advice from Resmed but they referred me to a local dealer. The problem I find with local dealers is their limited inventory and thus flexibility in solutions.

Has anyone else had experience with such a patient and have suggestions?

Thanks

I was trying to see if I could put on my N30 without a hand behind my head. wasn’t happening.

BUT

with a small assist like the sticks you use with getting your shoes on/pulling up the straps would def make it doable imo. Would take a wee bit to get used to that action but ince it’s on there is easy to maneuver on the front end and as long as it was hooked over the crown in the back it might work.

The P10 has same headband but with pillows instead of cushions.

(see my signature with my equipment)

[Janknitz]

Your cousin should ask for an OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY referral. Independence in daily activities is exactly what OT is all about. They can help her look for the easiest mask to doff and don and also adapt it as necessary to help her. And they also will work with her on improving upper body range of motion.

As a retired OT I have a few thoughts:

Personally I think it would take a LOT of dexterity to peel off the backing on the adhesive for the Dreamports and get them lined up correctly, magnets or not. That could be very difficult with Parkinson's tremor.

I'm wondering if a Swift FX Bella would work for her because it loops around the ears, not the back or top of the head, and not much dexterity or range of motion would be required to put it on. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... illow-cpap

[zonker]

I'm wondering if a Swift FX Bella would work for her because it loops around the ears, not the back or top of the head, and not much dexterity or range of motion would be required to put it on. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... illow-cpap

WOW! that looks stunning in its simplicity. i may get one myself.

also, it's amazing to me the depth of experience and knowledge on this thread.

[GrumpyHere]

She does not have the range of motion to get the mask over her head by herself.

Not sure how restricted but if she can put on a baseball cap, maybe the Evora nasal?

https://youtu.be/9h78kwrr7HM?t=25s

https://youtu.be/oeQodOZ_mTA?t=1m39s

The fitting will require assistance but the videos definitely makes it look easy to place on the head.

[DS256]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I talked to my cousin and we are going to investigate OT & physio therapy to see if that improves her range of motion.

The one piece you put on like a baseball cap also holds promise.

As you can imagine, the big issue would be trying the different options without having to buy each

[Janknitz]

As you can imagine, the big issue would be trying the different options without having to buy each

Our hosts at cpap.com offer "return insurance"--sometimes free and sometimes for a small fee that would allow her to try a mask for up to 30 days and return it for another if it's not working for her.

DME's also had sample masks that people could try, but I don't know what the status of that is now with COVID. They didn't reuse the sample masks in any case, the manufacturers provided for samples, but with supply issues, and difficulties meeting in person with professionals, I'm just not sure how it goes these days.

[DS256]

Our hosts at cpap.com offer "return insurance"--sometimes free and sometimes for a small fee that would allow her to try a mask for up to 30 days and return it for another if it's not working for her.

Thanks for the pointer, but they are in Texas and we're in Canada.

[lynninnj]

Which one did you see that looked promising that looked like a baseball cap when you put it on?

There are options on ebay and facebook marketplace too.

[Julie]

Being in Canada is only a problem if you order ResMed stuff, and it's ResMed insists on that, not DME's of their own accord. I've gotten various things from the US with no problem.

[Pugsy]

Being in Canada is also a problem when wanting to order Respironics stuff as well as the ResMed stuff.
Both Respironics and ResMed prohibit the shipping of any of their products outside the USA.
For same reason cpap suppliers in Canada can't ship to the USA when it comes to Respironics or ResMed products.

[Julie]

No loss re Respironics!