Newbie questions...

[sf_newbie]

Okay, total newbie here. I've had and used my equipment for all of two nights. Forgive me if these are all "asked and answered".

Respironics M-series REMstar Plus with heated humidifier, P&K 431 full face mask, and CPAP pressure of 14.

- Mask noise
The mask is extremely noisy! I suppose that is a side effect of having the pressure at 14, but when the mask is at full pressure it is very hard to sleep. The noise is certainly not as noticeable when it is ramping, so I think it is the mask, not the REMstar. Any comments or is this something I'll have to get used to? Are there any other masks that are not as noisy?

- Mask 431 vs 432
I'm somewhat of a mouth breather, which is why the 431 was recommended. I can get a new mask every three months (I was told). What do people think of the 431 vs the 431?

- Leaks
I also suppose this is related to the 14 pressure. I can get the mask in just the RIGHT POSITION so it stops leaking, but then I move my head or switch sleep side and it starts all over again. I spent from 2:30 to 3:30 last night just futzing with the mask. I almost want to ask the question: is it better to "sleep" with apnea or not sleep but get plenty of air.

- PAPillow
Do people like them? I'm mostly a side sleeper and I suspect it will help keep the mask in place.

- Statistics
Are AHI and other (I don't even know what I am looking for) statistics available with the REMstar plus? If so, how would I go about accessing them?

- REMstar Plus vs Pro
The Pro seems to have more advanced data recording features than the Plus, in addition it can store more data on the card. I've asked my Dr. to send a prescription to my DME so I can swap the Plus for a Pro. Are there any other advantages?

I'm sure I'll have lots of other questions, but this is all completely new to me.

Thanks to everyone on the board! There is a ton of helpful information here, but as a newbie I'm just starting to try to figure this all out.

[Slinky]

By all means, ask to be switched to the Pro2. It is fully data capable.

Just ask how your doctor is supposed to monitor your response to therapy and make any adjustments that might need to be made unless you have a fully data capable machine?

That sort of backs the doctor to the wall. Either he has to admit he doesn't give a rat's rear once you've complete the sleep and titration study or he insists that the DME provide you will a fully data capable xPAP.

Let's hope for the latter!

[JimInAL]

- Mask noise
The mask is extremely noisy! I suppose that is a side effect of having the pressure at 14, but when the mask is at full pressure it is very hard to sleep. The noise is certainly not as noticeable when it is ramping, so I think it is the mask, not the REMstar. Any comments or is this something I'll have to get used to? Are there any other masks that are not as noisy?

Some masks are noisier than others and I would expect higher pressure to increase the noise. However, you will get used to it and in a week or so you'll only notice the noise when it stops.

I started with the 431 and couldn't get a good seal so I switched to the Optilife. My wife and I were both surprised at how much quieter it is. It's probably not an option for you since you mouth breath and it's a nasal interface.

[tangents]

- Leaks
I also suppose this is related to the 14 pressure. I can get the mask in just the RIGHT POSITION so it stops leaking, but then I move my head or switch sleep side and it starts all over again. I spent from 2:30 to 3:30 last night just futzing with the mask. I almost want to ask the question: is it better to "sleep" with apnea or not sleep but get plenty of air.

Leaks can make or break a good night's sleep, that's for sure. I like the stability of the hybrid, although I think I had a leaky night with mine (I've only used it one night). You might want to consider the hybrid for your second mask, a lot of folks here like it.

- PAPillow
Do people like them? I'm mostly a side sleeper and I suspect it will help keep the mask in place.

RG uses the pap-pillow, and others have bought special pillows. I have pretty good luck with side sleeping just with a regular pillow, but then again I use the Twilight NP "with modifications" per Rested Gal. (You can find her instructions under the light bulb) The nice thing about the Twilight is the minimalist nature of it. If you're a mouth breather, there are options such as taping, polygrip strips and chin straps to keep your mouth closed. Anyway, everyone's mileage varies.

REMstar Plus vs Pro
The Pro seems to have more advanced data recording features than the Plus, in addition it can store more data on the card. I've asked my Dr. to send a prescription to my DME so I can swap the Plus for a Pro

The data collecting is the difference (I think) between the Plus and the Pro. However, it's a huge difference. You need to be able to tweak your therapy to get the best night's sleep possible. And you can't do that if you don't know what's going on. So definitely push to get the Pro.

Good luck to you, and welcome to the forum! Let us know how you make out, and keep the questions coming. The people here are so kind and smart. They've helped me tremendously.

All the best,
Cathy

[Babette]

Keep trying different masks. Search this forum for "mask roulette" and find masks being offered. I got a new mask there for 1/2 the retail price that's working better than what the DME gave me.

Try earplugs? I like the silicone form in your ear style. You might have to get a "shaker" style alarm clock, though.

You DO eventually get used to the noise. And the discomfort. It goes up and down. I'm starting my fifth week and have only been compliant for 7 days in a row so far. I've had to take nights off. I've also sometimes not been able to put the mask back on after the 3 am potty run. Just can't do it some nights.

I use a "tempurpedic" style foam pillow and put my face right on the edge so the mask is off the pillow. Helps me keep it in place and not leak. Of course, some masks work better for me than others. I like the Breeze better than the OptiLife and CL2. I haven't tried any others. Yet.

Try not to spend too much money until you've invested TIME in the equipment you have. It's like learning to ride a bike - except it takes weeks instead of hours. Or minutes, or however long it took you to learn to ride a bike.

Ask your DME about test-driving other masks, including nasal interfaces with chin straps. I think having a variety of masks is a good thing. Particularly for mouth breathers.

ALSO, have you seen an allergist or pulmonary specialist about WHY you're a mouth breather? My current round of allergy/asthma medications are keeping me pretty nose-breathing compliant at night. I have the occasional bad night, and I'm convinced my left nostril wasn't working last night. But I'm doing pretty well with my current cocktail. This was not always the case. The cocktail took a couple of years of experimentation to get the right mix, and it constantly has to be evaluated and tweaked.

AND, my sleep doc suggested I go have my cocktail re-evaluated now that I'm on cpap. I haven't done that yet, but plan to soon.

Cheers,
B.