Tiny comforts

[jennmary]

I got my new monthly mask cushion. This is my first replacement. Insurance pays for a new one each month. My mask stated leaking and giving me problems about a week and a half ago. I had to tighten it to the point that I had perma marks on my face all day every day.....it was the only way to get my leaks under control.

So last night I popped on the new cushion. I was in heaven. I loosened the headgear. I slept on my side. I woke up to only some light pink marks that were gone within 20 mins. I even managed to adjust the forhead support back to a comfortable position. I was actually extra tired today. But I think it was the 2 year old that woke me up 4 times to go to the bathroom......or the fact that I was up until 12:30 and up at 6:30.

Anyway. I know people have said that the mask cushion doesnt need to be replaced and so on and so on. But I am telling you.....I had my first good night in a week. I will be getting a new one every month, and loving it.

Funny that now my idea of luxury is getting a new mask cushion.

[kteague]

Yep, sometimes I have to chuckle at the little things I get excited about now. Last week I was at a thrift shop and they'd received a bunch of discontinued pantyhose tights, going for .50 - I even got to pick my color. And got the largest ones so the legs would be longer.

My new RT was telling me what my replacements schedule is, and I'm thinking I won't try to use the same pillows for a year any more. Life's little pleasures!

Kathy

[rested gal]

Yep, sometimes I have to chuckle at the little things I get excited about now. Last week I was at a thrift shop and they'd received a bunch of discontinued pantyhose tights, going for .50 - I even got to pick my color.

[atruvirgo]

Hmmmmmmmmmm I need to ask when I can get a new 406 cushion...I noticed the same thing lately. My mask smashs down and collapses above my lip...I also tightened mine but it hurt. Time to call Apria again

[RosemaryB]

Yep, sometimes I have to chuckle at the little things I get excited about now. Last week I was at a thrift shop and they'd received a bunch of discontinued pantyhose tights, going for .50 - I even got to pick my color. And got the largest ones so the legs would be longer.

Me too! Last week I was in a thrift shop and found a pair of new pantyhose tights for .50. I bought them and took them home and promptly cut them up to use with the Bravo. It's a great solution!

[CarrieS]

Happy Day! (Unfortunate for the toddler wakings though I can relate) Im not even sure when I can get replacements - I really should check into that I wonder if my DME knows or if I have to call the annoying insurance company. I can see my nasal interface doing the same sort of thing after awhile.

[DreamStalker]

... Last week I was at a thrift shop and they'd received a bunch of discontinued pantyhose tights, going for .50 - I even got to pick my color. And got the largest ones so the legs would be longer.

Hmmmm .... so that's where you get 'em

[jennmary]

[quote="CarrieS"]Happy Day! (Unfortunate for the toddler wakings though I can relate) Im not even sure when I can get replacements - I really should check into that I wonder if my DME knows or if I have to call the annoying insurance company. I can see my nasal interface doing the same sort of thing after awhile.

[goose]

Jenn's absolutely right -- it's all about the $$$ and if there are $$$ involved you can bet a paycheck that the DME knows!!!!

Great suggestion Jenn - I have an appt with the DME on Wed. to swap my CPAP for an APAP -- I think I'll call 'em on Monday and ask them to give me a list of what can be replaced when!!! (I know I get a new mask every 3 months, but the other parts -- dunno)
Thanks for the suggestion!!
cheers
gg

[bookwrm63]

You know RG is enroute by plane right now to the Buckeye State to pick up some of those discounted pantyhose!

[socknitster]

[quote="jennmary"]
My DME made a full list for me of exactly when my insurance company would replace everything. Trust me, its about money.....the DME knows. I was really glad they gave me a list, so now I know that I dont have to try and make do with something my insurance will replace so easily. I called for my first replacements and the DME fed-ezed me a box, got here 3 days after I talked to them.

Many insurances will cover a new mask every 6 months, a few every 3, and some once a year. You need to find out replacement schedule for everything, Hose, filters, cushion/pillows.....even humidifier chamber.
I would call the DME first and ask them. If that fails....call insurance. The DME wants the money, so they want you to come in for replacements.

[coldnose]

I also take advantage of what my insurance will pay for (and make my DME happy too). Though I can get two new nasal pillow every month, I just ask for enough to keep spares in case I have a problem. I also keep a couple of spare hoses (I rotate two for cleaning and a spare still in the original bag). Due to allergies I change my filters as often as I can. I get a new mask (less head gear) every three months, so I and am trying to stock up on parts then too. At six months I get a new mask with headgear. Haven't gotten there just yet, but plan to get something new and if I like the new mask start the spares accumulation process all over again. I usually get my order in two or three days after calling my DME.

I know of another DME in my area that prepares a "goodie bag" with three months worth of whatever the your insurance company authorizes. Every three months you can go by the office and pickup the"goodie bag". For example, for me the bag would have consisted of 3 hoses, 6 nasal pillows, a mask of your choice, and filters. This DME appears to charge insurance for just the mask every three months, but gives the patient the mask and headgear. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about this DME until after I already had my machine and my current DME has not given me reason to fire them.

I really believe in having spare parts as you just never know when you might need them.

Sleep Well,

---gary

[gasp]

Last night I velcro'd my hose to the top of my mask and didn't have to deal with the flip flop of the hose when turning side to side. The little things DO make a big difference

I intend to get my monthly hose (should arrive any day) and filters etc.

Glad you found your new cushion comfy : )

[jennmary]

Spare parts are good. I change my filter often because of allergies and such. I havent opened the new hose yet. I might not. I will likely get another hose or two just for spares and for travel and such. But I agree that if I am cleaning it as well I have been that I likely dont need to fill up landfill space with a ton of perfectly good hoses. I only get a new mask every 6 months....so only 5 more months to go. lol

[Patrick A]

I went thru about 8 or 9 different mask set ups until I switched to the Resmed Mirage that I am using now. I don't have any marks on my face anymore.

I wonder what the big mark on my forehead is from and why the cast iron skillet now is bowed

Maybe she who must be obeyed thought I wasn't obeying quick enough.

Since I switched to the Bipap Auto, I sure do sleep better and I have been waking up without a head ache in the morning