New to this cpap stuff......

[boston]

I have been using a cpap now for 2 weeks. The first night was awesome. Then it went downhill from there. I am using a comfort gel mask(md) and a comfort select mask(s), been switching off between them. I have been having trouble, when the machine puts out higher pressures, it blows the mask off my face, so I tightened them up, not as comfortable now but now its like they are letting soooo much air out the exhaltion ports that its loud and wakes me up. Well, today my DME calls for a follow up, and I explain to them whats going on. I sorta expected to hear "come on in and we will get you a different mask", but instead I hear, if it wakes you up just hit the ramp button and go back to sleep. I thought the main reason for this machine was so I'd get a good nights sleep, NOT waking up and hitting some button! I've ordered another mask hoping a change will help, since they didnt seem too willing. BIG change from when I picked up my machine and was told, "we will work with you to work out any problems so this is successful." Im also thinking of getting the clinicians manual and lowering the max pressure. Also been thinking about that, cause Ive had the worst gas problems now since starting this, at first I thought I was getting sick or something, until I read posts here about the flatulence and bloating problems. Do you think I should hack this thing and lower my pressure??? I guess I could always raise it back if need be. Seems to me a lower pressure could help both my problems, i believe my pressure is 6-15 right now.

[Craig-Tx]

You should definitely talk to your DME about exchanging your current mask. If you've only had it 2 weeks, it walls well within the manufacturers 30 day return policy. Most DME's don't explain this, but most manufacturers will allow you to return a mask within 30 days if it's not working for you.

[MMCGOWAN]

it takes time to make friends with these things

unfortunately it usually involves a good deal of trial and error

Once you get it dialed in you will be a happy and much healthier person

[Guest]

I have been using a cpap now for 2 weeks. The first night was awesome. Then it went downhill from there. ... Seems to me a lower pressure could help both my problems, i believe my pressure is 6-15 right now.

I think you need to do a bit more reading before starting with the changes. Do you have the software or card reader yet?

Tell your DME the mask they gave you is not working. If it is within 30 days you are allowed another mask from them. They just have to do some paperwork. If you have a mask in mind you are better off having the DME fit it.

[boston]

I have the card writer on my cpap machine, but i dont have the reader/softwae for my computer.

I am determined to make this work, so I will contact the DME and talk to them, I may just show up there so its harder to turn me away.
Although I have this feeling I was put in the comfort gel mask(dont get me wrong I like it, esp. if i can get it working better) so he can bill me and the insurance for replacement parts. told me id get new face peices every month, total new headgear every 3 months, new hose every 3 months and filters every month. Is it just me or does that seem like overkill ???