I changed masks.......

[boston]

I switched to a swift LT, and its made a huge difference in only 5 nights.
I am sleeping longer, my numbers are down, AHI, leak rate, etc. I feel better, although I still havent replicated the rested feeling I got the morning of my study, but am on the way. I can actually sleep on my side now !!!
Now if I could only get my flatulence under control, it'd be awesome.
I am waiting for my insurance to buy my machine instead of renting before I go out and get the card reader for it, does anyone think if I called them and pushed for the purchase, that they'd do it ???
I'd really like to be able to download my info every day. Oh, and will insurance pay on the card reader and software ???

[bdp522]

Congrats on your success with the new mask! The mask can make or break this treatment. Many have to try lots of masks before getting one that will work for them.
My insurance said I had to show 3 months of compliance before the machine was purchased. Then they switched it to a purchase after 2 months. I can't guess what any insurance will do, they seem to make up the rules as they go along.
I did read once that someone got the insurance to pay for the card reader and software, but I would plan on buying it out of pocket. For me it was worth every penny!

Brenda

[Dennisla]

Well congrats on the Mask, I also use the Swift LT.

My Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) pays 10 months of rentals before making the purchase.
They figure that 10 months payments at over 200$ covers (exceeds) the cost of a machine. So they have an agreement
with the DME to make the final payoff at that time.

They do this to be sure you are going to be in compliance (actually used the machine) during that time. I imagine some people don't use the machine so the insurance would probably refuse to pay? But I have not heard of that happening to anyone.

-Dennis

[Allan-Dallas]

[quote="boston"]I switched to a swift LT, and its made a huge difference in only 5 nights.
what mask were you using before?

[boston]

I was going back and forth between a comfort gel and a comfort fusion, although using the comfort gel mostly. It just seemed like one night I would get a great fit, but when the blower kicks into high gear it seemed to blow right off my face. I gave it 3 weeks, tightening it, losing it, throwing it, etc. It was comfortable, but just didnt seem to be the mask for me.
Right now the swift lt is working great, my nose is a little sore in the morning, but hopefully will get better with time, I am willing to trade that for the better sleep. AND I can read/watch tv, etc. because I can wear my glasses, versus not being able to with the nasal masks.

[bdp522]

For the sore nose get AYR GEL. You can get it at most drug stores. Put it on the nares before masking up. The nose will toughen up with time but the AYR GEL helps.

Brenda

[boston]

Thanks for the tip, I will get some tommorrow and try it out. I notice in your signature you use the ComfortLite 2 Nasal CPAP Mask how do you like that mask, I considered it before getting the swift lt, but the comfort lite 2 just looks like maybe it would dislodge easy.

[bdp522]

It works great for me. I also use the Headrest mask sometimes. I have no problems with either of these masks. They stay where I put them and I'm a 'all over the bed' sleeper. I start out on my stomach and end up on my side, but roll around a bit during the night(according to my husband). I use a papillow and it makes a huge difference for me. The mask sort of hangs over the edge of the pillow and doesn't get dislodged. For the CL2 I also use a padacheek cover on the headgear, makes it way more comfortable! AND I cut off that clunky hard elbow at the top of the mask(as per Rested Gal), now it moves very easily.

Brenda