New here w / cpap question

TheCaptain · Post by **TheCaptain** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:28 pm

I was recently (5 days ago) put on a cpap for OSA. I know very little about cpaps/masks except for what I've read online the last couple of days. I was shown a couple of cpaps and masks by the RT but just went with what she suggested due to my ignorance on the subject. I was given the Invacare Polaris EX with SoftX and heated humidifier. I like the SoftX feature of the Polaris, but even set at maximum I still have some exhalation resistance to get used to every night. (cpap is set at eight) My question is, how does this cpap compare to the REMstar line with C-Flex? Is one brand any more durable than the other, or have better features/functionality? Does C-Flex offer less exhalation resistance? Lastly, are there other cpaps that offer this feature that I might consider?

Thanks.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, C-FLEX, CPAP

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:28 pm

Posted by NeurosurgeryNP:

I started with the Invacasre Polaris with SoftX - supposed to be comparable to C Flex - it kind of is, but even at it's Max setting, doesn't rival C flex at 1.

Click the link below to see her entire post:

Apr 09, 2005 subject: RemStart Auto

akpacfan · Post by **akpacfan** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:38 pm

Hello Captain;
I too am new to this stuff. I received a diagnosis of OSA a few weeks ago and was prescribed CPAP last friday. I was set up with a Remstar pro with c-flex and a heated humidifier.

I have to admit that after the first two days struggling with it, I finally set in to letting it work for me and has made an immediate impact. At first I was having a difficult time breathing against the incoming airflow. Noone explained what the c-flex was for. Then just last night I was a bit more relaxed and found out the benefit of the c-flex and actually felt it begin a rhythm of inhalation/exhalation and slept just over 7 hours. I haven't slept more than 4 hours in one stretch in almost 32 years!

Again, I'm new to it too and don't know the various types of machines but this one isn't going to get out of my sight!

Wish ya the best of luck and hope some of this helps you.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 7:37 pm

Then just last night I was a bit more relaxed and found out the benefit of the c-flex and actually felt it begin a rhythm of inhalation/exhalation and slept just over 7 hours. I haven't slept more than 4 hours in one stretch in almost 32 years!

I'm so happy for you, akpacfan! Isn't that a great feeling, realizing it works? Hope you continue to feel better and better, which I'm sure you will.

TheCaptain · Post by **TheCaptain** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:19 pm

Thank you for the replies. I think I'll call tomorrow and see if I can try one of the REMstar C-Flex cpaps.

I have been able to sleep most of the last few nights with my new cpap. The mask has been the worse thing to get used to. I'm using the Respironics Comfort Gel nasal mask. I used it the first night and left it set where the RT had fit me, but when I awoke the next morning my upper lip and teeth hurt. The next night I readjusted the mask and straps, but now the bridge of my nose hurts. It's still sore now at 9PM. Tonight I'll try loosening the straps a bit and see if that helps.

This has really been bad timing to start my cpap therapy as I'm still recovering from a severe sinus infection. My sinuses are clear, but I still have the drainage and cough. Hopefully this will all clear up soon.

Even with all my difficulties I have to say I've been getting better sleep with the cpap. I haven't felt "groggy" when I wake up like I used to. I know my wife has been getting better sleep also. No snoring! LOL
Again, thank you all for your help and support.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:24 pm

Captain,

Put a little Dr. Scholl's moleskin on the bridge of your nose to help with irritation or pressure sores from your mask. It helps. You can get it in the footcare section of most drug stores, like CVS. You can use moleskin to pad areas that get a little sore from using your mask. I used to use it all over before I started using my Swift. I can relate to the pain.

By the way, I have the Remstar Auto with CFlex and I absolutely love it. It's a great machine.

TheCaptain · Post by **TheCaptain** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:57 pm

Thanks, Sleepless. I'll go tomorrow and pick up a pack of moleskin and try it out. Hopefully I won't have any problems with the adhesive on it. I've had problems in the past with breathright strips leaving me red all day. Of course being red and not sore would be better than red and sore.

I wish I had found all this info last week before I went to pick up my cpap. I've found very little on the various boards about the Polaris EX, but I've read a lot about the REMstars. Most were positive, but there were a few that talked about getting bad machines. Regardless, I think I'll see if I can try one out.

Sergeant Bob · Post by **Sergeant Bob** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:08 am

I too have a ComfortGel mask and it makes the bridge of my nose sore. I just use a small piece of that paper medical tape on the bridge. Don't have any problems getting the mask to seal as the tape is very thin.
I can get a new mask in a couple months (insurance) and I think I might try to find a new DME.
This one just showed me how to put the mask on and how to start the machine and that was it. She doesn't even have the software for the machine so, if I want to get a printout for my doctor I have to trade my machine for another so she can take mine to Grand Rapids (about 120 miles). So, I have to let her know well in advance (a couple of weeks) if I want a printout.
Fortunately, I found this forum and was able to find out how to read my stats on my APAP, and how to change the settings on my machine.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:09 am

Sleepless on LI wrote:Put a little Dr. Scholl's moleskin on the bridge of your nose to help with irritation or pressure sores from your mask.

How many defenseless moles are giving up their lives so we can avoid sores and red marks on our faces?

(j/k I know that moleskin is actually made from cute little baby bunnies, not moles.)

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:29 am

How many defenseless moles are giving up their lives so we can avoid sores and red marks on our faces?

(j/k I know that moleskin is actually made from cute little baby bunnies, not moles.)

As many of them there pesky critters as it takes...and shame on you for even joking about adorable little baby bunnies. Bad, bad Bill.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 7:25 am

Here's an informative (and entertaining) thread on moleskin:

where to buy mole skin

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:47 am

Neversleeps,

I remember reading this one. Digusting yet amusing little story...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:05 am

Well, I talked to the DME that the doctor sent me to. He flat out told me he didn't carry the REMstart Auto because insurance didn't pay him enough for it. He offered a Puritan Bennet apap and the REMstar Plus with C-Flex. I also asked about switching to the Mirage Activa mask. The DME told me they don't have many of those because they haven't had much success with them and they're heavier than other masks.
I told him I was going to have to try something else since this ComfortGel was not working out. When it's tight enough to not leak it hurts my nose, when I loosen it to a comfortable level it leaks.

I just got a call back from another DME. He seemed more willing to work with me than the other. It's seems funny though, when you start asking specific questions and act like you know what you're talking about they get defensive. Oh well, it's like I told this new DME, I don't care about whether or not they make enough money. I more concerned about my heath and getting something that works for me.

TheCaptain · Post by **TheCaptain** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:14 am

oooops! ^

I didn't realize I hadn't signed it.

Correction: I meant to type "health".

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:14 pm

Captain,

I have the Remstar Auto with Cflex, but don't know about the Remstar Plus with Cflex. I think the only difference is, it's not an APAP. The PB 420e is a great machine, from what I've heard on this site. There are a couple of differences, though. One is, I don't think it has the Cflex, but I'm not positive on that. Also, the software has to be uploaded to your computer from the actual machine with a cord, not through a card reader like the Remstar Auto w Cflex has.

So what did you decide to do, wait for the newer DME to tell you what you can get from them? Unbelievable how the prior one didn't like you knowing too much. I say run from someone like that. Are you doing this under insurance? If not, go with this site and buy from them. They are great to deal with.