Any experience with CPAP Pro "No Mask"??

[pammieb]

Can anybody let me know about their experience with the CPAP Pro "No Mask" product. It looks too good to be true! Thanks, Pam

[Kiralynx]

Go up to the Search line and put in the word "cpappro" (all one word) and start reading.

I was interested in this one, also, but ultimately did not try it. From my reading, it appears to be a mask people either love or hate,

[BleepingBeauty]

I bought one from another hosehead (it comes with two biteplates, so one was unused by him). It has one great advantage over every other mask I know of, and some not-so-great disadvantages. I use it occasionally for a change-of-pace. From my experience:

Pros:
It's very easy to wear - no headgear at all, and it stays in place with the biteplate. No strap marks to worry about, no velcro to catch on your hair, no irritation.

Cons:
It's expensive (both initially and in replacement parts).
It's difficult to clean (unless they've improved on the design recently - the biteplate I have is attached to the whole apparatus via two little screws which have to be removed to clean the biteplate).
If you tend to mouth-breathe, it may not work well for you unless you add a chinstrap. AFAIK, this wasn't an issue for me, but I don't have a data-capable machine to verify it.
It made my teeth feel like they were out of alignment in the morning, which disappeared after a couple of hours. My dentist said it wouldn't do any long-term harm, but I didn't like the feeling.

HTH

[sagesteve]

I LOOOOVE mine! I used to have the Mirage Quattro FULL FACE. The No Mask is Simple to clean. I just squirt the Control III ( https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Contro ... eaner.html )on it.--{Make a mixture of water and Control III in a squirt bottle}. Let the mask sit for 10 minutes and BINGO! Rinse it off under cold water and rub it a little. Super clean and sanitized. You don't need to take it apart. I clean it every other day. My AHI now runs 0.01 to 0.02...pressure is 9.5 leakage is 8.9!! This thing really doesn't leak, just out of the air holes like it's supposed too. No marks on the face, no pulling of the hair...just plain wonderful. This thing IS too good to be true...but it's TRUE...GOOD!
Best thing I've done for myself since my purchase of the Fisher Paykel Humidifier. I am SO GOOD TO GO now.

[LoneStar]

I have one and really like it. I have TMJ and the straps on the masks I tried during my PSG really set off my TMJ symptoms. The CPAP Pro has been very comfortable for me. But like Bleeping Beauty said, it is a somewhat expensive mask to maintain. I got around replacing the mouthpiece every three months by having my dentist make me a custom (and MUCH longer lasting) mouthpiece. He's a hosehead and uses one of these masks, too.

Due to orthodontic treatment of my TMJ as an adult, my teeth tend to move around a little anyway. I've worn mouthpieces/biteplates in the past, so getting used to the mask was easy for me. YMMV.

It is a bit tedious to clean, but I do the following: wash mouthpiece (soak in Polident) and remove and wash exhalation diffusers (with Dawn) daily. I disassemble and soak all the parts in 1:3 water and vinegar solution weekly. I can usually make the exhalation diffusers last a month if I'm careful and don't catch and tear them with a fingernail.

I'm typically not a mouthbreather, so this is not a problem for me.

If you have TMJ, this mask may or may not work for you depending on the type and severity of your symptoms. But it worked for me and is my mask of choice. LISA

[Victoria]

Hmmmm....that may have to be my next try-out. I hate having straps of any kind on my head. Blech.

[SuperGeeky]

I think it's a brilliant design!! I love it!! It's either love or hate for most all people. My Sleep Doctor prescribed to four people, I'm the only one still using it.

The key is learning how to adjust the CPAP PRO. Just recently, I made it so the hose hangs upward, so tossing, turning, rolling doesn't yank on the hoses. While your sleeping, the hose will pop out of your nose or start a small leak otherwise.

Easy to take apart and clean. I use alcohol wipes to clean the nozzles every night. What requires the most patience, the clamps that hold the hoses, need small pliers and wrench to make as tight as possible. That way they don't move out of place when getting situated in bed.

The 'boil and bite' took a second try for me. Then, it held well.

You really have to believe it WORKS!! And, ask forum members, like myself if your having problems. I have above average patience, that's why I still use it. I've learned along the way. Just ask!

[LoneStar]

I'll mention this tip I learned.

You trim the boil-n-bite mouthpiece after forming it to your teeth with curved scissors. If you have a small mouth, there may be excess material and cutting it off will leave rough edges. Those rough edges were giving me and my poor gums fits and I couldn't figure out a way to smooth them without having to reform the whole thing. Then I had an "AHA!" moment.

I got my husband's soldering iron, washed it thoroughly, and used it to smooth the rough edges. It worked like a charm. My husband wouldn't give his up, so I went and bought a brand-new soldering iron (about 15 bucks at the home improvement store) to add to my "xPAP tool kit." LISA

[rested gal]

LINKS to cpappro - cpap pro mask topics
viewtopic.php?p=169333

[SuperGeeky]

Thanks for posting Rested Gal... Refreshed my memory of the links I reviewed before purchasing CPapPro.

Costs of parts are an objection. I've been using CPAPPro for six or so months. I changed diffusers, those are the spongy things your supposed to wash, I guess about two months ago. Instructions tell you change them each month. For me, no way! The extra diffusers came with the mask.

I changed the hoses the other day, and I really didn't have too. I bet if I looked hard enough, I could find comparable medical hose and drill a hole for the diffuser. The diffusers, I'm a little apprehensive about retro fitting. It diffuses carbon dioxide, don't want to do something dangerous.

The boil and bite, well just boil it again if it's not working. I rinse it warm Denture Cleaner, every once in a while.

Speaking from my own experience, if I have major brain fog, really bad memory and a short temper, forget Cpap Pro. My opinion, that's why so many toss it in the trash. About two or three months into recovery, might be good to consider. It was worth it too me. I really believe building up a strong tool set, multiple masks is critical to recovery etc.

One more thing... I've been using a Scratch Respironics Card, lie in bed, watch tv with the mask on, lay flat if I can, and make sure I've got leaks taken care of before falling asleep. Move around, make sure things are good and tight. If CpapPro is quiet, comfortable, best bet I'm OK.


Take care,

SG

[akokes]

I have had a cpap pro for about 2 years now. I love it. I had problems all night with my masks shifting and blowing air on my eyes. Even though they are closed they somehow dry out anyway. The shifting was the straps moving relative to my nose as I would roll over - well your teeth never move relative to your nose. So no more shifting mask. I was able to form and get used to the mask right away so that was not an issue for me.

My only problem is that my insurance refuses to cover it. They will give me a $150 mask every 6 months if I push the issue, but not this one. If anyone has figured out how to get Helathpartners to step up to the plate, let me know who I have to call.

But even with the insurance issues, I will continue to buy this mask myself instead of using the masks they have - I'll take my mouthpiece over straps any night of the week

[GumbyCT]

Find a mask that is popular and easy to sell. Have the insurance buy then either use it or sell it to defer some on your costs.

[Country4ever]

This mask was just recommended to me by someone today.
After reading some of your comments, here's a few more questions:
Does the mouth guard put stress on your teeth?
What keeps you from mouth breathing, even with the mouth guard?
Did it make any of you gag?
Thanks.

[SuperGeeky]

Does the mouth guard put stress on your teeth?

Great Question! If you were successful at getting a good impression of your teeth and holds really well, Yes! I've banged into the CPap Pro accidentally and it can put stress on your teeth.

But, you want the 'Boil and bite' to be tight so the nozzles stay well affixed in your nostrils. Benefit, leak rate is very low. But, if it comes loose, you've got a good leak.

What keeps you from mouth breathing, even with the mouth guard?

The company claims that by clenching your teeth naturally over the 'boil and bite', no leakage out your mouth. Started out that way for me. Soon after used Panty Hose and then a Strap. Stopped using Cpap Pro because I haven't found a comfortable Strap. Panty Hose lost it's ability to do it comfortably.

But, Cpap Pro remains my best mask. I just have to solve the mouth breathing problem.

Did it make any of you gag?

No, not gag! But salivate! That can be irritating!! The Company claims salivating eventually goes away. Not so for me. If I turn my head, sleep on my side, for example, runs out onto pillow. Awful description, sorry!

Also, I've learned since using all this equipment, keeping up with maintenance is important. True for Cpap-Pro also! I joined their Club with monthly fee which sends periodic parts so Cpap-Pro runs correctly.. Very important..

I think Cpap Pro is a good name for the mask! You have to be a Pro to use it. It has many many ways to adjust it for a variety of shapes of faces. Once you have it right, optimal pressure to keep your throat open. Leakage is very low. And, it can be quite comfortable to wear to bed!!

Hope this helps,

SG

[Country4ever]

Thanks SG,
Any problems dislodging it when you sleep on your sides?
Sure wish we could try things out for a week or so, then return them if they didn't work out!
I have a strong gag reflex. maybe I should go get a athletic mouth guard and see if I could stand it first.
I'm using a swift nasal pillow now, but have to use tape to keep my mouth closed. I'm not sure that would work with the cpap-pro.
It can be a challenge, keeping our mouths closed.
Do you know if it can be used with the Resmed machines?
Did you order yours online?