Still feeling tired

[swcompassionate]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to give you all an update. I did sleep last night with the Swift LT mask on the entire night and I only remember waking up twice with extremely bad dry mouth. That has not happened since starting treatment back in December for a couple of nights and then it stopped. I have been feeling congested the last several nights so I could be having trouble getting air in through my nose so I may be mouth breathing at points. I may go back to the chin strap that came with my nasal mask tonight and see if that makes a difference. Too scared to try tape. Afraid I may feel like I am suffocating. I am forcing myself to sleep with the mask on all night even if I am not sleeping. I am going to call my DME today and see if I can get an APAP with my current CPAP machine prescription. If not, I am making an appointment with the sleep doctor to discuss why I want one. For those of you that do not know I opted to take one of my father in law's old machine since he got a new one. Could not afford the payments for rental. Finances might be a little better now. I also need to know does one by the software separately for monitoring your treatment or is it covered as part of the benefits of insurance under durable medical equipment? Just wondering. I also need to wash my gear too really badly so that could be part of problem. Just wanted to share. If someone could share with me about the software, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Maria

[jules]

the software is rarely covered and is not normally available from the DME

the cost will vary from about $55 for a respironics compatible card reader with a pirated version of encore to over $200 for a resmed card reader and res scan at an online vendor - prices do vary from vendor to vendor - I don't like the price for the sandman software needed so someone who has it can chime in with it

put $200 in your budget for a start

once you know what machine and post it, people can direct you to where to find the software and components (card reader for example) cheapest

when you see either the DME or the sleep doc, ask about getting a full face mask - the Liberty and Hybrid are a combination of nasal pillows and a mouth cover and might be okay - otherwise there are several other FFM out on the market - you might need another script saying the FFM is medically necessary to get your insurance to cover part of the cost or you can buy masks online at cpap.com or cpapauction.com without a prescription Out Of Pocket

[Georgio]

I use fluctinase nose spray and Zyrtac-D to keep my sinuses clear in order for my Swift LT to function and not breath through my mouth. Address that congestion so that air can travel through your nose and it may solve your mouth breathing, dry mouth.

Georgio

[808Ronin]

did you ever find the best place to purchase the software from I need to purchase a copy of res scan 3.7 for the machine I will be getting this week the vpap 25 auto w/the h4 humidifier looking for the best price because my insurance covers 0% of any DME items and the machine took about all the extra cash I have to spare now. thanks Dave

[elader]

Your complaints have nothing to do with an APAP, but with your nose and your mask. Yes, data capable machines are much better, but you don't need an APAP for that.

By the way, I will piggy back on your post - I feel like crap this week, like I am no longer on cpap. I do have a data machine and guess what. My numbers are fine. I have no idea....... i just go through this every once in a while. Chin up, stiff upper lip, etc.