finally got some good news

[tbas]

Remember from an earlier post about my sleep doctor not helping me and pushing me into getting another sleep study so soon? I think I might have finally found another doctor who will help me, at least I hope so. I got a referral from my primary care doctor, who also has OSA. I believe it is his doctor. There are 4 pulmonologists in their practice, and he and one of the other doctors are "sleep specialists". I don't know why I didn't go thru my primary care doctor in the first place. I just hope these doctors don't stick together and I'm left out in the cold.

When I called the office, the receptionist couldn't believe my old doctor sent me to 2 different sleep labs, and that they didn't accept my insurance, when there's a hospital right by my house that does accept it. However when I called one of the sleep labs, they told me not to worry, they accepted what my insurance paid them, and I wouldn't have to pay any balance. (more good news!) Still wondering about the other one, though.

Hopefully I can kind of start over with a new doctor and new DME. I'm having trouble changing my machine to a fully data capable one, and the DME ordered the hybrid ffm for me almost 2 weeks ago, and I still didn't get it!

I have one question to all out there, though. I'm a mouth breather, but when I use my Mirage Quattro, I feel lousy when I wake up. Yet, when I switch off using an old mask of my mother's, which is a comfort classic, (probably an old model) I feel better. Not great, but slightly better. Would anyone guess why this is? Also, since I have another mask on order, does anyone know how I can make my own chinstrap for now? Believe me, I'm not cheap, but I want to wait to see how the hybrid works before I switch masks yet again.

[DreamStalker]

The key to sure success with this treatment is data.

Without data, you cannot know why something may seem like it works or not.

Leaks are the number one cause for failure and without data you cannot know if you have had leaks and if you did how severely they are impacting your treatment.

And, I'm not talking just about mouth leaks, it could also be mask leaks caused by bad mask seal or bad fit.

[SleepingUgly]

does anyone know how I can make my own chinstrap for now? [/color]

I haven't tried this but was told it could work: Use an athletic headband (the kind people put across their forehead to catch the sweat).

[Julie]

Taping (or a properly fitted and sized FF mask) is more effective than straps.

[pdean44]

Grats that is good news. I am sure you will be hooked up before too much longer

[DreamDiver]

The key to sure success with this treatment is data.

Without data, you cannot know why something may seem like it works or not.

Leaks are the number one cause for failure and without data you cannot know if you have had leaks and if you did how severely they are impacting your treatment.

And, I'm not talking just about mouth leaks, it could also be mask leaks caused by bad mask seal or bad fit.

I agree with DreamStalker - try to exchange your machine at least for an Elite II, if not an Autoset II. You'll be able to track large leaks to determine if your mask is properly seated on your face. If the Quattro doesn't fit, you may need to try another mask - but you won't really know until you can see it from the large-leak data.