See Apria tomorrow, but sooooo darn frustrated!

[CMorrison64]

The last 2 nights my mask has been leaking like crazy, I've stood in front of the mirror, adjusted, re adjusted, sat and talked with a Respiratory Therapist at work .... tried all her tricks and you know what ... last night I didn't even bother, neither did I the night before after an hour of leaks and more leaks.

Tomorrow morning I have an appt. with Apria ... any suggestions what masks I should ask to try?

Also, since my first one isn't doing the job and if I have to get another one will insurance usually pay for a replacement?

I am soooooooo exhausted and can sure tell the difference. Thanks.

[Wulfman]

WHERE is it leaking?
Are you absolutely certain you have the right size mask?
Bed pillows can make a huge difference in mask leaks. Standard pillows can push the mask out of place when your head sinks into it.
Properly adjusted? I set mine with the forehead support as far away from my forehead as possible. (with the Quattro, the dial is turned all the way to the right) Then, loosen the top straps so the only tension is on the lower straps.

Some of the Quattro masks were notorious for leaking out of the elbow in the front of the mask. Pulling the front elbow out and wrapping it with Teflon plumbers tape (in the grooves) fixes that. (numerous threads explaining the problem and solution can be found on the forum by searching on the word "Teflon")


Den

[carbonman]

any suggestions what masks I should ask to try?
Thanks.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34880

Still using the UM/small. Outstanding results, night after night.

[gromittoo]

CMorrison64: My DME says the manufacturers give you a 90 day trial period. If the mask doesn't work for you, return it and try another.

I have gone through dozens of masks, and the right mask makes all the difference. My sleep center even has daytime "mask fitting" appointments, where you can try all sorts of masks.

My current mask is by far my favorite. It is the resmed Swift FX with nasal prongs.

[GTOJim]

I have to use Aperia, my local office has a policy. You can look at different masks, can not try any out, just pick one from the selection. Once the package has been opened it's yours to keep, no returns on opened masks.

This is an improved policy since I first started using CPAP. When I got my machine, each person in our group (Aperia does it in groups) was given a mask and machine. We were given brief instructions on the machine. No options for masks, you took the mask Aperia provided. Same policy regarding opening the mask packaging, once the package is opened the mask can not be returned. Turns out my mask had already been opened and parts were missing, rendering the mask unusable. A phone call to Aperia, I was told that is how they come from the manufacture, the parts I was missing is how they shipped from the factory. Things haven't gotten any better in the last 7 years I've been using Aperia. I've complained to my insurance company many times but Aperia is the only DME my insurance allows me to use. Lots of times I just order on-line, paying out of pocket rather than dealing with Aperia. The last few years Aperia has screwed up almost every order for supplies. Sending wrong items, items I didn't order etc. I have spent way to many hours at the local branch exchanging items for the correct items ordered.

Good luck, I hope your local office is a lot better than the one I have to use, hard to imagine it could be any worse.

[LSAT]

Apria is not giving you the truth.....Masks do not come in opened packages and the manufacturers have a 30 day return policy that all DMEs should follow. You can try a mask for up to 30 days and exchange it if it doesn't work out...(The DME can get a free replacement,) NO COST. I would call the manufacterers customer service dept.

[pratzert]

Apria has a chair next to the throne of the Devil !!!

They are absolutely the WORST comapny I have ever dealt with.

When it comes to ordering Masks, they always try to tell me that they are only allowed to send me what they have in Stock.

It's always been a battle to get the mask "I" want.

I have had them assure me that they had the mask "I" wanted and ordered was in stock and being sent out that day, but when it arrives it is not even the same BRAND I ordered.

It's just typical Apria.

The last mask I orderd, I ordered directly from CPAP.COM and submitted the invoice to CIGNA. They don't pay it in full, but they pay the larger portion of it and I avoided the hassle of dealing with APRIA.

If you have the fincancial ability, perhaps this would work for you and that way, you can get away from the headaches of dealing with them.

It's bad enough to have to suffer with Sleep Apnea, you should not have to suffer thru dealing with APRIA.

[Mebake]

The only time I got Apria to call me back is when the doctor’s office called them to tell them I was changing my DME provider to Lincare. Beg borrow and plead to try different masks. I have tried about 8 masks some at my own expense and some at my insurance company’s expense. CPAP auctions have some pretty good deals for masks. I currently use the Swift FX I really love it. Also love the Swift LT. You can get the LT pretty cheap since the FX came out (about $40.00) on CPAP auctions. Never give up and don't take any CRAP from Apria.