New CPAP user. Help please.

MichelleRae · Post by **MichelleRae** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:21 pm

Well I got my CPAP and I really like the machine (REMStar Pro 2 C-Flex), it's quiet and easy to use. My problem is with the masks that the DME has brought to me. The first was a nasal mask and it was okay for the first 2 nights. Then my cheekbones started bruising and it became really uncomfortable. So I called the DME (who acts as if I'm inconveniencing them) and requested a nasal pillow system but they brought me a nasal prong device which has really irritated the inside of my nose. I'm scared to call back because I don't want to be "that patient" (you know, the really needy one.)

Now, my questions:
How can I find a mask that will fit me good and not hurt me?
Is it simply a process of elimination?

I really could use a good night sleep so any input would be appreciated

MartiniLover · Post by **MartiniLover** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:32 pm

Handgunner45 · Post by **Handgunner45** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:34 pm

The interface (ie. mask) is probably the most important part of the treatment equipment. I certainly would not be worried about inconviencing the DME. I am sure that they are being well compensated by your ins co. If you can visit the DME's place of business and see what they have for masks that you can try on right there. I believe that your comfort will be the main factor in your long term compliance with your treatment. I know that discomfort with my equipment would make it much harder for me to continue.

ufo13 · Post by **ufo13** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:49 pm

MichelleRae:

Don't be afraid of the evil DME! They work for YOU! You can always fire them. First I would check with http://www.billmyinsurance.com to see if your Insurance will work with them and if so you will be able to get what YOU want to be comfortable with your therapy which is important. IMO a comfortable mask (interface) is the most important part of the therapy! Also you can call or e-mail https://www.cpap.com (which hosts and pays for this site) and they are most helpful. I have been dealing with them for years-they are the best-PERIOD!
At the very least the DME you are dealing with should let you try various masks to see what suits you best.

Also post what pressure you are at and what type of sleeper you are and one of the forum members can better recommend a mask for you!
I am a back and side sleeper and use the SWIFT pillows and it has proven to be the best for ME! Many of the other forum members use the aura (headrest), the breeze, etc, etc. So it is imparative to try different masks at the DME if possible, and if you are not satisfied I would check out cpap.com etc.

Any other questions just ask!

best to you,
Steve,
ufo13

MichelleRae · Post by **MichelleRae** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:58 pm

Whoops didn't know to post my pressure. Since I'm a new user they have me set at 5cm until my next study which is next Thursday. I am a stomach and side sleeper.

I'm definitely going to look into the suggestions made. I really want my treatment to be a success...I need it to be a success for my children, I feel so bad because I'm tired all the time and my poor husband carries the house without me because I'm always trying to catch up on sleep.

lol enough rambling from me. But I do want to say that I do value all the information given to me

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:25 am

Welcome to the Hosehead Club, MichelleRae, here where everything even remotely cpap is 'aired', you can find all the info, support, compassion and understanding you could possibly get through a computer! We've all been there and done that, and know what it's like to have treatment like this suddenly slap you in the face (pun not intended.......I'm not being silly today) You have the same machine I do, and it's a great machine. But the most important part of your therapy is going to be your attitude toward this very unnatural thing we do......some will tell you the mask is the most important, but I personally rate that as a very close second. There are many masks available.......it's a matter of finding what's right for you. I got really lucky......after lurking here a while and gathering information, I was able to suggest to the nice man that a fullface mask would probably be what I needed.....and so it turned out to be. Most folks go through quite a period of trial and error. So do not be discouraged........hang in there......you'll make it. One day, you'll wake up, look around and say 'Wow, it's great to be alive.......and your kids and hubby will love you all the more for it.........Gidgie

GUEST2 · Post by **GUEST2** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:38 am

I would go directly to your DME supplier and try each mask, if it's a good DME company they won't hesitate to help. Allot of the time the DME providers are in-network with certain insurance companies that bill my insurance is not, so try the DME first. Also they might have a mask gaurentee with remsmed that if you don't like the mask you can change it in for a 30 day gaurentee.

RestInSeattle · Post by **RestInSeattle** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:10 pm

As for "interface", there are many ways to go.

Again, the recommendation of working with your DME to try several before taking one home is a great suggestion.

As to the "nasal pillows", it's important to know that the pillows are by definition supposed to seal on the outside of the nares (nostrils). Nasal "prongs" work with an insert that fit's into the nare and needs to be carefully sized to prevent irratation.

As for pillows, you'll find many love this method and will see mention of the:

Breeze
ComfortLite 2
Mirage Swift

I currently use the ResMed Mirage Swift and find that it works extremely well for me, I had tried the Flexifit HC507, Respironics ComfortGel and ResMed Activa nasal masks before moving onto the "nasal pillows" method. Don't "make do" with your nasal interface as this is very important for your quality of sleep. It took me a while to eventually locate the interface that worked best for me.

As for "nasal pillows", I tend to see a majority of Mirage Swift users, but although I haven't tried one yet, a large number moving to the Respironics Comfortlite 2.

How I use my DME currently. I had originally purchased my XPAP system from the DME along with my initial mask fittings. I'll probably still work with my DME for the XPAP machine as they offer 2 year warrantys that you simply drop it off and use a loaner during the repair/replacement process. I'll also try the mask technologies at the DME and then.... purchase all parts and accessories at cpap.com There's enough deductable difference that I can often purchase replacements outright for the deductable charge by my insurance. Kinda a boycott until the deductable comes down or something.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:16 pm

I'm scared to call back because I don't want to be "that patient" (you know, the really needy one.)

Michelle, don't think of yourself as a "patient", in the first place. Think of yourself as a consumer. The one with the money who can choose where she spends it.

Dig into the message boards as if you were studying for the exam of your life. Educate yourself, just like you're doing now, about different types of masks. In a short time, you'll know more about masks that have the best chance of suiting you than the people know who work for the DME you're dealing with.

It can be intimidating at first, when they are supposed to be the professionals guiding you. Some are good, but a lot of them don't know beans about comfort issues in this kind of treatment.

Just don't hesitate to keep going back to them again and again and again until they get you a mask that works for you. If any of them treat you condescendingly, or with arrogance, or impatience, just think to yourself, "It's my money, it's my sleep, it's my life." Smile and walk out. Better to spend the money out of your own pocket and buy what you want online than to put up with the hassle of an uncooperative DME.

Not that you know yet, whether yours will be a "good'un" or an uncooperative one. Here's one good way to find out. Waltz back in there with that Snapp thing they gave you and tell them you want to swap it for a Swift. If they give you the Swift, open the box right there and look to see if it has THREE nasal pillows attachments with it. (Small, Medium, Large) If it doesn't have all three, or if they try to tell you, "All you need is this size...this is the one that will fit you", smile sweetly, and tell them, "ResMed includes all three sizes with the Swift, so I do want all three sizes to take home with me, please." Don't leave until they let you have all three sizes.

We have to be our own advocates in this kind of treatment. It's good to practice being politely firm about what you want. You're the one who has to try to sleep night after night with air blowing through a mask. Keep at them until the mask suits you.

MichelleRae · Post by **MichelleRae** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:37 pm

Wow!!! All this advice is simply priceless to me right now. I absolutely don't want to give up on my treatment. I'm planning a trip to my DME this coming Monday (my next day off) and I'm going to try on every mask they have if that's what it takes LOL, They may hate me but they'll deal with it. You all made very valid points, that this is my life, my sleep, my treatment and I must be vigilant in finding what works best for me not for the DME.

Thanks again for all the valuable information you've given me. I'll be sure to update

apneaicinisrael · Post by **apneaicinisrael** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 1:57 am

Hi MichelleRae,

Just my 2 cents - First of all , "what they said". When you go to your DME have a list of the interfaces you want to try, and politely but firmly ask to try each of them. If possible, do it at your own pace, without them pressuring you. Try each on, if possible, lying down. They tend to shift a lot when you lie down. Some DMEs will even allow you to take a mask home to try. Worth asking.

I am also a side and stomach sleeper, and find the nasal pillows the best. I can easily flip side to stomach without dislodging them. To the list on RestInSeattle's posting, I would add the Aura Headrest. So you have 4 nasal pillow systems to try out.

Let us know how it goes, OK?
We can all learn from each others experiences,

AII

By the way, I asked my DME if he ever tried to sleep with one of these. He sheepishly smiled and said that he once tried, but he threw off the mask in the middle of the night and never tried again....

woozle · Post by **woozle** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 9:35 pm

Hi there, just had my sleep study and it turned into a split study as I stopped breathing 76 times per hour - so they said I have Severe osa - so I have my appt. next wk to get fitted for cpap machine - when I did the split study, they used a thing over my nose, that went kind of up my nose, w/ a humidifier - It worked well but I am wondering if any suggestions on what I should ask for when going in to find out what machine is right for me? From reading things here, it looks like check out a nasal pillow, get a humidifier and try to get wint with the spontaneous flow sensor? Also, I usually sleep on my side, and I don't think there was any way I could sleep on my side with the nose thing - is that pretty much out now? Any feedback would be so much appreciated!!!

woozle · Post by **woozle** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 9:36 pm

Hi there, just had my sleep study and it turned into a split study as I stopped breathing 76 times per hour - so they said I have Severe osa - so I have my appt. next wk to get fitted for cpap machine - when I did the split study, they used a thing over my nose, that went kind of up my nose, w/ a humidifier - It worked well but I am wondering if any suggestions on what I should ask for when going in to find out what machine is right for me? From reading things here, it looks like check out a nasal pillow, get a humidifier and try to get wint with the spontaneous flow sensor? Also, I usually sleep on my side, and I don't think there was any way I could sleep on my side with the nose thing - is that pretty much out now? Any feedback would be so much appreciated!!!

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:20 pm

Woozle,

Go to cpap.com and look at the pictures of all the masks that they sell. You will probably be able to indentify the one used at your sleep study.

Did they tell you what pressure they used to eliminate the apneas in the second half of your study?

Keep reading this forum, and you will find LOTS of ideas for what to ask your provider. The people on this board are GREAT!

Moogy

DME_Guy · Post by **DME_Guy** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:10 pm

Insurance companies only pay for one mask. Unfortunately, a CPAP mask can't be returned and resold. However, many DME companies will work with you to solve the dreaded mask issue. Resmed and Respironics both have a mask guarantee program that allows the DME to get a replacement maks at no charge if one of their masks don't arent' a good fit for the patient.

For you it sounds like the Resmed Swift or Respironics Comfort lite 2 would be a good fit. I like the Comfort Lite 2 because it give the option of using 3 different interfaces, nasal pillows, simple cushion, and direct seal. The most common configuration package is nasal pillows and simple cushion. It gives you the option to easily switch between the two interfaces without having to buy and addtional mask. Good luck with your therapy, It takes time and patience to get used to.

New CPAP user. Help please.

New CPAP user. Help please.

Don't be afraid of the evil DME!

another new one

another new one