Tired Trucker wrote:Pugsy---will the TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Stability Mouthpiece work if you don't have any teeth like me?
Unfortunately no.
I was unsure if I should mention that fact. I didn't want to make assumptions about the status of permanent teeth and cause offense. Actually I didn't know how a total newbie would respond to the Tap Pap anyway. It's a new mask just been out for a month. So not a lot of exposure yet. Seems like most newbies never get to the point of finding out that teeth are needed. They take one look and run the other way.
For newbies wanting to try the nasal pillow mask and unable to try the Tap Pap (assuming it interested them) I would suggest starting off with the Aloha or Swift FX. Adjustments for either are easy, especially someone doing it on their own.
Pick one that looks interesting is what I usually tell people. It's a crap shoot with any mask until you try one anyway.
The Aloha is probably a little more stable overall but it's not like the Swift FX is totally unstable though. It's the fact that the Aloha has a bit more "stuff" on the head that affords the stability. If you hate the idea of "stuff" on your face then try the Swift FX. The back strap is probably where the only negative for the Swift mask is...it can sometimes slide up the back of the head. It wasn't a big issue for me. Minor movement if any but if it had been an issue there are things we can do to anchor it a little better.
The Aloha is a bit less expensive in terms of $ but that doesn't mean in it a cheaply made mask.
ResMed has always been proud of their stuff and they force sellers to sell at only the MSRP. They don't allow discounts.
Oh, BTW...prepare yourself for sticker shock with any mask...They all look like they have about $5 worth of plastic in them...especially the nasal pillow masks.
Someone is sending me a minimally used nasal pillow mask (I think nasal pillow) but I am unsure what kind.
Some of the forum members have masks that just don't work for them so they donate them to me so that I can then donate the unwanted masks to someone else. For situations like yours where a person doesn't have insurance to fall back on.
It should arrive today or tomorrow...let me see what it is and see if maybe you could use it.
I do have a bunch of other donated nasal masks (just over the nose) we can talk about those later to see if one of them might work for you. Unfortunately I don't have any full face masks at the present time I don't think but I will go look later to make sure. If you want something that I have all I ask is reimbursement for postage and if you hate the mask just return it to me so it can maybe go to someone else in need.
I am short on time today but will get with you later about what I have that you might be able to try and that way you don't have to fork over a ton of money having no idea if something is going to be workable or not.
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.
