Little bit scared... Got the machine today.

[NightSky]

Hi, Rofriki!

Don't get your knickers in a twist!

(I just have always wanted to say that to a lady across the pond.)

But seriously, do you know if you are a "mouth breather"? If you aren't, then you could get a smaller mask than any of those you have described.

NightSky

[DiverCTHunter]

I am new as well. I have just had my machine for about a week and a 1/2. I too feel just a little claustrophobic when I first put my mask on, but it helped when I reduced my ramp time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes. I am usually distracted for the first 10 minutes or so while I sit up and watch a few minutes of the news, get tucked in, etc.. I wish us both better nights of sleep and more days of energy.

@Kshynes - Please fill in your user profile when you have a chance.

Do the DME's make more money somehow when they give patients a full face mask? I was given a full face mask, had a terrible four nights and then switched to FX Swift Nasal Pillows and have had wonderful results since and it just seems to me that many of the new patients who post are given a FF and then at some point they find themselves using something else. When I demanded to be allowed to try the Nasal Pillows my DME said "Sure, that is our most used type." And I thought, "well why did you give me this helmet to star with?"

I think it has to do more with laziness than with profit margin, but a number of DMEs seem to be in the "one size fits all" mindset.

If your mouth breathing is caused more by the OSA than from sinus / deviated septum, then it might be worthwhile to try experimenting with a nasal mask and chinstrap.
The DMEs don't like to tell you this, but the mask manufacturers have a program in place where you can swap out masks as much as you need during the first 30 days of therapy. Depending on the DME, they'll either dispose of the old mask or just tell you to keep it.

[Rofriki]

NightSky - Lol, okay that made me laugh My friends online tend to say that a lot now, cause they say my "britmuffinry" is rubbing off on them
and yes, I am a mouth breather.

Im finding the machine isn't having quite as much of an effect as it did the first couple of nights, but again i think its trying to get used to it.
I am due for another oximeter (spelling fail?) check in 4 weeks or so, so hopefully I'll get to talk to the nurse about it and get a bit more info on what to do and so on.
In the meantime I'm going to reread all the manuals and assorted stuff that came with it, see if i can wrap my brain around it a bit better this time

[archangle]

Just look at the kid and do your best James Earl Jones voice saying "Luke, I am your mother."

Grab hubby by the throat and say "I find your lack of faith disturbing."