Nasal pillow question

[sleepyJen]

I'm into my 7th week of using the CPAP and aside from the 2 week hell when the DME changed my settings, it's been going well - there just always seems to be something 'off' that is affecting my sleep.

Well, at the end of last week, my nasal pillows (size M) felt really flimsy so I switched them for a new one - and have had nothing but issues with leaking and dislodging them. Can there be a difference in how the same size pillows fit - or would it be more likely that the straps of the headgear would be the culprit? Last night was a disaster with little sleep - I really miss getting uninterrupted sleep - but I could not get a good seal on those pillows for anything. And being they are the same size, I can't figure out what I'm suddenly doing wrong. I didn't fuss with the straps much, other than to loosen the top strap, which I think I had too tight in an effort to keep the pillows in place.

Thanks,
Jen

[sleepyJen]

Ignore this - it must have been that one set I got that just doesn't fit right. I had ordered two and the other one fits better. The one step forward/two steps back is getting to me though - I'm so much more tired as I never sleep through the night anymore, constant waking up. The headaches that started this whole diagnosis have come back with a vengance though in more of a "so much pressure in my head it's going to explode" kind of way and they last all day. I'm tired of the bloating and stomach issues since starting. I know not using the cpap could kill me, but using the cpap is sucking the life out of me and making my quality of life miserable. 7 weeks and I have more energy but feel like utter crap.

Whine over - can you tell I didn't sleep last night??

[HerbM]

Yes, it does sound like you need a nap , but hang in there.

You have answered you own question that a small difference in a pillow could make it perform differently.

I have been playing with all three pillows set sizes for my mask (S, M, & L) since all "can work" to see how each works differently so it's easy to see how those obvious size differences change things and I have been contemplating modifying one or more of them slightly with a razor knife to see what the change does.

You are using the Swift nasal pillow mask right?

If Pillows work for you in general, you might look at the F & P Pilairo Q or Resmed Airfit P10.

It may not be time to (spend money to) change the mask but if it maybe these are good choices to CONSIDER....

Our host CPAP.com had a great deal on a P10, "Free Shipping" and "Free RETURN Insurance" so it is kind of hard to go wrong TRYING the P10 (if they are still offering that). $100

[sleepyJen]

I do need a nap - or a time out!

If the bloating/headaches would just lessen, I could manage - some days are great. Some days are brutal. I just need some sleep.

I am using the Swift FX nasal pillows - funny you mention the P10 though. My insurance will not pay for ResMed supplies (though the hospital gave me the Swift FX at my tritation study, the DME insisted I use the Wisp, which lasted one night as I felt like I was suffocating). So, I purchased my replacement pillows through cpap.com using my FSA. After doing some research, I was going to try the P10 for her, and put it in my cart, but it looks like they are looking for a Dr's prescription....??? That kind of stumped me as insurance won't cover it, so I don't see why I'd need a prescription from my Dr to try a new mask? (and they are still offering the free return)

[Pugsy]

My insurance will not pay for ResMed supplies

Who told you that?
The DME? or did you verify with your insurance directly?
I bet they don't sell ResMed products because they get a better deal on Respironics and instead of telling the truth they want to blame insurance. Profit margin and not your insurance is most likely the real reason they don't offer ResMed products.
Insurance pays by HCPCS codes and not brands...the codes are all the same.


Online purchases of complete mask packages do require a RX. It's just the law.
Now replacement parts don't require a RX and it's often easy to build a complete mask with parts.
Cpap.com has that form you can fill out and they will fax request to your doctor for the okay...that's what I would do and then they would have the RX on file.
When we build a mask with replacement parts we can't get return insurance.

[sleepyJen]

Thanks Pugsy - you are right - she didn't specifically say that my insurance won't cover it - this is what I have in an email from the DME when I asked about replacement pillows

Unfortunately we are not able to send Resmed items any longer and that is the manufacturer that makes the Swift FX. If you would like to continue to use that mask, we will not be able to provide you with supplies. There is a mask called the Nuance that is a nasal pillow mask similar to the Swift FX only it is made from a gel material.

I'm sure my Dr. would have no problem sending a prescription over to cpap.com but should I first go back to my insurance (not the DME) - though, I'm guessing this is the only DME that they use. I know my husband (it's his insurance) emailed the insurance saying that I was having difficulty in getting my supplies from the DME they use but I don't think he's heard back from them.

Being at the mercy of the DME makes this more of a pain.

[Pugsy]

Check with your insurance directly to find out if there is another DME provider in your area that they will work with.
HMOs often will have just one but not so much with other insurance companies.

If you use cpap.com...it is going to be out of pocket expense for you as it is unlikely that your insurance will pay you back for what you spent at cpap.com...but again you can ask. Cpap.com will furnish you with an insurance form though just in case you want to file.
I would go ahead and get the RX on file with cpap.com....don't have to buy anything just yet. Just have it on file in case you want to buy something.

The Nuance nasal pillow mask by Respironics that the DME referred to....it's a nice mask.
Similar to the Swift FX except nasal pillows have a gel in the rim base of the nasal pillows. Actually quite comfortable.
I got one to try and decided to keep it...which means I like it. It might not be my number one mask but it's a nice mask.
I don't keep masks that I won't ever use.
The Nuance comes with 2 headgear choices...one with gel in the side straps and one without gel.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/nuance ... onics.html

A lot of DMEs are opting to not stock Resmed products due to cost. I bet the DME also supplies Respironics machines...they simply got a better deal on bulk Respironics equipment...from machines to masks.
So if they try to special order a Resmed product...the cost is higher. They could still make money but not as much so they elect to have a policy where they simply won't order ResMed and this makes you have to use what they have...and most people won't know the difference and will just blindly accept the fact that the DME "can't get ResMed anymore"...when in fact they most certainly can but they just choose not to.
I can understand the reason why...it's a business decision...I just don't like it that they aren't up front about the reason.
Now some DMEs are up front about it. Mine is up front about it but while they would really like me to buy a Respironics mask...they would order the Swift FX if I requested it.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi there,
I was cleaning out my CPAP supplies and have a brand spanking new Resmed Swift LT for her still sealed in the package for sale. Comes with headgear, frame assy, and three pillow sizes of XS, S and Med. There's even soft blue strap covers included in the sealed pack.

Please PM me if you are interested.