Newbie needs guidance...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:52 am

Last night I completed sleep study 3 of 3. First one was a mess because I couldn't sleep. Anyway's last night was the let's try a mask on you test. The tech offered me a choice of 3. the nose variety, the full face variety, and the "up the nose" variety. I thought I should go with the full face variety, because I'm a mouth breather. His suggestion was that I try the nose one with a chin strap and see how I did. He said if I opened my mouth he'd switch me in the middle of the night. We'll apparently from his perspective, I did great -- no leaks and he found out what my pressure should be (I'm sure that's not the right term).

While it may have gone great for him, I woke up with serious irritation around my nose and a very sore jaw. I mentioned this to him and his take on it was that I was probably clenching to keep my mouth shut. So he's writing it up that I should get an over the nose variety.

So my question is this -- typically how hard is it to get a change of mask from the medical supply company? If I find that I'm opening my mouth or my jaw is hurting all the time and I want to switch to a full face, should I expect much resistance? Or should I try to convince them to start me with a full-face when they call to schedule delivery?

Also -- as far as purchasing things from cpap.com, for example if I want to buy a full face mask -- do I need a prescription for it? How does that work?

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 11:10 am

I guess I forgot to log in -- the above post is mine.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 11:44 am

Anonymous wrote:Last night I completed sleep study 3 of 3. First one was a mess because I couldn't sleep. Anyway's last night was the let's try a mask on you test. The tech offered me a choice of 3. the nose variety, the full face variety, and the "up the nose" variety. I thought I should go with the full face variety, because I'm a mouth breather. His suggestion was that I try the nose one with a chin strap and see how I did. He said if I opened my mouth he'd switch me in the middle of the night. We'll apparently from his perspective, I did great -- no leaks and he found out what my pressure should be (I'm sure that's not the right term).

While it may have gone great for him, I woke up with serious irritation around my nose and a very sore jaw. I mentioned this to him and his take on it was that I was probably clenching to keep my mouth shut. So he's writing it up that I should get an over the nose variety.

So my question is this -- typically how hard is it to get a change of mask from the medical supply company? If I find that I'm opening my mouth or my jaw is hurting all the time and I want to switch to a full face, should I expect much resistance? Or should I try to convince them to start me with a full-face when they call to schedule delivery?

Also -- as far as purchasing things from cpap.com, for example if I want to buy a full face mask -- do I need a prescription for it? How does that work?

That's absurd that they wouldn't let you wear the mask of your choice! When I had my sleep study, I specifically selected the full face mask and have NEVER even tried any of the other kinds. I know my limitations.

You could have your prescribing doctor write up your prescription to say something like "Mask of patient's choice".
As far as purchasing masks from CPAP.COM, you don't need a prescription.

I've never actually purchased any equipment from a local DME, so I don't have any "horror" stories to relate in that regard. I've purchased all of my equipment from CPAP.COM (except for a few things I purchased from a couple of forum members)

Good luck.

Den

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:15 pm

Sorry if I wasn't clear. The tech didn't "force" me to choose the nose only mask -- he just very strongly encourage me. I didn't really expect I would keep my mouth closed more the an hour....I went to sleep fully expecting he would wake me up and put a full face on me...

Moby · Post by **Moby** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:48 pm

Welcome.

And congratulations on taking your first steps towards a much better - oxygenated - life!

You have come to a really good place for advice and support.

The 'settling in" period as you adjust to cpap is confusing and there are so many aspects to it.

Try not to absorb everything at once, take it one step at a time.

The mask you use is important and there is a wide choice of types and styles. Hopefully your clinic will allow you to trial different sorts of masks to see which sort and size suits you best.

There is a sizing guide here

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-sizing.php

that helps you narrow down your choices. Grab a pencil, paper, a good ruler and if you can a friend to help you, and it will guide you to some possible choices.

Most people end up with an assortment of masks. For instance I have one full face and two nasal pillow type masks. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks. I try to stick with one sort (my Swift 2) but if I get sore nares or congestion I switch to one of the others for a while.

Also, make sure you get a heated humidifier. Very important.

Good luck, keep asking questions and keep us posted. We've all been new to this, and we do understand.

regards

Di

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:39 pm

Hi and welcome to the group.

While the tech's suggestion to go with a nasal mask would help the sore nose (which is often temporary), that wouldn't address your sore jaw (from the chin strap?). If you accept a mask, know beforehand their policy for returns if it's not working. One place I went kept telling me it takes time to adjust (true) until it was past allowable return time. If I'd asked up front, I'd have stopped trying sooner as I knew it wasn't working for me.

No matter where you plan on getting your equipment, ask your doc for the prescription for both your machine and mask, as you never know if or when you might decide to purchase one elsewhere.

Best wishes on getting a mask that makes your adjustment speedy and rewarding.

Kathy

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 3:03 pm

Welcome!

Check with your DME about mask exchanges. Many of them will exchange if it's within 30 days. My first full face mask was selected by sleep tech and seem to fit well and didn't leak - but he didn't have me lay down to try it. When I did at home, it never stopped leaking. So I got fitted for a different full face mask and the DME said that wasn't a problem.

It's my understanding that some of the companies that make masks will take them back from the DME's if within 30 days so I am under the impression that the DME's aren't out any $.

Mindy

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:15 pm

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I'll keep you posted on how this all unfolds.

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:30 pm

Everyone is absolutely right! Also, to quote Kathy,

No matter where you plan on getting your equipment, ask your doc for the prescription for both your machine and mask, as you never know if or when you might decide to purchase one elsewhere.

Make sure the prescription also includes the word "humidifier" on it. In case you want to purchase one in the future, you will need that on it.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:50 pm

jsmythe wrote:Everyone is absolutely right! Also, to quote Kathy,
No matter where you plan on getting your equipment, ask your doc for the prescription for both your machine and mask, as you never know if or when you might decide to purchase one elsewhere.
Make sure the prescription also includes the word "humidifier" on it. In case you want to purchase one in the future, you will need that on it.

You do need the i's dotted and t's crossed if you'll be purchasing mask, machine, humidifier from a bricks-and-mortar DME (local home health care supplies store.)

So, as the others have said, be sure the Rx mentions them.

But if you plan to buy any supplies out of your own pocket from an online vendor like cpap.com, the machine is the only thing that requires a copy of your Rx. You won't need a prescription to buy other things (mask, humidifier, hose, filters, etc.) from cpap.com

countrygent · Post by **countrygent** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:31 pm

Hi Favabean

... you have come to the right place for advice. Use the search feature to chase down your specific issues and questions, and be sure to read through the yellow lightbulb collective wisdom.

I'm only five weeks in and have had fantastic advice around here on leaking/mouth-breathing/taping; what machines to consider; planning for summer fun on a 12 volt off-grid setup; how to access controls for the CPAP machine; mask fitting; buying/cost/insurance issues. It has been a godsend for me.

I had a powerful allergy-like reaction a week ago that might have left me confused and it was quite uncomfortable for three days - until reading the number of posts pointing to under-humidification having a strange delay reaction that leaves your nose itchy and hyper-allergic but not while on the machine ... sewed a fleece sleeve for my hose to cure condensation rainout problems, turned up the humidity higher ... viola, problem solved. Thank you forum posts!

Also had a post-stress emotional "letdown" type reaction after commencing CPAP - either the piled-on exhaustion of having trouble sleeping with the distraction/disruption of the hose/blowing/mask tenderness, or a nervous release from the stress and depression of coping with life with undiagnosed OSA over a long period, in any event it led to some work and home issues for me. People have been so kind and it has been a great comfort to learn many others have been through a similar "walking dead" stage where exhaustion, raw emotions and coping challenges may follow the start of CPAP - there is a great article under the lightbulb on the stages of recovery some people experience.

You'll find some really helpful and knowledgable people around here (the old veterans) who have a great fund of experience they have built up, especially on the tweaking and adjusting every individual seems to need to find the setup and approach to XPAP that's just right for them.

Their number one message? Take personal charge of your therapy and educate yourself. There is a CPAP/OSA medical business out there that doesn't yet seem to me to be sophisticated enough to deliver the perfectly crafted and packaged therapy everybody needs. Alot of people thus suffer poor therapy, needless discomfort, or give up which threatens their long term health if not mortality.

Some people are very lucky in having fantastic therapists, and immediate adjustment and life improvement from CPAP out of the gate, but for others it has been harder and we have needed to educate ourselves and push a little with our professional medical advisors make sure we got the choices and set-ups best for us.

Hope you find everything you need, and if not be sure to ask. In reading through hundreds and hundreds of posts I have found this a supportive BB that is full of useful advice, with respect for everybody's differences and opinions.

Geoff

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:45 am

As promised, I said I'd keep you all updated.

My local medical supply company is bringing out my equipment today. They are delivering the following:

S8 Compact with Humidifier
ComfortFusion Nasal Mask
Chin strap

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:53 am

You really should ask (no demand) at least the S8 Elite. The compact won't give you any data to compare especally leak data if you go to leaking out the mouth.

Jerry

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:46 am

If it were me, I'd refuse to accept the Compact. Not that it wouldn't be able to treat OSA ok...but as 6PtStar said, it will give you no info at all beyond "hours of use." If you're interested in monitoring your own treatment, tell them you want the Elite, not the Compact. Both are just "cpap" machines, so either machine will fill your prescription.

They are trying to give you the cheaper model. More profit in it for them since insurance is going to pay one contracted price for "cpap" to the DME, whether they give you a cheap "Compact" or a slightly more expensive "Elite."

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:52 pm

Yup, MOST DEFINITELY REFUSE the Resmed S8 Compact. It is the bottom of the line, or one step up, from the bottom of the line Resmed S8 CPAPs. YOU (either self-pay or thru your insurance) are paying for an HCPCS code E0601. Who gives a rat's rear if it cuts into the local DME's profit margin? They contracted w/Medicare and other insurances to accept X amount of dollars for an HCPCS E0601. The Resmed S8 Elite is an E0601 too. So INSIST on a Resmed S8 Elite. Don't accept anything less. You WILL REGRET it if you allow them to foist this Compact off on you just to enhance their profit margin at your expense.

Welcome to the world of dealing w/local DME suppliers. Take EVERYTHING they tell you w/a huge grain of salt. Double-check w/this forum before swallowing all the horsepuckies they may try to feed you. There are "some" good local DME suppliers out there ... but ... double check everything to be sure. This one is already starting out on the wrong foot.

Newbie needs guidance...

Newbie needs guidance...

Re: Newbie needs guidance...

Masks

Humidifier

Additional Comments: ozzie heated hose.