I'm buying a machine and mask, could use some help!

[Xoma]

Hi, I know you probably have tons of these threads already, but I'm asking you anyways. I am buying a CPAP machine, but they're not selling them anywhere that I know of in Sweden, either in a physical store or over the net, so I'm going to have to order one from the US it seems. What do I need to know? I'm not going out of my way to spare expenses here, but I'm also not on any kind of infinite budget, so what should I buy? I want a full face mask, which won't bother me because I have no trouble sleeping on my back without moving an inch during the night (if it wasn't for my sleep apnea, that is). I read somewhere that there's often problems with mask leakage, which negates any positive effects of the machine. Do you need to mold them somehow? Or are there masks that fit straight out of the box? Considering I'm ordering internationally, I need to find a perfect match on my first try, which I know is probably hoping for too much. What should I do?

My problems have completely ruined my life over the past ten years, and I think this might be the solution. I would love to get some help with this. Cheers!

Tom

[Slinky]

Well, Tom, do you know FOR SURE that you have OSA? xPAPs are an expensive proposition if you don't really need one! Unless you have a doctor who will write a script for a CPAP you are NOT going to be able to buy an xPAP from the states either.

Assuming that you have NOT had an in-lab PSG and so have NO IDEA of what pressure you need but are insistent on buying an xPAP I would strongly suggest that you purchase an auto-titrating PAP (APAP).

I think that one CAN buy an xPAP w/o a script in countries other than the USA and Canada. Which means most likely the Australian online xPAP supply site would be your best bet - IF I am correct. I might not be. I read all this stuff in the apnea support forums and if it doesn't pertain to me I tend to remember just bits and pieces and maybe not all that accurately. And I don't even remember the Aussie URL for sure either. I THINK it might be cpapaustralia.com.au

[Hawthorne]

A machine may not be much of a problem but I would advise you to get an auto (which runs in auto mode as well as straight cpap mode). You want to get a machine with lots of extras like exhalation relief, just in case, and certainly a humidifier.

I am quite happy with my machine (you can see which it is in my profile below) but they are not making them anymore. It's successor (PR1 auto) looks very good and I will certainly consider that next time. The PR1 does not have patient use software --yet. Since you can't much help where you are, the software could be helpful. My machine is now discounted, sicne they are not making them anymore. You could get quite a deal with mine - the Respironics M Series auto with A-Flex, a humidifier, software and a reader for that machine right now. This would give you the option of auto or straight cpap (so does the PR1), and 2 types of flex (these are exhalation relief features which have 3 settings each or you can not use any if you choose). You can also get the software and a card reader for the M Series auto so that you can manage your own therapy. There are rumours that patient software MAY soon be available with the new replacement machine (PR1).

As for masks, they are very individual. I would advise that you buy one in each of the several types to try (nasal mask, nasal pillows, full face). You would have backup then as well as being able to try all the types.

Go to https://www.cpap.com. There you can read about the machines and the masks as well as reviews people have posted about the machines and masks and how they work for them. This might help you with selection.

I think that cpap.com delivers to Sweden but you would have to check that out.

Good luck!

[Julie]

I think you may not be looking in the right places for machines (they're not usually sold in 'regular' stores, but through specialty dealers, people who also stock and monitor oxygen and related equipment, under various names which you need to be advised of by your doctor. But the other one made a very good point - this is not something you should be doing (and guessing about) on your own. It's very important that you be tested properly, because the tests also diagnose other related (and sometimes unrelated) problems that you could not be aware of, as well as deciding how best to set-up whatever equipment you might need. Speak to your doctor, or get referred to a pulmonologist, neurologist, someone who has experience with the issues.

[jules]

breas is a company that makes cpaps and is from sweden - check them out

[RipVW]

Get an auto! Gives you all the options, including running in straight CPAP or APAP mode. Good luck!

[Guest]

Hi everyone, thank you so much for your help!

No, clearly I've been to a sleeplab to get diagnosed. It's just.. a long story. They're extremely unhelpful and getting a machine is a total hassle. I think my life and health is more important than to go around arguing with them for six months to get me one, and with uncertain results, god knows it's already a pain getting out of bed and doing stuff when you haven't slept for a decade. So I would rather just spend that money, no, INVEST that money and be done with it.

I do see the problem with getting the right parameters and tuning the machine, but with some trial and error I think I should be fine, no? Or could it be potentially dangerous? I'm not sure I understand the software bit- isn't software included when you buy a machine?

Thanks again, it's good to be able to ask people about this stuff.

[Slinky]

No, the software does not come w/the device and mask. That has to be purchased separately. Have you tried to get a copy of the results from the sleep study(ies) you had done? Have you checked to see if you have any legal right to those results in Sweden?

You DO have the right idea and attitude. An xPAP IS an INVESTIMENT in your health and life! Good on you for that. I wish you much GOOD LUCK and God bless!

[Muse-Inc]

Yes, the machine has its own internal software, but there is software that runs on a PC that reads a smart card which is how the data stored in the CPAP-APAP-whateverPAP gets into PC when you have the software and the proper smart card reader (one smart card comes with each machine). The ResMed software cannot be legally sold to consumers in the USA; the new Respironics machines do not have user software for reporting as they did in the past. There is hope that Respironics will come out with patient software to report nightly data and for ResMed to develop a user software package to read the data.

[Slinky]

BUT - determined, innovative patients DO manage to get their hands on the Resmed and Respironics software. Maybe not right away, or overnight, but we eventually manage if we are determined enough.

[rjonz]

Go to Heart954@aol.com (mike Laing). He has the HansRudolph full face mask, #V2 Full Face CPAP/Bilevel Mask. This is a very good mask. Take in mine, this full face runs very large. Go to http://www.rudolphkc.com to get a sizing gauge for your face. Tell Mike Laing that rjonz sent you. Good Luck. P.S. He can also get you a good price on a CPAP unit. rjonz

[pagebypage]

Get an auto! Gives you all the options, including running in straight CPAP or APAP mode. Good luck!

As I understand it, you don't need a prescription for an apap since it automatically determines your pressure moment by moment throughout the night. They also automatically adjust for elevation changes. For a cpap, it needs to be set correctly or you could end up with more problems than you already have. I think you will need a prescription for a mask, though (not sure). ResMed and Respironics probably make the best machines. I use an old ResMed at home and a Goodknight (very compact, lightweight, and economical) for travel. Both are very quiet cpap machines and worth what I paid for them. I have to make the adjustments for elevation on the ResMed myself; that's why I only use it at home. The Goodknight adjusts for elevation automatically.

The best full face on the market appears to be the Quattro by ResMed. I have one and it is one of the best I have used; I have several other junky masks in the bottom drawer in my bathroom. My current mask is a ResMed Liberty, which may be a difficult attempt for a newby, since it took me two tries to get it right. I use the Quattro for travel.

Hope this helps.