DME did not think I needed a mask for when I have a cold!

[Jersey Girl]

Dear Friends,

I wanted to look into a mask just to have on stand by for if I have a bad cold and cannot breathe through my nose. I usually get about 4 really bad colds a year for about a week, during which time I cannot breathe through my nose at all. Since I only have nasal masks and nasal pillows, I though it might be a good idea to have one that I can use so that I can breathe through my mouth as well - only for when I get a bad cold.

I spoke to my DME and she said that she had never heard of anyone doing that. I asked her what she expected me to do if I have a bad cold and cannot breathe through my nose and she said, she would expect that I don't use my cpap during that time. I did not think that this would be such a good idea. What do you think?

Your friend,

Jersey Girl

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi Jersey Girl----I found out that when I have a cold is when I need my mask the most!! I use the AYR Nasal Rinse right before bed to clear everything out then I sleep like a baby with my nasal mask on. I find that the nasal mask actually keeps my nose clear all night long,

So don't panic ahead of time when there might not be a reason to panic!! LOL!

Carrie

[Wulfman]

Dear Friends,

I wanted to look into a mask just to have on stand by for if I have a bad cold and cannot breathe through my nose. I usually get about 4 really bad colds a year for about a week, during which time I cannot breathe through my nose at all. Since I only have nasal masks and nasal pillows, I though it might be a good idea to have one that I can use so that I can breathe through my mouth as well - only for when I get a bad cold.

I spoke to my DME and she said that she had never heard of anyone doing that. I asked her what she expected me to do if I have a bad cold and cannot breathe through my nose and she said, she would expect that I don't use my cpap during that time. I did not think that this would be such a good idea. What do you think?

Your friend,

Jersey Girl

She's an idiot.......and obviously has never been a CPAP user.

Even the most dedicated nasal mask users on the forum have a full face mask squirreled away for those occasions.


Den

[diboja]

Your DME is way off base.....
I always have my FF mask on hand in the event of a cold and nasal congestion.

Obviously she does not know what she is talking about

[sleepycarol]

Are planning on paying out of pocket? Are you planning on getting a full face mask with insurance and within the guidelines set forth?

If planning on paying out of pocket I would use cpap.com or cpapauction.com. If you are using insurance, ask your doctor to give you a script for a full face mask and they will have to comply.

I have a full face as a back-up. Wouldn't think of not having one as a back-up.

[Slinky]

I would agree w/SleepyCarol except I would add that if it were me I would call the DME provider manager and politely tell them what a stupid recommendation their so-called RRT made! A comment like that should NOT go unreported!!!! What kind of recommendation is that from a CPAP provider's so-called "professional"? For some people idiots like that are the ONLY support and advice they receive!!!!

[imtired]

my DME told me the same thing today, but her opinion was that most people would not want to spend the extra money on a mask they only use a few days a year. i think for someone who has a cold that lasts a week at a time the 2nd mask would be necessary. im new to cpap so i havnt run into that issue yet, but if i find i cant breath i will buy one regardless of the opinion from the DME

[kevincoop]

I totally agree that if you have a simple cold that you should have a full face mask put back. You may have to wait the 3 months for your insurance to pay for it unless you want to put down about 200.00 for one.
The only thing I can think that the provider may have been talking about is if you have a sinus or middle ear infection. During that time, you may want to stop using your machine until you talk to your doc or you are feeling better. If not the pressure can cause headaches or put a lot of pressure on your ears.

[carbonman]

FYI-
I just got an UM FFM, new, sealed in the bag, to my door....$42.
at cpapauction.com

[kevincoop]

Sorry, I'm new to the internet cpap posts. I am so used to DME pricing that I know it is hard to get a mask cheaper than that at a company that bills insurance because they are not supposed to bill individuals less than they bill insurance companies. It would definetely be to your advantage to purchase a mask online unless it is time for your ins to pay.

[Wulfman]

Sorry, I'm new to the internet cpap posts. I am so used to DME pricing that I know it is hard to get a mask cheaper than that at a company that bills insurance because they are not supposed to bill individuals less than they bill insurance companies. It would definetely be to your advantage to purchase a mask online unless it is time for your ins to pay.

This is what "carbonman" was referring to.

http://www.cpapauction.com/

It appears that a number of DMEs sell their "surplus" inventory there. Also, individuals with something they want to sell.

It's a subsidiary of CPAP.COM.


Den

[GumbyCT]

Echoing what the others have already said Esp. the "Idiot" part

I think everyone should be given at least two (different) masks to start with. Bc they are often trying to find something that fits and they can live with.

fwiw - I have had far fewer colds since going on CPAP...O2 works wonders
1 Cold in 3 yrs = not bad.

fwwi2 - I used the rinse as mentioned above with some Vicks rubbed on to help. NO it didn't eat up my nasal seals but helped tremendously. I had the FFM squirreled away but found after using nasal pillows, I just couldn't tolerate a FFM again.

I know a guy who puts Vicks near his intake every nite.

Get another mask script if you need Ins. to cover it. But you may want to ask Ins. which other DME's you can do business with.

[carbonman]

Sorry, I'm new to the internet cpap posts.

FYI-

FYI-
the "Y" is generally used in the general, all inclusive tense....if a "Y" can have a tense.
The "Y" in this case was directed particularly at 'Girl....
but all are welcome.

....no need for apologies.

[rosiefrosie]

Jersey Girl, Ditto on what everyone else has said. I think a FFM to have on hand for those times when you have a cold is an excellent idea. You never know. You may find that you don't get as many colds now that your are treating your sleep apnea. In the over 4 years I've been using my cpap machine, I have not had a cold. Everyone is different and I do have a FFM just in case.

rosie

[fiberfan]

Both my DME and my doctor think it is reasonable for me to have a ffm with hay fever season starting soon, this even though I just got my machine and a Swift LT for Her.