Just diagnosed, which CPAP? Tamra in Gilroy

[tamrakat]

Hi, I'm new.

I was diagnosed last Saturday with sleep apnea and am being fitted for a mask at another sleep-over this Saturday. They had 3 kinds of masks. One was just on the nostrils but made me feel like my nose was being inflated, the other was only over the nose and the third was over nose and mouth. They guy who analyzed my sleep study said my oxygen never got below 88 which isn't bad, but my longest apnea was 40 seconds, so I'm not sure if my apnea is mild or moderate. He gave me so many % and numbers and I was out shopping so couldn't write them down.

I'm just wondering what do people in general find the most comfortable CPAP machine out of these 3 types? And how long does it take to get used to it? Any advice or tips? I have to admit I'm not looking forward to wearing it, but I'd be thrilled with a refreshing night's sleep.

Thanks!

Tamra in Gilroy

[Jane1966]

You should be able to find out which mask you like at the second sleep study. They will let you try them all. It's very individual.

[Julie]

There are a lot of different types in each of the categories you mentioned, and it's not about 'our' comfort, but yours, as your face is different from ours (big surprise ). The thing is, the one covering both nose and mouth (called a full face mask) is a better choice because so many of us end up being mouth breathers once we're asleep (often for the first time, because of the air being pumped in) we lose the Cpap air that way, so having the FF mask takes care of it. People like Quattros, the Ultra Mirage, the Hybrid, and others, but you need to do a proper test for yourself. You can't take them home, and if you do, won't be able to return them (sanitary reasons) unless you buy insce. at Cpap.com for theirs, but if you have a good dealer and they fit you properly (right size and adjustments) and allow you to lie down for a while with each one on, you can at least make a half decent choice. You will probably end up, like the rest of us within time, having at least a few different masks you don't use, or only as back-ups, but as the mask is the most finicky thing to get right in all this, it's par for the course. PS what you try on in the sleep study may not necessarily be what you end up with at all.

[Slinky]

Only 3 masks is a pretty limited offering at a sleep lab. Do you know if this sleep lab is an accredited sleep lab? Do you know if the sleep tech is a Registered, or at least Certified, PSG Tech? Do you know if the doctor is an accredited sleep specialist?

There are basically 4 styles of PAP masks: full face (covering nose and mouth), nasal cushion (somewhat triangular covering just the nose), nasal pillows (fit against the bottom of the nose) and oro-nasal (both nasal pillow and mouth cushion). But w/in those styles there are a wide variety of choices.

NOW is the time to call your insurance company to ask them what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one. You are going to want to SHOP each of these options for the local provider w/the most lenient mask exchange policy, who will provide a fully data capable CPAP and who provides easy access to their RRT, you will want an RRT you are comfortable with and who knows how to do a proper mask fitting.

Be sure to ask for a copy of the sleep doctor's dictated results from both your sleep evaluation study and your upcoming PAP titration study (1-2 pages each) AND for a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs from both studies as well. They are part of your medical records and as such you have a LEGAL RIGHT to them under HIPAA. You should also ask that you be given your prescription (equipment order) so that you can shop your local DME provider options yourself before committing to one. You also have a LEGAL RIGHT to that. (AT THE VERY LEAST be sure to get a COPY of the script).

Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
by CPAPtalk member Rooster

1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?

2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?

3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?

3. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)

4. Is there anything else unusual about the results?

5. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?

6. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?

I would ask that your equipment order (script) include the following:

1] access to leak, AHI and AI turned on
2] full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows or oro-nasal mask of patient's choice
3] heated humidifier

[Tielman]

Only 3 masks is a pretty limited offering at a sleep lab. Do you know if this sleep lab is an accredited sleep lab? Do you know if the sleep tech is a Registered, or at least Certified, PSG Tech? Do you know if the doctor is an accredited sleep specialist?

Interesting, my tritation (which is your Sleep study with CPAP on) they only offered 2 masks: pillow and nasal. Mind you, it was at an accredited sleep lab at a well known hospital, IN the hospital. BTW: Neither mask offered was from the major brands (ResMed and Respironics), it was from Fisher and Pay? (I think).

I was fortunate to check out everything here and got a ResMed mask (much more comfortable). I'm on my second ResMed mask (Swift FX) and I love it, small and comfortable.

[Slinky]

Yes, Fisher & Paykel seem to be favorite masks of local DME providers and sleep labs to first offer patients. The F&P 407 seems to be about THE most popular to first offer new patients. I'm not sure why.

If they had offered me the F&P 406 I might well have been happy w/it. But they only offered me the 407 which was a tad too big. I never did get a chance to try the 406 before moving on to other masks.

[pdean44]

You want to make sure you get a machine that is data capable. You will get alot of tips on those. I am currently using the activa lt mask over the nose. I am a mouth breather and that mask is not working out. It was comfortable. So I am going to insist on a full face mask for the next round. It is essential you find a mask you are comfortable with. If you are lucky you will find the right mask right away. For most I hear it is all trial and error until you get the gear and pressures that work for you. I am 3 months into that journey. I wish you well and look forward to hearing from you. Great group here.