Acceptable wait time for mask change?

[xenablue]

Sorry if this is a too basic question, but I contacted my DME provider last week, 10/21, to change my mask to a hybrid (after reading a lot here, asking questions and having issues with my current mask). I am yet to be contacted by the "Respiratory Intake Specialist".

Am I being too impatient, or is this the norm?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Cheers,
Xena

[Roman Hokie]

Xena, I don't think you're being too impatient. I see you joined last month. How long have you had the mask you're using?

Most DMEs offer a 30-day trial/return program on their masks either automatically or by purchaing "mask insurance" or something like that. Obviously, someone's got some additional cost to eat up. If this is your initial mask or a replacement but you've had it less than 30 days, keep after your DME. My concern is that they're waiting you out so you're stuck with it. I hope I'm incorrect.

As for regular replacement, many insurance providers will pay for replacement of a mask (not necessarily headgear) every three months (3) in following medicare's guidelines. Mine is one such provider (Aetna ) and plan.

Here's the think. If you're at the end of 3 months and want a DIFFERENT mask, you may have to coordinate that with your sleep doctor.

Blessings.

[danimal71]

Keep on them. Mine moved slow and I was only able to try a 2nd mask during that 30 day time. I would call them immediately and see why no one has contacted you or sent you the mask.

[xenablue]

Thanks for your quick responses!

I was diagnosed on October 14th, was fitted with mask and that was my first night on CPAP. I find the forehead piece and where the mask goes across the bridge of my nose, makes my sinuses worse and I get a headache almost as soon as I put the mask on. I emailed the DME last Thursday, he responded and said "I will send a task to the Respiratory Intake Specialist for a mask exchange, once the scheduler gets the task from them they will call to schedule the exchange visit."
I've not heard anything since Thursday.

Xena

[Kick]

Everyone is right.

So i'll just underscore an important point.

THE MASK IS THE HEART OF CPAP.

(there, i said it)

which means, don't wait.

Call and call again.

Comfort is EVERYTHING and it comes down to the mask (most of the time).

Be a pest and get comfortable.

All the best!

[Roman Hokie]

Use the phone. Not email. Call daily. You're the patient/customer. They get paid by keeping you happy.

[xenablue]

Thanks so much for your help! I just called the DME and am going in tomorrow morning.

They are going to look at possible adjustments to my current mask and/or replacing it with another.

The problem with the current one, is the pressure of the forehead part and the mask across the bridge of my nose gives me a 'sinus-like' headache, which lasts all night - a few minutes after I take the mask off in the morning, the headache's gone.

After reading a whole lot here, feel the hybrid would work best for me with no pressure near my sinuses, but it has my mouth covered as well as nasal pillows which will solve any mouth breathing issues.

Any last words of advice before I plead my case with the DME company?

Cheers,
Xena

[masketeer]

Suggest you lay back in the chair when trying out masks with the air on. The comfort can be quite different than when sitting up.

[Hose_Head]

Sorry if this is a too basic question, but I contacted my DME provider last week, 10/21, to change my mask to a hybrid (after reading a lot here, asking questions and having issues with my current mask). I am yet to be contacted by the "Respiratory Intake Specialist".

Am I being too impatient, or is this the norm?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Cheers,
Xena

Most businesses have set-standards for employee response to customers. For telephone calls and emails, this would normally be "within 24 hours" (weekends and holidays excluded). Get on the phone, call them, and escalate the call.

[trike-mike]

Kick nailed it.....

Everyone is right.

So i'll just underscore an important point.

THE MASK IS THE HEART OF CPAP.

(there, i said it)

which means, don't wait.

Call and call again.

Comfort is EVERYTHING and it comes down to the mask (most of the time).

Be a pest and get comfortable.

.... and I think maskateer's advice is exemplary.

Suggest you lay back in the chair when trying out masks with the air on. The comfort can be quite different than when sitting up.

When I was first getting outfitted the mask I tried was ok when I was sitting in a chair and not trying to sleep. When I got home and tried to sleep that night, it was a total disaster. I managed to lay there for a good 40 seconds before I tore it off being sure I was going to die a quick death by suffocation. Fortunately they were very good and fixed me up the very next day with an ok-ish mask that is now one of what has become a stable of masks.

While it is true you're typically given A machine and A mask by the DME, I did a load of research, read a lot of reviews, got my Rx and went shopping. Being rather new to this and REALLY wanting to be successful, I got a stable of likely masks so that if one was really bad or marginal, it didn't get into my head that this blows (pun intended) more than it does and get a mental block over it.

What I ended up with was a set of pretty good masks that are all just a little different either in style or type that are all pretty good. Even the first disaster mask, once I learned more what my face wanted and with a different size cushion, is pretty good. While I have a couple of significant favorites, there are nights when I'll try 2 or 3 to get the one that lets me get to sleep and have changed in the night when the one I went to sleep with became annoying to me.

Already I am finding that even the ok-ish one that I was given that second night is now MUCH more acceptable now that I am getting used to sleeping with a mask. Had I not gone to the trouble and expense to get all the different masks I likely would have gotten used to it but I can't help but think this helped me get more comfortable much quicker. For me, the mask truly is where the rubber meets the road since it is the most direct point of contact.

[xenablue]

Thanks again. I'm taking all of your advice to my appointment in the morning, specially laying down to try the mask.

Will update when I return.

Cheers,
Xena

[BlackSpinner]

Thanks again. I'm taking all of your advice to my appointment in the morning, specially laying down to try the mask.

Will update when I return.

Cheers,
Xena

Channel your inner "Warrior Princess" and take no s**t from the mundane peasants.

[lovecpap]

in the meantime...adjust the forehead piecepiece via the knob at the top.

[xenablue]

LOL... thanks Blackspinner - glad I popped in here before heading to the DME store.

Xena

[xenablue]

in the meantime...adjust the forehead piecepiece via the knob at the top.

Thanks lovecpap - yes, I've been messing with that, both sets of strapp - no matter how loose or tight I set everything, it still feels like my head's in a vice.

Just got fitted with a Hybrid and O M G! right away it felt like a world of difference!

The respiratory specialist had me lie down on my side to try it out, but even sitting up it was oodles more comfy than the nasal mask. He wondered why I wasn't given several to try out - specially when I told the original guy that I didn't like how it felt. What the he!! did I know? I've never done this before!

Thanks to this forum, I'm learning plenty and am looking forward to wakeless sleep tonight, until the alarm goes off.

Cheers,
Xena