New to Cpap and Modem question

[scottb908]

I just recently got a Cpap machine. Its a Remstar pro cflex+. They also ordered me the wireless modem with it as well. The modem wasnt ready when I picked up the machine so they mailed it to me after the fact. On the modem is a card says go to a website to activate, however it requires a log in. When I hooked it to my machine I am getting Connection Bad error message. I am guessing the Connection Bad message is due to the modem not being activated?

On a separate note, I have one the ResMed Mirage Activa LT masks. What are your thoughts on the mask. I am finding that being a side/stomach sleeper the mask digs into my upper lip to the point where its almost painful. Ive had to take it off a few times the last few nights because my lip was so irritated. Does this go away with time? I am wondering if a full mask might be better.

[Patches]

Hello. I can only give my input on your mask because that was the same mask given to me when I first started. I am a side sleeper as well. I had problems with the cushion. It was bothering me because it follows my breathing patterns. It goes up and down as I breath and when I slept on my side it pushes on my pillow. I requested a swift fx after that mask. Unfortunately, I got leaks. I am now on swift lte and I love it! Try one or the other because the pillows are best for side sleepers. Remember, you have so many days to choose whatever works for you the best. You have to love your mask to be successful on your therapy. I also got the same machine but they never gave me any modems. Good luck!

[ozij]

Welcome Scott,
May I suggest you add "Mask question" to the title? You'll get more responses, I believe.
I can't help you with the modem, but I can tell you the following about masks:
Read the manufacturer's fitting instructions carefully, watch the video if they have one. Set yourself time aside when you are as wakeful as possible -- not immediately before going to bed -- try to fit the mask, check it, toss and turn with it, fiddle with it -- do it patiently. You won't necessarily get the correct fit the first time around - but patience does pay. And no mask, least of all the Activa, has to be cinched down so tightly that it hurts.
Consider a change of your head pillow -- there are dedicated cpap pillows that help you keep masks from dislodging and hurting. Some people simply cut into their own pillows (look for posts by carbonman, he has some images). Others recommended a shapeable pillow by targets, or one made by pur-sleep... the bottom line on this being: The pillow you sleep on may make a big difference.
Same with the way you route your hose - I can only get a good mask fit when I route the hose from above - others do better when the hose comes from under the covers -- trial and errror time here too.
And last but (sadly) not least: sometimes a mask is simply not the right one for you, and you have to try another size, another style, another company. That's daunting when you're a newbie - but it's a fact of life. I hope you will find the Activa good for you once all the adustments are made -- but don't let it hurt you long time. It should not.
Good luck!

[Redrite]

Try putting the power cord to the machine the farthest away from the back of the machine. The wireless modems have a problem with the square transformer in the power cord assembly. The wired modems also have a tiny reset buttun on the side of them. Not sure if the wireless has that same button as well, if it does push it to see if that icon goes away on the screen.

[Janknitz]

Before you use the modem you should call and ask your DME what the purpose of the modem is. Some DME's are ordering modems for patients for one purpose only--compliance monitoring--to make sure you are using the machine enough to justify your insurance company paying for the machine. Meanwhile, some insurers do NOT cover the cost of the modem, and we have seen charges in the neighborhood of $300 for the modem alone, that the patient must pay out of pocket. So you should do some research (with the DME AND your insurance company) before you accept this part.

The modem can also transmit efficacy data, if anyone (your DME or doctor) cares. Some DME's do, because they can charge you for looking at the data and contacting you or your doctor to make your therapy more effective. That's OK, but be aware that you may be charged for this. Some DME's and doctors, sadly, could care less about efficacy as long as they can document enough compliance to get paid.

The modem may also allow the DME to send you reminder messages to purchase supplies from them--easier and cheaper than a phone call. It's a win win for the DME--whether it is for you or not is questionable.

The modem is not crucial because the card in the machine captures the same data. You can take your card in to your DME or doctor to be read--they will want to do that at least once to document your compliance, and you can purchase Encore Viewer software (about $100) to read your own card. You can print data out and share it with your doctor if desired. If you have the newest model machine (hopefully they didn't sell you an older model) called a System One, the data card is a standard data card that can be read with any commercially available card reader if you have the Encore Viewer software. (Note: Encore viewer doesn't work with 64 bit machines and Macs without some workarounds).

The bottom line is that the modem is not for you, it's for your DME to make more money. If it works out to be convenient for you time and effort-wise, that's OK, but if I were in your shoes, I'd want to know how much I'd be paying out of pocket for this dubious privilege.

I found the Activa LT mask heavy on my face, especially on that upper lip area. The mask is kind of long, and that bellows part extends almost to my bottom lip. This is not comfortable for me. I found nasal pillow masks (Swift LT and FX) far more comfortable. If you can avoid mouth breathing (and it seems you can if you are using the Activa) you will probably find nasal pillow masks the best and most comfortable for side sleeping, so check them out. If you get one of the Swifts, be sure to look at the fitting guide in my signature--they must be fit correctly and some DME's do not know what they are doing when they fit them.

[rested gal]

On a separate note, I have one the ResMed Mirage Activa LT masks. What are your thoughts on the mask. I am finding that being a side/stomach sleeper the mask digs into my upper lip to the point where its almost painful. Ive had to take it off a few times the last few nights because my lip was so irritated. Does this go away with time? I am wondering if a full mask might be better.

Quite a few people who often sleep on their stomach have reported the Aeiomed "Headrest" with nasal pillows mask to be very good for tummy sleeping. It's been my favorite mask for years, for sleeping in any position -- sides, back, tummy.

LINKS to HeadRest nasal pillows mask topics (same mask has had other names: Aeiomed Aura, then Headrest, then Invacare Twilight NP, then back to Headrest again.)
viewtopic.php?t=3098

The "Headrest" mask is an absolutely ridiculous looking mask. Looks like it would be heavy, awkward, and cumbersome, but it's not. It's very lightweight and unobtrusive in actual use. To see it in pictures, you'd say, "NO WAY!!" You'd be pleasantly surprised when you put it on, though.

That said, one person's favorite mask can be a "doesn't work for me at all" for another person. Trying a mask at home for several nights, and understanding how to adjust whatever mask it is, and having the right size mask -- that's the only way to know if a mask is suitable for you or not.

The Activa you're using is one of my favorites when it comes to a nasal mask (covers the nose.) Straps on the Activa should be worn very loose. Almost "floppy loose." Of course, if the mask is pushing against a bed pillow when sleeping on your stomach, that's going to press the mask against your lip no matter how loose you have the straps. Any nasal mask or Full Face mask is going to be more likely to press against your lip when your mask is pushing against a bed pillow -- very likely when sleeping on one's tummy or even on one's side if the side of the face is burrowing into the pillow.

Nasal pillows masks are less likely to do that much pushing against a bed pillow. "Pillows" are usually less bulky masks. Less hard plastic perimeter to get shoved against the lip or face. Some pillows interfaces don't even touch the upper lip, or don't touch it much.

I second ozij's suggestion about getting a pillow for CPAP use. I've tried several different kinds, and the double edge PAPillow works best for me -- again, it's an individual thing -- another pillow might work better for someone else:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/papill ... illow.html