New user - need some assistance

[mds]

I've only been using CFLEX for a week and have noticed some problems. The most annoying is I think I'm getting air in mouth (air bubbles) which is causing a buildup and then wooshing through lips. In turn this is probably causing me to end up mouth breathing which leaves me with a very dry mouth and all parts within are stuck to each other. Does this sound reasonable? I'm not normally a mouth breather. I've thought about trying tape, as I've seen mentioned here, but won't that just trap the air causing gas or that other word that starts with an "a". If you think tape would help what kind of tape would you use for this?

I'm using a comfort gel nasal mask with the adjustable bridge and at first it seemed okay but now I can't seem to keep a seal. I'm a side sleeper and keep the hose going up, which is the most comfortable for me. This may just be that I need to get used to it.

My tech is coming back Jan. 26 to bring a humidifier, which I didn't want to use because I was afraid of bacteria.

My pressure is 10 and I have a REMstar Plus.

Any comments will be appreciated.

[Guest]

The heated humidifer is great. I strongly suggest you try it.

Did you have a problem with gas buildup before you tried the cflex feature? If you didn't have a problem before, then just shut the cflex off.

Use the search function located at the top of this page for information on tape or humidifiers.

Here's a link to an interesting thread on tape:

MOUTH TAPING

(This thread also includes a suggestion of what to do when your cheeks are puffed up with air while your mouth is taped shut.)

[Gaspy]

I've just been diagnosed with OSA and have my 2nd Sleep Lab tomorrow night. I think that's when they put the apparatus/equip. on me and do their measuring/taking data. I've researched, too, online for what equipment I might purchase once my tests are finished. I am looking at REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP, with REMstar Heated Humidifier with bag, hose and manuals...My biggest concern is the mask - I have atrocious allergies - very delicate skin - mostly facial - allergic to latex, plastics, topical-caines, etc..... plus can't take anything all over my face - it breaks out like I've been burned.... so, I'm looking at the Innomed Nasal Pap Freestyle Nasal Interface (using it without the optional headgear) so that the unit just goes into my nostrils..... I'll question the tech tomorrow night about equipment, too, but I have heard the docs don't always prescribe the BEST equipment, maybe what they are used to dealing with in the way of full face masks (which will drive me whacko!)....so any advice on what minimal masks, nasal devices you people use that you are happy with will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[slumberer]

From the MD's point of view, compliance is often the gold standard (and what a low standard it is). You should ask for an Auto based on your need for compliance. You could mention that the auto allows you to have your therapy monitored more effectively with the smartcard, that the auto titration and cflex/epr allow for a more effective overall approach to your therapy based on your difficulty exhaling.....etc..

At any rate, do your homework and contextualize your needs based on compliance issues and present them to your MD; this gives him the necessary justification to offer you what it is you really need. LIke anything in medicine, the better the patient can articulate thier needs in terms the MD can relate to, the better the liklihood the patient will get what he/she needs. Of course, the MDs hands are often tied by the HMO, but at least you can give the MD all the ammo he/she might need to justify the increased cost from the "bare bones" CPAP treatment (which is fine for some but not for all).

I wish you the best in your CPAP therapy!!!

[Gaspy]

slumberer: (Dear Doctor), thanks for the professional take on all of this. I've read so many stories re. patients getting equipment that doesn't suit their needs (many 3-4 times), that I am researching (just because I'm a "have to know" person) and like to get it right the first time. Hopefully I can get the best equip. either through ins. or through my pocketbook....in the long run I'll be better off and have better therapy, I feel! My allergies (skin) are such a deal for me that I want to try and keep as much paraphenalia, as possible, off my face and head. Additionally, alleviating any unnecessary hurdles adjusting to this new 'stuff' that we'll have to use every night will be much easier. Thanks again for taking time to drop me a line. Regards, Gaspy!

[slumberer]

I should make it clear I am not an MD. "My perspective" was based on discussing this with several MDs---esp. those who work for HMOs.

Sorry for the confusion.

[Gaspy]

slumberer: I just gave you a degree you may not have been expecting!!! Either way, you were a big help and what you say makes a whole lot of sense. I appreciate your input - thanks again!!! Gaspy

[ozij]

Gaspy,
Whichever mask you get - don't start using it before you've soaked all soakable parts on warm soapy (baby shampoo) water for about an hour. (click here ---> Soak new masks for the source). New masks may have residues on them from the factory - the silicone itself is supposed to be inert as far as allergies are concerned.

I would also soak the new hose (the instructions on mine said so) and let air blow through the new machine for a couple of hours, to blow away the chemical smell of "new"

O.

[Gaspy]

o.... thanks for the great suggestion......this is the best Message Board, isn't it? What a wealth of info there is here.....each one helping the other - very nice people all of you.....I don't even have my equipment yet and I feel pretty well versed on what's out there and a bit about how to use it and what works well for most patients... thanks so much for sharing and I'll use your advice, believe me, with my facial and respiratory alleriges, you betcha!!! Gaspy