Restless and Congested- Mask/Machine ?'s

[SnuzzieV]

Hi. I recieved my new CPAP equipment on Tuesday from my local DME. My setting was 11 with a ramp of 20 minutes. Unfortunately I do not know how to stand up for myself, so when I got to the DME and he had already setup my S9 Escape I didn't refuse it. I figured I could live without all the detailed stats. I still think I can, but..... my Quattro Fx mask is leaking. How much, IDK, because I can't check on machine. I do know that I woke up several times the first night, but slept good. The second night, I did the t-shirt thing, but it seemed to leak more. I woke up with my husband gently pushing my mask closer to my face saying "your leaking". I tried tighter and looser straps. And I have ordered some of the Remzzzz pads (they should be here in a few days). The DME said I have 30 days to try this mask and if I don't like it I can return it to try "one more" mask.

I have severe allergies and have constant nasal congestion. I think I breathe through my mouth alot. In addition I am a very restless sleeper, so laying on my back is not really an option.

So the questions I have for the cpap experts is... 1. Have any nasal congested, restless sleepers had success with the Quattro Fx? 2. Should I plant the seed with my DME about the leaking and lack of data, ie switching machines? 3. What masks are recommended by restless, nasal congestion pappers?? 4. Can you buy CPAP masks without an Rx?

Thanks!

[Pugsy]

2. Should I plant the seed with my DME about the leaking and lack of data, ie switching machines?

Yes, yes, yes...get a full data machine.
You have zero way to know if leaks are impacting therapy and don't count on the fact that if you can sleep through the leaks they aren't bad. I can tell you with absolute certainty that people do sleep to leaks so bad that these machines can't function properly. Do you really want to go to all this trouble and not have any way of verifying that everything is at least optimal to give you the best chance of actually feeling hugely better? Leak data is a good argument but it isn't the only argument.

4. Can you buy CPAP masks without an Rx?

Not normally. Online purchases usually require RX but a few people have mentioned that they have found a couple of sources that don't seem to require the RX.
This pertains to full mask setups though. Replacement parts don't require a RX at all.

I have never used a full face mask so I can't help much with those mask issues other than general comments that you have already tried. I would make use of the "one swap" that your DME offers (which BTW sucks because it is the mask manufacturers that offer the 30 days trial) though because you might like an alternate mask better. You never know till you try.
You might look at the hybrid type of mask...The ResMed Liberty or the Innomed/Respcare Hybrid...they use nasal pillows for the nostrils but also use a mask for covering the mouth. Less surface area than the Quattro FX to have to seal so maybe something you might like to try. Eliminates the nose bridge problems and leaks. Also is fairly stable so should work for "active" restless sleepers.

[LSAT]

Hi. I recieved my new CPAP equipment on Tuesday from my local DME. My setting was 11 with a ramp of 20 minutes. Unfortunately I do not know how to stand up for myself, so when I got to the DME and he had already setup my S9 Escape I didn't refuse it. I figured I could live without all the detailed stats. I still think I can, but..... my Quattro Fx mask is leaking. How much, IDK, because I can't check on machine. I do know that I woke up several times the first night, but slept good. The second night, I did the t-shirt thing, but it seemed to leak more. I woke up with my husband gently pushing my mask closer to my face saying "your leaking". I tried tighter and looser straps. And I have ordered some of the Remzzzz pads (they should be here in a few days). The DME said I have 30 days to try this mask and if I don't like it I can return it to try "one more" mask.

I have severe allergies and have constant nasal congestion. I think I breathe through my mouth alot. In addition I am a very restless sleeper, so laying on my back is not really an option.

So the questions I have for the cpap experts is... 1. Have any nasal congested, restless sleepers had success with the Quattro Fx? 2. Should I plant the seed with my DME about the leaking and lack of data, ie switching machines? 3. What masks are recommended by restless, nasal congestion pappers?? 4. Can you buy CPAP masks without an Rx?

Thanks!

You must already have a prescription or you wouldn't have a CPAP machine. ALWAYS get and keep a copy of your prescription. Ask your doctor or the DME for a copy.

[cosmo]

You can buy a mask in parts then add the missing parts to your order to get around the RX problem. I had to do this before I had a prescription in hand.

Here is an example.
http://1800cpap.com/resmed-swift-fx-cpap-mask.aspx

[LSAT]

You can buy a mask in parts then add the missing parts to your order to get around the RX problem. I had to do this before I had a prescription in hand.

Here is an example.
http://1800cpap.com/resmed-swift-fx-cpap-mask.aspx

1800 cpap DOES require a prescription....
http://1800cpap.com/images/products/rx.pdf