Bless the Pad A Cheek Lady

[Sheepish]

There are plenty of folks to thank from people starting to use CPAP therapy. Let's start with Dr. Colin Sullivan, the father of the CPAP machine.

Then, although sometimes big medical supply corporations get a bad rap, let's give credit where credit is due and recognize that we are fortunate to live in an era in history where this technology exists, is accessible to a lot of people, and into which it is clear a lot of R&D has gone to make these well-made machines.

The medical establishment also has become more aware of sleep apnea, sleep study facilities abound, and more and more cases are being detected and treated.

There are online forums such as this one where the newly diagnosed as well as those struggling with compliance can seek advice, suggestions and support from seasoned veterans.

But today I'd like to thank one person in particular. Once I went through many of the steps anyone entering this realm for the first time experiences, things started off pretty well, all things considered. I had been directed by my respirologist to a good sleep study center in a major hospital, got my diagnosis and, after some initial hesitation, reconciled myself that this was henceforth going to be a part of my life. I got the machine, mask and accessories, and started the therapy, quickly adapting to it with a pretty positive attitude.

One thing started to become more and more of a sticking point, even a potential impediment to continuing with what I do understand is a necessary lifestyle adjustment: after a few weeks, I was developing ever more noticeable creases on my cheeks from my headgear, initially visible the first couple of hours in the morning, but then lasting well into the work day. Not all of us work hidden away in some cubicle all day, but rather have to work face to face with the public, for example teachers, sales reps, police officers, hairdressers, doctors, nurses, you name it.

Before finding this forum, I tried to devise my own DIY solution, which actually worked pretty well. Perhaps I'll post about that another time. Reading this forum, I saw I was not alone in this predicament. I read about people who tried all kinds of homespun solutions such as cut up t-shirts, microfiber cloth, lotions and gels, etc.; one fellow was even ingenious enough to try his wife's (unused) panty liners and brave enough to post about it.

But several people on this forum were kind enough to point me to Pad A Cheeks. I eventually ordered some of their products and I just want to say what a great lady the owner is. First of all, being an apnea sufferer herself, she understands what we're going through. She rose to the challenge and not only has designed a full range of products to help us, but has had the entrepreneurial spirit to manufacture and sell them in a professionally run small business. Not only do her products -- and I don't think it's an exaggeration -- save lives, since they facilitate and encourage compliance with the therapy that some might otherwise abandon, but her customer service is reliable, supportive, fair, kind and all around excellent.

I wish her every success in her business, and heartily recommend her to anyone who might be in need of her products. I hope she's doing well as much as she's doing good. May her reward be great in the here-and-now as well as the hereafter.

[Marillion]

Hear hear! I am a very satisfied customer also.

[Pugsy]

I have been using her product since pretty much when I started therapy in 2009.
Side strap covers for the Swift LT were my first. Those darn little plastic arms made some fierce dents on my cheeks.
I have used the barrel cozy to prevent condensation in the nasal pillows.
I have used the hose cozy...not so much now since we now have heated hoses but back when I started therapy we didn't have heated hoses.
Currently using the side strap covers for the AirFit P10. I get "dents" from the least little thing and I don't like them.
Heck...if I sleep on a wrinkle on the pillowcase I get a "scar" that takes all day to go away.

Karen is a really, really nice lady. Will bend over backwards trying to help and if you need something "special" she will try to come up with what you need.

[DeepFriedDuck]

Yes, Karen is a fine lady.

First of all, being an apnea sufferer herself

"Sufferers" are people who don't use CPAP or have never figured out how to use it properly.

[Sheepish]

Yes, Karen is a fine lady.

First of all, being an apnea sufferer herself

"Sufferers" are people who don't use CPAP or have never figured out how to use it properly.

...and people before they start using CPAP, in some cases without even knowing it.


I just came across a couple of video reviews of some Pad A Cheek products:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l0bmmfAnH4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAbFGfHbCes