need advice

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:50 am

I returned to my sleep lab to spend a night on the machine. I have horrible allergies, which make me feel kind of claustrophobic. i couldn't tolerate the mask he gave me, it had rubber by nostrils that was so annoying. I couldn't sleep with it. I was not given the option of trying any other masks, just sent home. I have been told I should have had a few to choose from. Now they're calling for me to come back. If they only have the one mask I see no reason to return. I'm thinking of going to a sleep Dr & a different center. I've never seen the Dr who reviewed my study. Any advice?

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:06 am

Would you go back to that lab if they more masks for you to choose from?

I can't imagine a professional sleep lab not having various masks for you to try on before the titration starts.

Maybe they were out of masks that night.... Maybe the technician who sent you home is no longer there... do you really want to give them a second chance?

If I had a different sleep center to go to, I'ld try it.

And this time around, let them know that you're allergic and what you're allregic to. Tell them you are also claustrophobic and ask them how they can help you, and make sure that center has a selection of masks for you to try.

By the way, it's probably not rubber, it's silicone - and probably had either a new, or a disinfectant smell - both of which can be very annoying.
O.

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:54 am

I don't think I 'll get much help at that lab, I told him of my allergies. Wherever I go I'll take a kit of supplies next time, scissors, socks, rubber bands, pantyhose etc. The forum is teaching me! Now that I know the kind of help I should be getting I'll be more demanding. I don't know anyone with this problem, so had no idea what to expect.

weber · Post by **weber** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:18 am

any detail for treatment you received?

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:37 am

I thought my lab did a very professional job, but they only offer one mask. They made a financial decision to go with a simple triangle nasal mask that is most universally tolerated. I don't think they even have it in a variety of sizes.

It's possible that some sleep labs aren't aware of the concept that they could provide you with a choice of masks and THEN CHARGE YOU FOR THAT MASK AND SEND YOU HOME WITH IT, which strikes me as very cost-effective strategy. Heck, it cost $10,000 for my two studies. A $100 mask wouldn't impact that a whole lot.

I've heard of other sleep labs that do this, as well as labs that do mask fittings. I inquired about that, but my lab doesn't do that either.

You may need to find a mask that works for you before you go for your next sleep study, I don't know. You may have to pay for this out of your pocket.

Call some local DME's, and interview them over the phone about their ability to fit you, variety of masks available, and if they will sell you a mask without a prescription. If you do need a scrip, call your sleep docs office, explain your predicament, and ask for a mask scrip.

Good luck!
B.

Daddysaur · Post by **Daddysaur** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:39 pm

Don't forget the inline filters that will take out pollen. They match the hose and can be placed on the outlet of the machine. Getting tested with the filter in place may have a small effect on the pressure settings and should reduce the allergy reactions for the study night. My brother-in-law swears by these and claims he has not had a cold since using them. I ordered some online and tried one for a few nights and could not tell the difference, but it is not peak pollen season now, so I will save them for spring.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:09 pm

You mean this jobbie?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respir ... -pack.html

Cheers,
B.

ColoradoDreamer · Post by **ColoradoDreamer** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:04 pm

Call your sleep lab to see if you can come in sometime during the day prior to your sleep study to see what masks they have on hand and to try them on. You may want to use a full face mask. Can’t hurt to ask. Make sure it fits well and does not come in contact with your nose. Probably wouldn’t hurt to contact the sleep lab if you are having bad allergies the day of the study. They may want you to reschedule.

I have year round allergies (worst time of year is next month) and it was a concern of mine too when I went to my sleep study. I prefer the nasal mask but there is no way I am wearing it when my nose is stuffed up. I purchased a full face mask for just those occasions. Nice thing is that I’ve only had to use it twice in 9 months! I like to attribute it to the filtered air and my meds.

Your Dr requesting the sleep study should be going over the results with you. My ENT went over the results, prepared by the Dr at the sleep center, with me.

need advice

need advice

Learning new tricks