Today's DME visit

[TheDreamer]

Today, I decided it was time to pop into the DME. I was last there about 3 weeks ago, and at the time I was given an Opus mask to try for 2 weeks. Just before the two week mark, I gave up on the mask....having reached a peak of 45 minutes large leak, and not noticing it (though it probably explains why I got up about an hour later to go to the bathroom). But, just before the 2 week mark, I had switched to using the ComfortLite 2 mask.

This one seems to be working for me. Though it has been giving me some leak issues since I washed in some hot water and baby shampoo.....wondering if there's a connection.

So, at the DME, I explained why I didn't like the Opus mask, etc. And, she suggested that the next mask to try might be the ComfortLite 2 and she went off to see if she had one. She found a demo. We talked a bit about how to wear it and the cushion options. Decided that I would stick with nasal pillows.

We also discussed the Breeze....she said that most people that have tried it didn't like...though she does have two patients that do use it, so that's why she had it on hand.

Also while I was there, she downloaded the latest from my card (and will send a copy off to my doctor....though my sleep apnea follow up appointment isn't until March 30th. I have an appointment on March 3rd, but that's follow up to the infected nose sore). And, I asked if I wasn't due for a new (white) filter now.

Then she said I could have the demo....since it only had small/medium nasal pillows and a medium simple cushion, I hesitated, though having a spare headgear wasn't necessarily a bad thing. She did a quick check, and said it looks like my insurance should allow me to have a new cushion now, so I got a new large nasal pillow to go with it.

She said to come back in 30 days to download data again, and at that time I'll be due for a new hose.

I was looking at buying a new hose on my own....and a coupler, to extend the reach of my current hose. Since its a pain only sleeping on the right edge of my (single chamber) sleep number bed. Wonder if I can wait. Guess I'll see how close to $100 my order totals up to.... I plan to place an order next month, and the Hozer will be the main thing I want....

On another subject, I discovered last night that I have trouble drinking if I don't take my ComfortLite2 off. Though I don't like removing the mask now when I get up....so to avoid having to fiddle and readjust it when I get back into bed.

I also need to figure out how to get into bed and not mangle my mask during that process....

The Dreamer.

[elader]

Sounds like you have a nice DME.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hi Dreamer

You wrote "This one seems to be working for me. Though it has been giving me some leak issues since I washed in some hot water and baby shampoo.....wondering if there's a connection.

The cleaning instructions for my Mask - Mirage Swift ll, say handwash in warm 86F warm water. They also caution exposing any part of the system to direct sunlight or heat may cause deterioration. I can't say for sure for your mask, but most of the washing instructions I've read say to use warm water.

The way you described your interaction with your DME sounded like a relaxed "give & take" in a pleasant business situation. I think you get a lot credit for your part in developing the relationship & your DME is cooperative. I hope to be able to find that for me.

As an aside, how do you like your "Sleep Number" bed, that you mentioned in your post.
Since your included your picture as your avitar, I can say "Here's looking at you."
Jan

[TheDreamer]

I talked a bit about wondering what the correct cleaning instructions were...so RT gave the care and cleaning DVD for the mask, haven't looked at it yet. I guess I'm of the habit of using the hottest water possible with washing stuff....worried about catching nasty bugs from stuff. Of course, in my younger days...I would let dishes pile in the sink until I had no more in the cupboards. And, stuff would be growing on some of the dishes...especially since my the kitchen tap dripped hot water....and I admit there were times where I would reuse dishes and such that looked usable.

I missed a week of work after the paramedics carried me out of my apartment one Monday morning. Since then a dishwasher has been a required appliance in my kitchen. My latest dishwasher has a sanitary cycle, that heats the water even more.... (And, so does my washing machine).

I'm pretty sure the printed sheet I got on my initial DME visit said hot water. Though don't know if they know what I call hot might be different than what they thing hot is.

I guess I'm lucky with my DME now....when I first started I didn't think so, though it could be my perception of the world was different then....but it seems like things have improved since the local AWAKE meeting and cpaptalk....

I love my Sleep Number bed, and can't imagine what I'd do without it. I miss it (almost) every time I travel. Especially, since the pressure I use can vary on occasion. Some days I need it to be more firm and other times I'll need it to be a little softer....

The Dreamer.

[OutaSync]

I'm not sure if it was the hot water or what, but my mask turned foggy once when I soaked it in hot water. Usually I just wash it in warm water with baby shampoo and it stays clear.

Bev

[sadali]

Hi Dreamer,

I'm not sure if you have "seal" cushions, but I do, and I was told not to wash the silicone/foam, but to wipe (gently!) with a non-alchohol wipe. The hose, strap and part of the humidifier that holds the water should be soaked in water with a little baby shampoo.

Good luck.