After about 1 year of nagging from my wife that I needed to get my snoring checked out, I finally went in to go a sleep study. Not to her surprise, I was diagnosed with a severe case of sleep apnea. So, I went back for a titration study. What a miserable experience. My nose was congested, so I needed a full face mask which I think was a confront gel something. The mask irritated my chin (think it was catching one of the sensors the tech place on my chin), it seemed loud and keep loosing its seal all night long. I frequently found it hard to exhale and when I woke up for the last time to go home, I had a mild sore throat which was probably due to not having a humidifier on the lab unit. Bottomline, I walked away feeling very unrested and thinking that if I had to experience this every night, I would never use a CPAP.
However, after considerable research on this and other forums, I am not ready to throw the towel in just yet. It seems that with the right mask, equipment and perhaps some attitude adjustment I will find it quite beneficial. So, not totally leaving it in the hands of my DME provider to recommend the best solution for me (initially recommending a P&B 420G w\humidifier or Remstar Plus w\humidifier) , I have researched and come to the follow conclusion regarding mask and equipment options. Note that BiPAP and AutoPAP machines are not an option at this time since my insurance and doctor require me to try a CPAP machine first. My prescription calls for a pressure setting of 12. My insurance will cover 100% minus annual deductible.
Given I had trouble exhaling during the study, I think I would find a machine with C-Flex\EPR more comfortable. So I have asked the DME to bring out a ResMed S8 Elite w\ humidifier and Remstar Pro 2 with C-Flex. If any one has experience with either, or preferably, both of these machines I would appreciate any opinions or observations about which machine would be best when it comes to making it easier to exhale. I know both have software capability and that the S7 is about 1lb lighter (better for traveling which I do frequently) and that the humidifier is fully integrated. Given both are made from leading manufactures of CPAP equipment, I assume quality and durability are about equal.
Also I would like to know if there is another machine I should be considering.
In regards to masks, I have read enough to know it is very much a personal preference thing. So I have asked the DME to bring several types and brands for me to try. Based on reviews, the ones I have asked to demo are listed below. Note that I am dominantly a back and side sleeper.
Mirage Ultra II
Mirage Swift
Breeeze
Nasal Aire II
Mirage Activia
Ultra Mirage Full Face
Are there others that I should ask to try?
In advance I appreciate everyone’s comments and feedback and hope that I will shortly to be able to share my experience and new found knowledge as well.
New to cpap...
14 posts
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Taze,
First of all, welcome!
Secondly, are you sure you need any advice? You seem to have this all figured out which is wonderful!!!! I have a Respironics Pro2 with C-Flex and HH and it works very well for me. I don't have any complaints. My pressure is set at 13, C-flex at 3 and Humidity at 4.
As far as masks go, you might want to check out the Aura. Alot of people seem to like that one. My favorite is the Swift.
Good luck to you!! I think you're going to do GREAT!!!
Amy
First of all, welcome!
Secondly, are you sure you need any advice? You seem to have this all figured out which is wonderful!!!! I have a Respironics Pro2 with C-Flex and HH and it works very well for me. I don't have any complaints. My pressure is set at 13, C-flex at 3 and Humidity at 4.
As far as masks go, you might want to check out the Aura. Alot of people seem to like that one. My favorite is the Swift.
Good luck to you!! I think you're going to do GREAT!!!
Amy
I have the Remstar Pro II with HH and I'll tell you that the exhalation thing will become a non issue in a day or two. You will very quickly become accustomed to the pressure..in fact..the first morning when you wake up you may think that the machine isn't working at your set pressure...I'm surprised every morning..
As far s masks go, I like the Swift the best...simple, comfortable and light...what more could you ask for?
That being said, I have 3 other masks (Activa, Cpappro and a F&P 405) that I'll rotate through to keep myself comfortable. I'm sure I could wear the Swift everyday without issues, but I like to have options.
Keep after it and you'll find it to be a habit in no time.
As far s masks go, I like the Swift the best...simple, comfortable and light...what more could you ask for?
That being said, I have 3 other masks (Activa, Cpappro and a F&P 405) that I'll rotate through to keep myself comfortable. I'm sure I could wear the Swift everyday without issues, but I like to have options.
Keep after it and you'll find it to be a habit in no time.
"To sleep, perchance to dream"
miserable
Hello to all,
I'm new to cpap - been using it one week and hate it! I usually sleep on my stomach and can't. The first mask I had was one that covered my nose - had less sleep just trying to get comforable with that thing on my face. The next day my home medical service brought me the swift nasal pillow - somewhat better but still can't sleep on my stomach and look really lovely in the am with strap marks on my face. As if it isn't bad enough trying to get used to sleeping on my back with a mask up my nose - the noise and the air are driving me crazy. Not sure I can handle this. I really think I need to vent - I'm a newlywed who fills like something off of Star Track! I'm using the Elite 7 with a humidifier and my pressure is set at 11. Please help! I'm praying for surgery or a magic pill!
Littlered
I'm new to cpap - been using it one week and hate it! I usually sleep on my stomach and can't. The first mask I had was one that covered my nose - had less sleep just trying to get comforable with that thing on my face. The next day my home medical service brought me the swift nasal pillow - somewhat better but still can't sleep on my stomach and look really lovely in the am with strap marks on my face. As if it isn't bad enough trying to get used to sleeping on my back with a mask up my nose - the noise and the air are driving me crazy. Not sure I can handle this. I really think I need to vent - I'm a newlywed who fills like something off of Star Track! I'm using the Elite 7 with a humidifier and my pressure is set at 11. Please help! I'm praying for surgery or a magic pill!
Littlered
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Guest
Ok. The DME tech just left. Although a little hyper she was very helpful and knowledgeable, and as requested, brought the ResMed S8 Elite w/HH and Remstar Pro 2 C-Flex w/HH. She also brought the GoodKnight P&B 420 w/HH for comparison and a whole slew of masks. She seemed a bit predisposed toward getting me to settle on the Pro 2, pointing out that the HH had a larger heating base and that the company had had great reliability and results with the product. Also she would be able to process the downloaded data and provide reports from the Pro 2 which she would not be able to do with the S8 since she did not have the software.
However, it was love at first sight with the S8 Elite. Without question it immediately felt more comfortable. Although the Cflex\EPR timing difference is ever so slight between the two machines, I felt able to come to a point of full exhale before the pressure kicked back in on the S8 Elite. There was no question as I swapped back and forth between the two machines that the Elite was more comfortable for me.
As far as physical characteristics of the machines go, the S8 Elite is about the same size as the 420, just more rounded, and certainly smaller than the Pro 2. Although the S8 Elite did feel heavier than Pro 2.
For masks, the first mask I tried was the Breeze. Again it was love at first sight... as far as masks go. After trying a couple of nose pillows, and a FF there was no comparison. With no straps to touch my face the Breeze felt more comfortable all the way around. Even the nose pillows to my surprise where not that uncomfortable (as compared to nothing touching your nose). My only worry is that spring and fall allergies will prevent me from being able to use it. The tech assured me that the HH would most likely help keep the sinus passages open and that it should not be a problem. Just in case I asked her to leave some of the other masks to try.
Here is hoping to a first good first experience with the S8 Elite and Breeze. Stay tuned.
However, it was love at first sight with the S8 Elite. Without question it immediately felt more comfortable. Although the Cflex\EPR timing difference is ever so slight between the two machines, I felt able to come to a point of full exhale before the pressure kicked back in on the S8 Elite. There was no question as I swapped back and forth between the two machines that the Elite was more comfortable for me.
As far as physical characteristics of the machines go, the S8 Elite is about the same size as the 420, just more rounded, and certainly smaller than the Pro 2. Although the S8 Elite did feel heavier than Pro 2.
For masks, the first mask I tried was the Breeze. Again it was love at first sight... as far as masks go. After trying a couple of nose pillows, and a FF there was no comparison. With no straps to touch my face the Breeze felt more comfortable all the way around. Even the nose pillows to my surprise where not that uncomfortable (as compared to nothing touching your nose). My only worry is that spring and fall allergies will prevent me from being able to use it. The tech assured me that the HH would most likely help keep the sinus passages open and that it should not be a problem. Just in case I asked her to leave some of the other masks to try.
Here is hoping to a first good first experience with the S8 Elite and Breeze. Stay tuned.
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Adam
Rough Start
Hello,
I feel a kinship with littlered. I've had two nights with CPAP and both have been terrible. Part of it is simply the discomfort of being hooked to the mask (I use the Swift with a REMstar Pro 2). You can't move normally, you can't breathe normally, and instead of snoring and AHI'ing, you just lie awake and listen to the mask blow in and out. (However, to be honest, I have to admit I like the way my nasal passages are forced open by the in-rushing air.) If anything, my sleep and daytime sleepiness have reached an all-time low these past two days.
Far worse than the physical discomfort is the psychological discomfort. I feel like a prematurely old man (I'm a skinny 34 year old with abnormally large throat appendages). My wife wants to be supportive, but she can't sleep when I turn the machine on. (My snoring usually doesn't start until well into the night, when she's already soundly sleeping.) I can either start the machine halfway through the night, after my potty break, or sleep by myself. Every time I regain consciousness the sinking feeling of being hooked to this weird machine depresses me. Bedtime, instead of being a blissful release from worldly travails, has become the grim occasion of yet another unpleasant chore. I almost prefer waking up to going to bed, which is an abomination to all I hold dear!
In any case, I realize perspective is necessary: I could be far, far worse off than I am. But if the CPAP experience doesn't improve dramatically within the next few days, I am going the chuck the thing (actually, return it delicately to the sleep center that is renting it to me) and sign up for throat irrigation. I know OSA is deadly serious, but the cure seems worse than the disease right now. It is wonderful to be able to vent a bit to people who can empathize.
Adam
I feel a kinship with littlered. I've had two nights with CPAP and both have been terrible. Part of it is simply the discomfort of being hooked to the mask (I use the Swift with a REMstar Pro 2). You can't move normally, you can't breathe normally, and instead of snoring and AHI'ing, you just lie awake and listen to the mask blow in and out. (However, to be honest, I have to admit I like the way my nasal passages are forced open by the in-rushing air.) If anything, my sleep and daytime sleepiness have reached an all-time low these past two days.
Far worse than the physical discomfort is the psychological discomfort. I feel like a prematurely old man (I'm a skinny 34 year old with abnormally large throat appendages). My wife wants to be supportive, but she can't sleep when I turn the machine on. (My snoring usually doesn't start until well into the night, when she's already soundly sleeping.) I can either start the machine halfway through the night, after my potty break, or sleep by myself. Every time I regain consciousness the sinking feeling of being hooked to this weird machine depresses me. Bedtime, instead of being a blissful release from worldly travails, has become the grim occasion of yet another unpleasant chore. I almost prefer waking up to going to bed, which is an abomination to all I hold dear!
In any case, I realize perspective is necessary: I could be far, far worse off than I am. But if the CPAP experience doesn't improve dramatically within the next few days, I am going the chuck the thing (actually, return it delicately to the sleep center that is renting it to me) and sign up for throat irrigation. I know OSA is deadly serious, but the cure seems worse than the disease right now. It is wonderful to be able to vent a bit to people who can empathize.
Adam
Adam,
Stick with it,,,, it does get better. I am a newby my self, (two weeks) My DME rep just left. I have a Comfort Lite to try now, This is my third mask and second machine. I have been able to keep the mask on useing the C-Flex,,, I just had some leaks. I like the feel of the new mask,,, I am useing the cushion, not the pillows. I don't like the pillows in my nose. My wife has no problem with the machine noise,,, the REMstar is quieter than the BREAS was,,, and quieter than my snoreing.
Tom
Stick with it,,,, it does get better. I am a newby my self, (two weeks) My DME rep just left. I have a Comfort Lite to try now, This is my third mask and second machine. I have been able to keep the mask on useing the C-Flex,,, I just had some leaks. I like the feel of the new mask,,, I am useing the cushion, not the pillows. I don't like the pillows in my nose. My wife has no problem with the machine noise,,, the REMstar is quieter than the BREAS was,,, and quieter than my snoreing.
Tom
Adam,
I feel your pain when it comes to going to bed, I'd much rather stay up! Tonight will be the 9th time on cpap for me. I am getting a little more rest, but I'm still not comfortable with the machine & mask. I'm not giving up, but I am seeing my ENT on Monday afteroon! I'm also concerend about my allergies - It's been raining here and that's when they really act up. I have to confess last night I drank enough wine to make me fall asleep very quickly and it was nice not feeling that mask on my face. Unfortuately I can't do the wine thing everynight. This site really helps so keep reading and posting.
Littlered
I feel your pain when it comes to going to bed, I'd much rather stay up! Tonight will be the 9th time on cpap for me. I am getting a little more rest, but I'm still not comfortable with the machine & mask. I'm not giving up, but I am seeing my ENT on Monday afteroon! I'm also concerend about my allergies - It's been raining here and that's when they really act up. I have to confess last night I drank enough wine to make me fall asleep very quickly and it was nice not feeling that mask on my face. Unfortuately I can't do the wine thing everynight. This site really helps so keep reading and posting.
Littlered
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Severeena
- Posts: 821
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:54 pm
- Location: 907 Main Street, Union Grove, WI 53182
- Contact:
I use the Hans Rudolph Full FAce mask and I do not get the problems you are talking about.
I had a terrible time my first 3 months on my CPAP, and it was all because of my mask. YUCK
Now I am able to sleep and no more problems.
I had a terrible time my first 3 months on my CPAP, and it was all because of my mask. YUCK
Now I am able to sleep and no more problems.
_________________
| Mask | |
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Sharon
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
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Adam
Weekend Results
Hello,
This weekend was a struggle. I could only use the CPAP for half-nights, because I couldn't fall asleep when it was on. I started the unhappy alarm clock game: 2:00, 3:00, 4:00...OK, I give up!! I took naps on Saturday and Sunday, without CPAP, and felt moody and depressed for most of each day. Cleaning and using the equipment might seem worthwhile if I was getting a better night's sleep, but as it is my sleep is worse than ever! (I know it's still very early in my treatment, but it's hard to stay motivated when the treatment you're struggling to adjust to is disrupting the very thing it was supposed to treat!)
The sleep tech warned me this might happen. My sleep study showed abnormally-extended 'sleep latency periods.' My AHI index didn't reach clinical levels until 6:00 AM, when it was too late to begin a CPAP titration. I spent only half of my sleep study actually sleeping, which is just a smidge worse than average for any given night. The difference is that, without the machine, I enjoy those extended quiet times as reflective oases. The daytime sleepiness is a price I am willing to pay for those zen-like trances. With the machine, I just feel uncomfortable, can't think, and feel like the whole experience has been transformed from an ethereal positive to a mundane negative.
I'll chat with the doctors this week. My sleep study showed that the apneas and hypopneas occurred mostly during supine sleep, but that snoring (and RERAs) occurred in all sleep positions. Perhaps I can pursue limited surgery to correct the snoring, and wear positional trainers that prevent me from sleeping on my back. If I can get rid of the snoring RERAs through surgery and the supine apneas through positioners, perhaps I can defer CPAP therapy for awhile. Right now, I'm thinking that littlered is on to something with the alcohol technique!
Adam
This weekend was a struggle. I could only use the CPAP for half-nights, because I couldn't fall asleep when it was on. I started the unhappy alarm clock game: 2:00, 3:00, 4:00...OK, I give up!! I took naps on Saturday and Sunday, without CPAP, and felt moody and depressed for most of each day. Cleaning and using the equipment might seem worthwhile if I was getting a better night's sleep, but as it is my sleep is worse than ever! (I know it's still very early in my treatment, but it's hard to stay motivated when the treatment you're struggling to adjust to is disrupting the very thing it was supposed to treat!)
The sleep tech warned me this might happen. My sleep study showed abnormally-extended 'sleep latency periods.' My AHI index didn't reach clinical levels until 6:00 AM, when it was too late to begin a CPAP titration. I spent only half of my sleep study actually sleeping, which is just a smidge worse than average for any given night. The difference is that, without the machine, I enjoy those extended quiet times as reflective oases. The daytime sleepiness is a price I am willing to pay for those zen-like trances. With the machine, I just feel uncomfortable, can't think, and feel like the whole experience has been transformed from an ethereal positive to a mundane negative.
I'll chat with the doctors this week. My sleep study showed that the apneas and hypopneas occurred mostly during supine sleep, but that snoring (and RERAs) occurred in all sleep positions. Perhaps I can pursue limited surgery to correct the snoring, and wear positional trainers that prevent me from sleeping on my back. If I can get rid of the snoring RERAs through surgery and the supine apneas through positioners, perhaps I can defer CPAP therapy for awhile. Right now, I'm thinking that littlered is on to something with the alcohol technique!
Adam
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Taze, you lucky person! What a jewel of an RT and DME store you've found!! Getting to try several machines right in your home, several masks.
That kind of service should be the rule, not the exception. But it really is unusual to read about a person getting so many choices right from the get-go. You were very, very fortunate. Wonderful to hear!
That kind of service should be the rule, not the exception. But it really is unusual to read about a person getting so many choices right from the get-go. You were very, very fortunate. Wonderful to hear!
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SirSnorzALot
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:10 pm
Re: miserable
[quote="littlered"]Hello to all,
I'm new to cpap - been using it one week and hate it! I usually sleep on my stomach and can't. The first mask I had was one that covered my nose - had less sleep just trying to get comforable with that thing on my face. The next day my home medical service brought me the swift nasal pillow - somewhat better but still can't sleep on my stomach and look really lovely in the am with strap marks on my face. As if it isn't bad enough trying to get used to sleeping on my back with a mask up my nose - the noise and the air are driving me crazy. Not sure I can handle this. I really think I need to vent - I'm a newlywed who fills like something off of Star Track! I'm using the Elite 7 with a humidifier and my pressure is set at 11. Please help! I'm praying for surgery or a magic pill!
Littlered
I'm new to cpap - been using it one week and hate it! I usually sleep on my stomach and can't. The first mask I had was one that covered my nose - had less sleep just trying to get comforable with that thing on my face. The next day my home medical service brought me the swift nasal pillow - somewhat better but still can't sleep on my stomach and look really lovely in the am with strap marks on my face. As if it isn't bad enough trying to get used to sleeping on my back with a mask up my nose - the noise and the air are driving me crazy. Not sure I can handle this. I really think I need to vent - I'm a newlywed who fills like something off of Star Track! I'm using the Elite 7 with a humidifier and my pressure is set at 11. Please help! I'm praying for surgery or a magic pill!
Littlered
14 posts
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