Prescription for a mask?

[jmelby]

Yes, prescriptions are good across states.

[Jersey Girl]

Yes, it is important to have and keep your prescriptions for your mask and xpap machine. I also need to watch a little tv before bedtime. It relaxes me. If you are not a mouth breather (that is, you don't open your mouth in your sleep), then why not try a nasal pillow mask? I use a Swift FX and it is is very non-invasive. I can watch tv in bed with it on and as I drift off to sleep I turn on my side. And, there are some folks here who do breathe through their mouth on occasion and use a nasal pillow mask along with a "papcap" (you can view one at http://www.pur-sleep.com). Some folks also tape their mouths closed at night (you can do a search on mouth taping). My husband uses a Mirage Quatro full face mask because he does open his mouth at night during sleep and it's comfortable and easy for him to use. You see, mask choice is very personal. What feels wonderful to me, may not to you, and visa versa. I found that when I had a sinus infection my nasal pillows bothered me and so I have a Comfort Gel Nasal Mask and a Mirage Softgel nasal mask here for whenever I need them.

I also found that I was having trouble keeping a good seal on my mask at night because of my pillow sort of bouncing back and fighting my mask. So, I purchased a buckwheat hull pillow from http://www.pur-sleep.com. Although it took 3 nights for me to get used to it, I love it now and I find it to be very comfortable and very helpful.

It takes time to get used to wearing a mask and hose every night. The folks here are wonderful, warm and caring and eager to help you. Feel free to try a few comfort items and try different masks. When you try a mask at your DME make sure that you are lying down with the machine turned onto your full pressure. If you decide to purchase a mask on line at a site like https://www.cpap.com, take the insurance so that within 30 days if you discover that it just isn't right for you, you can send it back and try a new one. This is a journey and it takes time to get the right items so that you feel comfortable. The good news is that eventually you WILL feel better. Eventually, you WILL sleep peacefully.

I read your other post about taking the mask off in your sleep - many folks do that at first. Eventually, each night that you put the mask on, it will be a signal to your brain that peaceful, restorative sleep is on the way and as the soothing air enters, you will gently go to sleep.

You can do this. It WILL get better.

Warmly,

Jersey Girl

[SleepyInChicago]

Another option is to ask your dentist to write a script for the machine/mask.
Just ask the doctor (whomever write the script) to put down '99' for # of times to dispense. Makes it easier for future re-orders/replacements.

[avi123]

[quote="Kahfree

As for travel, one quick question. If I need something and I am not in my home state is the prescription good at other DME Providers? I am going to RI for my sons wedding in September, and I am in CA. Just in case I need something.

I doubt it. Since it's like medical Rx you could NOT buy parts for the CPAP in RI if you got the Rx in Calif. But you could call your DME in calif., to see if knows another DME in RI whom he/she could contact. Don't forget that physicians and DMEs and drugstores are State regulated. Just try to buy Rx that you got from a doc in one state while you're traveling to another state. Especially narcotics.

[LinkC]

You should call your doctor's office for your prescription, not your DME (it seemed like you might be trying to get it from them)... they have no obligation to give it to you and may try to give you grief about it. Your doctor, on the other hand, is obligated to give you your prescription. I simply called my doctor's office, the receptionist said they'd mail a copy, and I had it in a few days.

Actually, the DME, as a medical supplier, is required to file your 'script; and is under the same HIPAA requirements that your doctor is.

My sleep doc is 45 miles away. My DME is 2. Guess where I recently got a copy of my 'script from? They were happy to provide it...I didn't even have to mention HIPAA.