PAPCap: What a difference a good sleep makes!

[thankfulheart]

I have used CPAP therapy for about 5 years now. For many reasons, I use a nasal prong mask and had "MacGyvered" it to keep it on my face as comfortably and effectively as possible. Or so I thought. On a recent vacation, my 13 year old was sleeping beside me when she woke me up, telling me that I was snoring. What? I have my mask on! I decided it was time to try a chinstrap. After receiving an improperly-measured product and being put-out by the merchant's response, I Googled when I came across the PAPCap. I went ahead and had them toss in the aroma sampler while I was at it as I am a huge fan of aromatherapy. I had NO IDEA how poorly my CPAP therapy had been performing until I used the PAPCap. I again "MacGyvered" my NasalAire II with it and have slept soundly and soundLESSly ever since, with no funky CPAP smells thanks to the Spice aroma. I am also a day-sleeper, so getting good quality sleep is very important and these make it happen. PAPCap + Spice aroma + buckwheat pillow + featherbed/comforter = A good "day's" sleep = PRICELESS.

[LSAT]

Almost sounds like a commercial for pur-sleep...Brett wouldn't do that...would he?

[thankfulheart]

Umm, nope. Sorry if it came across that way, it's just that I'm VERY happy to have found a solution to my ongoing issues. I was still tired, headachy and everything. Docs had no answers. It was only when my daughter told me she heard me snoring despite my having my CPAP going that I had the lightbulb moment about a chinstrap. I'm just in love with the product as I have slept for more than a few hours in a row now for over a week and the difference in how I feel is amazing. If you want a negative, my hair looks like crap when I wake up. I will deal with "cap hair" if I can stay awake at work with enough energy to do my job. Just hoping to offer some help if anyone else is looking for a solution.

[Pugsy]

If it makes you feel any better about "cap hair".... I wear my hair short and don't use the pap cap but when I get up in the morning I can't find 2 hairs going in the same direction and I use just a little nasal pillow mask with minimal headgear. Pap cap might help me. At least they would be flat and all going in same direction.

Glad you have found something that works so well for you. I have always been impressed with Bret's products.

[rosacer]

Pugsy wrote
I wear my hair short and don't use the pap cap but when I get up in the morning I can't find 2 hairs going in the same direction and I use just a little nasal pillow mask with minimal headgear.

Me too I use short hair but I'm some how curly, but it doesn't bother me my hair dress the morning. What bothers me is the big marks on the face, cheeks, forehead and neck, and the puffy eyes; the hair is the less of my worries. Those marks last for at least one hour if I splash cold water on my face, if I don't it last long time!

[Katagal]

Thanks been looking for something like this, what a pity my order was declined, have emailed them to sort it out

[SleepingDVader]

I also use the Papcap w/chinstrap. Started this therapy back in December and had sort of gotten use to the Mirage Quattro, but sleeping was not a comfortable thing for me to do with that FFM. It was somewhat claustrophobic, couldn't scratch when I got an itch, and when I changed positions, I'd have to reposition the mask. When I decided to try Papcap w/chinstrap together with a Swift FX, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I had no problems changing positions and actually slept more hours during the night. After awhile I noticed I was sometimes making a weird noise during the night. Finally figured out that I was exhaling through my lips and started taping my mouth to deal with that. My AHI numbers are down and my sleep quality is way up! I've since changed to the Aloha nasal pillow mask and wouldn't trade it for anything. I still have the Swift FX for backup and the Quattro in the event I come down with a head cold or sinus issues. I'm set! And the papcap is what got me on the track to comfortable sleep! And I have no affiliation with anything but Harley's and helicopters.

[SleepGuy]

Thanks for all of the feedback! It's very gratifying to know that some of my crazy ideas are helping others get some sleep--it's all been a lifesaver for me....

[kaiasgram]

Two questions: What are the reasons a person would be declined? Does that mean they won't sell it to you, or that your insurance doesn't cover it, or....?

Second, I have a fear of not being able to open my mouth if anxiety/panic sets in -- on the other hand, my current ResMed strap is making it a little too easy for my mouth to drop open during sleep. With the papcap, if you really feel the need to open your mouth, can you?

[SleepGuy]

Two questions: What are the reasons a person would be declined? Does that mean they won't sell it to you, or that your insurance doesn't cover it, or....?

Second, I have a fear of not being able to open my mouth if anxiety/panic sets in -- on the other hand, my current ResMed strap is making it a little too easy for my mouth to drop open during sleep. With the papcap, if you really feel the need to open your mouth, can you?

First, the website does not take international orders except Canada, so that might be a problem. For international orders feel free to order from cpap.com or contact me. As to the second question I have not heard any similar issues with the PAP-cap--the velcro attachments are quick release should the need arise.

Hope this helps.

[kaiasgram]

Two questions: What are the reasons a person would be declined? Does that mean they won't sell it to you, or that your insurance doesn't cover it, or....?

Second, I have a fear of not being able to open my mouth if anxiety/panic sets in -- on the other hand, my current ResMed strap is making it a little too easy for my mouth to drop open during sleep. With the papcap, if you really feel the need to open your mouth, can you?

First, the website does not take international orders except Canada, so that might be a problem. For international orders feel free to order from cpap.com or contact me. As to the second question I have not heard any similar issues with the PAP-cap--the velcro attachments are quick release should the need arise.

Hope this helps.

Yes, thanks. I love my new Aloha mask (well, as much as anyone can love CPAP equipment) -- no irritation whatsoever, no Lansinoh needed, comfortable and that little velcro loop (optional) that allows you to position the hose up and over your head eliminates the need to use an overhead hose manager. So I'd sure like to keep my mask and just find a better chinstrap. I'll try the papcap and thanks for the info on the "emergency hatch" velcro!

[thankfulheart]

Second, I have a fear of not being able to open my mouth if anxiety/panic sets in -- on the other hand, my current ResMed strap is making it a little too easy for my mouth to drop open during sleep. With the papcap, if you really feel the need to open your mouth, can you?

I have that very same fear (claustrophobia and a bad experience post-op) and I don't have any trouble with the PAPCap. The velcro on the chinstrap that attaches to the cap is very firm, but has some stretch to it, so I can even talk (I've mastered the talking around the airflow thing, thanks to my kids ) I can, but when I'm relaxed and asleep, it's just enough to keep things nice and snug. I REALLY like that I don't have marks on my face anymore as everthing is smooth and comfy. Even my hairdresser commented on my appearance this week. She asked if I was doing my makeup differently because I didn't look as tired. I told her that I was just finally getting some decent sleep.

[n2n]

Sleepguy,

cpapDOTcom told me this morning that the PapCapPLUS (the version with headgear built in) has been discontinued, at least in size LARGE.

Is that true?

Is the entire PapCapPlus being discontinued, or just Size Large?

I was really hoping to try it, and I'm sure I'm a "large", head-wise. Thanks for any info on how I might still get one in Large.

Art

[SleepingDVader]

Sleepguy,

cpapDOTcom told me this morning that the PapCapPLUS (the version with headgear built in) has been discontinued, at least in size LARGE.

Is that true?

Is the entire PapCapPlus being discontinued, or just Size Large?

I was really hoping to try it, and I'm sure I'm a "large", head-wise. Thanks for any info on how I might still get one in Large.

Art

Just go straight to the vendor at http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6. I really hope that report isn't true because I really don't want to sleep without mine. If I had to I'd take it to a seamstress and have another one made...seriously. Good luck!

[n2n]

Just go straight to the vendor at []. I really hope that report isn't true because I really don't want to sleep without mine. If I had to I'd take it to a seamstress and have another one made...seriously. Good luck!

Hi, SleepingDVader, Thanks for replying! But that looks like a different, more basic product than the "PapCapPlus". The "Plus" includes built-in replacement for your headgear, so you can do away with your mask's headgear altogether. It has the (arguable, theoretical) advantage of using the PapCap platform to provide weight distribution and anchoring for the mask. Here's a link on the sponsor's website (whoops, links aren't allowed for a guest post!):

[got to cpap dot com and search for "cpap cap plus chinstrap cotton headgear"]

I hope I'm not hijacking the thread -- when I saw the vendor was monitoring this thread, I just hoped to intercept him and find out why the "large" size is no longer findable online. Thanks,

--Art