How to find a helpful DME

[a031490]

I have had two sleep studies but am having a difficult time getting a good nights sleep. I am on my 4th face mask trying to get one that will not leak so I can wear it all night. I am starting to think that the problem may that I am not adjusting the masks correctly. I try to work with the DME but their only on solution is try another mask. They have never worked with me hands on to make correct adjustments. Do I need to find a new DME? If so how do I find one. Everything I have learned is through websites and videos. I would appreciate any help I can get with suggestions for next steps.

[greatunclebill]

the best thing you could do to help yourself is fill in the equipment part of your profile. then tell us what exact masks you have tried and what the problem is exactly.

helpful and dme are not words that are usually said together for a reason.

[midnight_skulker]

When I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I knew nothing about DME's, although a number of DME's advertise in the local media. So, I told my sleep doc/pulmonologist to pick one for me, which she did. This DME turned out to be the place closest to my home. Don't know if doc looked at that.

The first mask that I had picked out at the sleep clinic did not work out too well. I took it back to the DME within the 30 day trial period and they fitted me with a different model. The respiration therapist adjusted the replacement mask to my face at the DME office. I have not changed the adjustments since then. So far, so good. I suppose I could go back to the DME to adjust again.

[Sheriff Buford]

Sometimes at this forum, someone will post that they have "stumbled" on to a good DME. I have never heard anyone here say that went out, looked for one, and found one. Finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is the key to successful cpap therapy. Some folks love a mask, but cannot get the leak rates down. I see that you are using a full face mask. There are a lot of full face masks on the market, so you may need to keep searching for the one that fits your face and you are able to manage the leaks. When I saw the mask I am now using, my biggest concern was the leak rates. I had a pillow, laid down on the floor, had the DME hook me up to a machine at my setting, and I rolled around on the floor of the DME. I was greatly surprised that there were no leaks. Try that at the DME office. Know that if the mask leaks at the DME office, it probably will leak at home. If you like full face masks, then keep searching for one until you find one. Ther are plenty of them on the market.

Sheriff

[cflame1]

are you adjusting your mask at full pressure... and are you using mask fit or just the smiley face/frowny face?

[a031490]

I appreciate all the suggestions. I make adjustments lying down and at full pressure. I seem to be able to adjust leak free for a couple of hours but then get leaks bursting out on the sides and bottoms of the full masses of course all around the nasal pillows. I also am fretting a terrible taste on my mouth using the nasal pilows.

[BlackSpinner]

Finding a good DME is rumoured to require a bonfire at midnight under a full moon, live chickens and willing virgins of both sexes...... A fatted calf might help too.

[Suddenly Worn Out]

My first DME was good. They actually measured my face, fitted me, worked with me for the first few months and got me off to a good start with a proper mask. A properly sized and fitted mask.

All DMEs since then have totally sucked. And I mean sucked. It is hard to find a good DME, unfortunately. And I strongly suspect the shoddy "equipment support" that goes with a shoddy DME is one of the key reasons for good CPAP compliance.

Ask around in your area for a "respiratory oriented" DME. One that deals exclusively in oxygen supplies, breathing equipment and sleep apnea gear. Avoid the "general" DMEs, the ones that sell everything from crutches and walkers to insulin supplies to oh, wait yeah we also supply some of that sleep apnea gear btw.

If you are in a small town or rural area, you may be SOL, unfortunately. Choices may be limited in a scenario like that. If you are in a metro area there usually will be at least one or two respiratory oriented DMEs. If you are in a medium sized city, maybe there will be one respiratory oriented DME.

Eric

[ems]

After reading posts like these I realize that I'm pretty lucky. I wouldn't give my DME an A+, but I would give them a B. They try to be helpful. I called them on Friday with a problem and they gave me an appointment for Monday. They said they could come to my home or I could go to their office. Since it's only a five minute drive, I told them I'd prefer going to the office.

I remember that when I first got my mask I tried on two. One was a FFM and the other the Swift FX that I still use. I just tried them on and took them off. No suggestions were offered. Looking back, the tech/salesperson knew nothing about proper fit, mask leaks or anything else... even tho she said she used a machine/mask herself. I didn't know then to ask to try on more masks and she didn't offer. It was a good thing my daughter came with me and was able to help me with the mask the first few nites. The tech was pretty good about follow up in the beginning... until medicare no longer was checking up on me and they knew they would be paid.

Now when I need anything I call the main office, not the office near me... they have been very helpful when I call. They have a 30-day return policy with masks and have ordered two for me which they didn't stock.

I live in the Bay Area in CA. If anyone wants the name, please PM me.

[archangle]

Asking your doctor may be helpful. Remember that a DME that keeps the doctor happy may have more to do with paperwork than actual patient health.

You may also find that the doctor's nurse or someone else in the office may have a better idea than the doctor.

[Jay Aitchsee]

You might try making an appointment with the sleep center where you had your studies. From my experience, they have several types of masks to try, are experienced in fitting them, and are willing to spend the time needed to get a good result.

Jay

[chunkyfrog]

My sleep center is also a DME,
They are the one in town that medicare will NOT do business with--no way, no how.
Don't know what they did, but I wish I'd known earlier.

[Jay Aitchsee]

My sleep center is also a DME,

I'd be nervous about that, too. I had an independent facility in mind.

[Denial Dave]

Did I read that some of you got a choice of masks?

WOW.... I got "put this one on, yep it looks like it fits" & that mask was used during my sleep study.

During my sleep study, I complained about several large mask leaks throughout the night.

Some were so bad during the study that they had to come into the room and resolve them.

After all of that, they decided that it' the maks for me. I struggled with that mask and trying to deal with leaks in excess of 30 every night for 3 weeks.

The trick is to find an RT at the DME office that cares about the customer.

it took my complaining and 2 nice RT's to finally find me a mask that I can work with.

Dave

[STL Mark]

Let us know where you live either in the thread or change your profile. You may get suggestions then regarding your area.

If I had this issue I would call the different DME offices in the area and first ask if they accepted my insurance. Next I would ask to speak to a RT. If they don't have in office RTs I would try another. Then I would ask if they have an office with bed for clients to lay down and try out the masks and what their return policy was. A proper DME will let you try masks within reason until you find the right one. They will also know how to properly measure you for each variety to get the proper size. Something fun to try is the total face mask varieties. Some hate them, some love them, but if you like the full face masks then total face is a interesting variation. Each of our faces is different, what works for me may be worthless to you.