Trouble Finding Good Service in Maryland.

[klady]

My current respiratory therapist (from a reputable hospital in Maryland) has never met me and our dealings have been via telephone. He's in a different city. He recommended the Nasal Aire II, small. I mentioned that I felt I should be measured before he mails me anything. He was quite sure the small would fit. To make a long story short, it didn't and he's now mailing me a very short. I've just about had it.

I was recently diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea ~ how they were able to diagnose this is beyond me because I hardly slept. Anyway, during the tritation study, I couldn't tolerate the masks and I finally dozed off for 45 minutes with a Nasal Aire. Incidentally, I had a choice of 3 masks. One was a full face but I'm not a mouth breather. The other 2 drove me up the wall. I have no idea of what they were. I just kept trying to pull them off my face.

There's an Apria in the Laurel area, which is fairly close to where we live. So far, I've never been measured for any mask. Has anyone had any experience with this particular branch of Apria?

Reading all the threads on this message board have been most helpful and informative. I feel that there's got to be a better way of finding the correct fitting mask or nasal pads.

Another question ~ is there any validity to a report I read stating that the Nasal Aire II can possibly cause damage to the nostrils after continued use?

Thanks for any feedback. This whole process has been exhausting!

[Mikesus]

Can I ask a question? If you aren't getting good service have you considered going out on your own? What I mean is do a LOT of research (often this is much more than your average DME has done, based on the average recommendations I have experienced and read about) And purchase online. Some places have guarantees (So far I have ONLY seen that on Resmed masks but doesn't mean that others might not start!) which would afford you a no risk trial.

As for DME's in MD. Can't help there (I am south of you in VA and can't find a good one either!!) Good Luck!

[MartiniLover]

Another question ~ is there any validity to a report I read stating that the Nasal Aire II can possibly cause damage to the nostrils after continued use?

I use the Nasal Aire II and love it. I do have a second mask to use during time that my nose is a little iritated. I would say I use the NA II 95% of the time. If I lay on my face, sometimes my nostril will get a little sore.

I have not seen anything about "causing damage to the nostrils." I would appreciate any direction you could send me to read that.

[Waverly]

For the best service anywhere call 1-800 356-5221. or https://www.cpap.com .

Don't waste you time with DMEs.

Waverly

[Mikesus]

For the best service anywhere call 1-800 356-5221. or https://www.cpap.com .

Don't waste you time with DMEs.

Waverly

Kinda what I was getting at

[klady]

Thanks everyone ~

I have been busy doing loads of research. I forgot precisely where I read that bit about the Nasal Aire II possibly causing damage, but apparently plenty of people are using it quite satisfactorily. I also imagine that it's okay because during my tritation study they had me try a Nasal Aire.

My feeling is that if it fits comfortably and doesn't cause any irritation or bleeding, it's okay. The article was recommending the pillows which rest gently at the bottom of the nostrils. Anyway, again, if it's comfortable and works, that's what counts.

I just went to Innomed's website and found the following under FEQ's:

"Does InnoMed Technologies offer a support system for patients?
A: Yes, if you have any questions please feel free to call us at (800) 200-9842."

When I receive my extra small nasal inserts, I'll give them a call just to satisfy my curiosity. I do recall that the article recommended the nasal pads which rest gently under the nostrils. After all the research I've done, I'm not too concerned about this anymore. Common sense is what's needed.

I also think it's a good idea to have a nasal mask as a backup. My sleep specialist stated that most of his patients are happy with ResMed's Mirage. I'm going to see if I can pinpoint him down as to which mask he would recommend for me.

We recently moved to a retirement community in Maryland, and one of our new friends recommended a DME with a good respiratory therapist. I hope that will work out. If not, I'll start using Cpap.com.

When I received my Nasal Aire II, I had to go to Innomed's website and fortunately they had a presentation showing exactly how to assemble and use the Nasal Aire II. It's no wonder that so many people with sleep apnea just give up ~ having a computer has been a life saver.

Again, thanks to all of you. You've all been so helpful.

Klady

[snoozin']

klady,
I'm in Maryland also, but I haven't found a local DME that has any idea what the word "service" means, so I can't help you. I just buy online.
Debbie

[Mikesus]

klady,
I'm in Maryland also, but I haven't found a local DME that has any idea what the word "service" means, so I can't help you. I just buy online.
Debbie

Its sad that the best that we can do round here is Lin Don't care. Dealing with cpap.com was totally painless tho. They even put up with me switching my order midstream! Now I get to fight the insurance reimbursement game but at least I will be rested for it