Right Choices?

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:34 am

I finally got hold of my script and am about to place an order (with cpap.com of course!) for a Respironics RemStar Auto with C-Flex and heated humidifier, a ResMed Ultra Mirage FF Mask and a ResMed Vista Nasal Mask. I want to ultimately train myself to use a nasal mask but, for now, I need both. I've made the choice of the RemStar Auto and the FF mask based on the collective wisdom of this group. The Vista simply appeals to me since I wear glasses and can't see without them. Thought I'd check with you once again before I place my order - good choices?? I can't thank you all enough for what I have learned and am still learning from this forum. Likely the most important thing I've learned is this: unless you have a great DME, educate yourself regarding OSA and CPAP therapy (which you should do regardless), fire your DME and take matters in to your own hands.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 10:44 am

JerryR,

Great choice of machine! ...And FF mask.

I haven't used the Vista, but have read from numerous people that it leaks air toward the eyes. I would suggest a very similar alternative that I have used and has been used by many successfully. Take a look at the ResMed Swift. It has the same wide open view as the Vista. IMO a nasal pillow interface is the most comfortable, most reliable interface type available. The Swift comes with all three sizes of nasal pillows, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:07 am

wading thru the muck! wrote:JerryR,

Great choice of machine! ...And FF mask.

I haven't used the Vista, but have read from numerous people that it leaks air toward the eyes. I would suggest a very similar alternative that I have used and has been used by many successfully. Take a look at the ResMed Swift. It has the same wide open view as the Vista. IMO a nasal pillow interface is the most comfortable, most reliable interface type available. The Swift comes with all three sizes of nasal pillows, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

Thanks Wader! Before I forget, your signature line sure says it all. As someone else here pointed out, sadly it seems to me that of the three culprits listed, the first two are really only interested in a money grab from the third as opposed to being focused on our needs. Anyway, again I digress. From reading your posts I know you are a big proponent of nasal pillow systems. That's what I started off with - a Breeze nasal pillow mask - and just couldn't handle it. My titration setting is 18. That amount of air blowing up my nose made me miserable. And, I couldn't exhale against it - though I realize that's what C-Flex is all about. What is your maximum setting? If considerably lower than mine, then I can understand how nasal pillows work for you. Regardless, the Swift does indeed have my attention. I love how un-obtrusive it appears to be. And, perhaps I could tolerate it with the RemStar. Thanks again.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:26 am

Jerry,

You are right, my prescibed pressure is lower. My auto generally operates between 7cm and 13cm. I realize that 18cm is hard to deal with, no matter what mask you are using. Hopefuly the combination of the auto-pap and the C-flex will give you some significant relief from that high pressure. Maybe a good strategy would be to see if you can tolerate your Breeze with the lower mean pressure provided by the auto-pap. If so than you could consider then buying the Swift to give you the openess you are looking for.

snoozin' · Post by **snoozin'** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:32 am

Jerry,
I was on straight cpap at 16, and changed to the RemStar auto w/c-flex in January. With the change, I am at a lower pressure (10-12) almost all of the night. I am currently using the Swift and finds that it works quite well now, although I doubt it would work so well at the straight 16.
After you get your apap, see if your pressure stays lower for much of the night, and only occassionally goes up to your titrated pressure. If so, one of the nasal pillow/prong masks may very well work for you too.
Debbie

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:29 pm

Jerry, the Vista might work fine for you, but I agree with Wader that another mask might be a better choice. A lot of people do report the Vista leaking up toward their eyes. I tried a Vista anyway - looked like a good idea from the pictures of it and the advertising blurb about wearing glasses easily with it. Like so many others, I couldn't get the leaks at the top stopped. I ended up giving the Vista away. (Next person had the same problem with it...eye leaks.)

mommaw · Post by **mommaw** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:26 pm

Jerry, I also have the breeze and use it on my bilevel. My pressure is set at 18/14 and the air at 18 is hard to tolerate. I had gotten used to it and was 100% compliant but it was a struggle at times. I could not exhale at the 18 either, that's why my doctor put me on the bilevel. I am now trying the auto you are getting, it is much easier to use. Will have my first numbers tomorrow and will post.

Gilda

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:34 pm

Thanks for your responses everyone. I truly appreciate it. I'm off to order my RemStar!

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:42 pm

A lone voice in favour of the poor, abused vista
I can't compare with others, cos it's the only proper mask I've used (first one was a cheap & nasty given me by the doc) but it works for me.
Any leakage I get is up towards the eyes, but it's minimal and I can control it by getting the straps right.
I was also attracted by the idea of being able to wear my glasses with it on, though to be honest I never have
As others have said, everyone is differnet so find the one that suits you.
Great choice of machine

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:44 pm

littlebaddow wrote:A lone voice in favour of the poor, abused vista
I can't compare with others, cos it's the only proper mask I've used (first one was a cheap & nasty given me by the doc) but it works for me.
Any leakage I get is up towards the eyes, but it's minimal and I can control it by getting the straps right.
I was also attracted by the idea of being able to wear my glasses with it on, though to be honest I never have
As others have said, everyone is differnet so find the one that suits you.
Great choice of machine

Many thanks from across the pond! I believe I will give it a try just because I find it so darned appealing!

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pur~Sleep Oils (Love Them) Aussie Heated Hose, Encore Analyzer, Pad-A-Cheek Guards (Work Great!)

Machine	Mask