Newbie From Australia Needs Help

Hi, folks.

I have been recently diagnosed, and have purchased a Remstar Auto with C-Flex from my sleep specialist, which I have since discovered I could have bought for significantly less over the internet - some people always seem to have their hands in one's pockets. Don't they realise that some of us have families to support, and can't afford to be ripped off? Caveat emptor, I guess.

Anyway, I'm quite happy with the machine, but I have a ComfortGel nasal mask with all the headgear (which I could also have bought for less on the internet!), and I am quite unhappy with it. My pressure range is 8-15, and the mask consistently 'blows out' at the higher pressures. When I was 'practising' with my specialist, I tried a couple of masks (including a smaller sized ComfortGel, and a resmed mask), including some nasal prongs (which hurt like heck), and this was the best of those I tried (which is not saying much!). I also tried straight CPAP at a pressure of 11. So, I have lowered the upper pressure on my machine to 11, but my mask still tends to blow out. I don't want to lower the pressure any more - it would seem more sensible to go for another mask. BUT, they can cost a fortune as one ranges through them.

I know that success with masks seems to be a very personal thing, but does anyone have any advice? By the way, I have a beard.

I am also a side and front sleeper, and find it VERY hard to sleep on my back (I used to snore lying on my front with my mouth closed - go figure!!!). I have read about something called a papillow. I have tried to buy one from the US, but their postage and handling is prohibitive ($US80, in one case, and $US130 in another, on top of the purchase price!!!!!!). I have had no success finding one for sale in Australia.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Further, I would like to use my machine at its full capability, and read the smartcard that is installed. However, by the time I buy a card reader and the relevant software, I'm up for about $US200, presumably with postage etc on top of that.

Again, are there any suggestions?

Regards,

Sleepy, broke, VERY GrizzlyBear

EncoreViewer has been on cpapauction occasionally a little cheaper than buying full price. To get the card reader twofactor.com has it for around $25.00 US. Unsure about postal cost though.

I have purchased several masks on cpapauction.com for significant savings over buying retail. Many of the masks on that site are new or barely used. I have also advertised locally for cpap items that I would like to have and have picked up a humidifier (in fact two of them) and masks that way.

Have you tried contacting the doctor or place where you got your mask to see if an exchange is possible?

Good luck!!

Hi Grizzly,

I will let the bearded ones chime in on mask suggestions. I am sure you'll get many more responses from those with more experience than myself, but there is one suggestion I have in regards to pillows.

After trying several different types of pillows, I have found that for side sleeping, a cheap and better alternative, in my opinion is one filled with these little micro-beads and has a nylon type cover.

The brand name of one is Cushie, but I know there are similar ones by other makers. They really "give" just perfectly for me and my mask, without putting a weird twist in your neck.

I am not familiar with the stores in AU, possibly a "bed and bath" type of store, or just do an internet search.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the forum!

Grizzly,

Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time.

I don't have much advice for you on masks since I am a woman with a small face, a fairly low cpap pressure, oh, and no beard -- lol. What works for me may not at all for you. That said, my favorite mask is the Headrest Nasal Pillows. Good for side and stomach sleeping. Take a look at it here:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=1717&PAID=215

On the bed pillow situation, I have a couple of suggestions. I am a committed side sleeper. I use a good memory foam pillow that works well for me. Some side sleepers like the Target Shapable pillow (are there Targets in Australia?). It is very low priced.

Also, take a look at the cpap pillow at this web site:
http://www.contourliving.com/

It is a memory foam pillow, and it might be possible for you to purchase a memory foam pillow and take an electric knife or carving knife to it and make an imitation of this pillow.

I have also seen some posts here from side and stomach sleepers who like down or synthetic down pillows.

Good luck. Let us know how you are doing.

Janna

Welcome Grizzly

I'm from Western Australia, there are a handful of Aussies who post on the board here.

I too am sorry you are having such problems.

Are there any sleep clinics near you (I used the St John of God one) who can lend you some masks (there may be a charge for rental) till you find one you can sleep with? It is quite different trying one for a few minutes in a clinic and then sleeping all night with it.

Have you found the mask fitting guide on the site here? You will need a pencil and paper a good ruler/tape measure and a friend if pos, then go here:


https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-sizing.php

When you find some masks you are interested in, you will find reviews and threads about them here.

You will soon find you know more than the clinic people about the masks.

There are some threads here about beards.

You might get more results with a thread titled something like "bearded side/stomach sleeper - which mask?"

My pillow preference is a bit pricey I'm afraid. I use a goosedown pillow from "Bed Bath and Table". In fact (blush) I use two. They "punch" into shape and stay in that shape tilll shaken/punched again.

Good luck Grizzley!

Di

http://www.onlyonline.com.au/merchandis ... ID=Pillows

some good quality pillows. Still expensive though.

Hey Grizzley just noticed you live in Melbourne.

These people help fit and rent masks

http://www.mcsaustralia.com.au/index.ph ... e&Itemid=1

Welcome to cpaptalk!

Some mask manufacturers allow a return policy within 30 days. Your Comfort Gel is a Respironics mask, and I'm nearly 100 % sure that this is one of the companies that has it. Tell the place you got it that it isn't working for you at all and ask them to take it back. If that mfg has a 30 day return policy good in AUS, they will have to fill out paperwork, but you should be able to return it. Then get the mask you deserve, one that fits properly and that you don't pay so much for. I think this is by mfgr, not by country, though I could be wrong.

You might want to see if someone here has a copy of Respironics policy so you can present it to the place you got the mask. Being extremely friendly and extremely assertive at the same time can work if they balk. If the policy is in place, don't take no for an answer IOW.

I believe I've seen some sales on cpapauction.com by people in AUS. Shipping would certainly be cheaper that way.

Good luck!

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sleepycarol wrote:To get the card reader twofactor.com has it for around $25.00 US. Unsure about postal cost though.

It ships from Hong Kong, so it will probably be reasonable shipping.