New to the Forum and CPAP/APAP

[mbkjad]

Hello Everyone! Completely new to all of this. Went through the first sleep study in mid-November, followed by the diagnosis and a second sleep study. That second one was an awesome experience. Only slept 5 hours or so but woke up feeling better than I had in a long while. Follow-on visit with the doc ended with a diagnosis of mild to moderate OSA (12 events per hour with exceptionally bad snoring, but only 15 minutes in REM the first sleep study).

I am guessing that I was very fortunate (from reading various other posts) in that my doc prescribed a S9 Autoset with Climateline hose from the get-go. Also, insurance company bought it outright but the DME put a "Property of" sticker on it anyway (they said it was new and it appears to be but wouldn't be surprised if it was slightly used, not sure if I should really care, thoughts?). Ultimately I got the machine and have been using it ever sense. Believe I am adjusting really quick. Last two nights have been pretty good (6.9 hours sleep w/AHI of 2.9, and 6.5 hours sleep w/AHI of 1.9).

One question I do have concerns the mask. I am using the Mirage Quattro FFM and really like it though I don't like the fact that I can't put it on until I am absolutely ready to close my eyes as I can't wear it and my glasses at the same time. The night of the second sleep study they did try a hybrid mask and I slept for a couple of hours but ultimately woke up kind of in a panic mode. Switched me over to the quattro and used that one since. Really believe it was as much if not more about the first time ever wearing anything like this then anything else. Probably going to buy a second mask (a hybrid) after the new year (I have good insurance but will have to pay for the 2nd mask out of pocket which is alright). Any recommendations on which one to start with?

Thanks for listening. Looking forward to getting to know some of you.

Mike

[Slinky]

Welcome to the forum, Mike!! Its great to read how well you are doing so soon after starting PAP therapy.

Ahhh, masks. Masks are such an individual thing. I prefer the simple single cushion whether full face or nasal cushion style. I've used a couple of good nasal pillows style but I'm not particularly a fan of the nasal pillows style and have never tried the oro-nasal (hybrid) style masks at all. Which for all I know may be a mistake on my part. I might find one I love.

I prefer a "less is better" type of mask. Therefore I like and am really pleased w/the ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face mask and the Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion. On the other hand I really like the Respironics FitLife IF I can figure out a way to eliminate the leak at the forehead. My forehead is too flat for its forehead curve. I haven't put forth too much effort in that regard since I'm happy w/the Zzz-Mask. You CAN wear glasses w/both the Zzz-Mask and the Simplicity.

[dtsm]

Congratulations on such a great start, keep at it.

Masks, masks, masks.....I went through 4-5 before finding one that seemed to be the right one for me. FFM as usual for mouth breathers and not as common as nasal masks and nasal pillows. The latter two are more minimalists, you might want to try a few.

I tried the EasyLife nasal mask and found it quite comfortable, easy to use. Others will chime in with their favorites!

I then tried nasal pillows, first LT, then Fx, then Headrest. I found the LT and Headrest to be the most comfortable -- both also provided good solid numbers. Only downside is as mouth breather [or leaker], I also use blue painter's tape nightly. I now use the headrest as my primary mask, and once in a while swap to the LT.

Good luck

[snoozysue]

I am having great success with the new Quattro FX ( don't think it is yet available in the Northern hemisphere!). I previously used the Quattro but won't go back to it after using the newer model. It's so much lighter, no forehead piece, my pressures are down considerably (17 down to approx 14) and my nose is perfect without a gel pad.

[sleepnationtv]

There are a lot of good masks, a lot of people like the hybrid or even the Resmed Liberty. Respironics makes the fullife which does not have the forehead piece so wearing glasses is easier. I have a bunch of reviews of masks on my sitehttp://www.sleepnation.tv

Also we run a mask trial program where you can try a mask for a week to see if it works. It keeps you from buying masks that end up not working. The link to that is http://www.sleepnation.tv/trialprogram

Good Luck

Dane

[msradar65]

Hi Welcome. Sounds like you are off to a good start. I like you do not like anything on my face or forehead that block my ability to see. I too wear glasses.

I use Resmed Swift LT for her nasal pillow mask. I really like my mask. I use the same mask for my titration study. My back up mask in case I am sick is a Full life full face mask. I plan to get the new Quattro FX as soon as its available in the US.

I also love my S9 Autoset...and I was lucky like you my insurance bought mine outright! I am thrilled and feeling so much better in the nearly two months I have been on CPAP.

[rested gal]

Welcome to the board, Mike.

Sounds like you're off to a very good start.

Finding a suitable mask can be the trickiest piece of the puzzle to get in place.

You've got the right attitude. Please, keep us posted how it's going for you.

[sleepyb]

Welcome Mike,
Sounds like you are off to a good start.
About waiting a year for insurance to pay for another mask, check with your insurance company because my insurance allows a new mask every 6 months but when I wanted a different type at 3 months they paid for it (with a little note from the DME telling them that I needed a different mask for my therapy) which was true. Your DME should be able to let you try several different types of mask. Like others have said everyone has their own preferences.

[neverbetter]

SleepNation,
why don't you have a Nasal Aire II ?
Babette use to send them out for people and they became very popular
People kept them and she had no more to send out so she quit doing it for people.
She helped a lot of people on here. People still contact here here to try it and she has to post that she can't do it any more. It would be nice if someone could pick up her flag (so to speak)

[sydneybird]

SleepnationTV (Dane) has a good review of the Easylife but I wanted to add my 2 cents. The headgear is very stretchy so I don't loosen it to take it off or put it on. I haven't undone the velcro to adjust it in weeks.

I do notice that if I tighten it too much the outer cushion squishes out and touches the corner of my eyes. If I pull it down away from my eyes then the lower part of the outer cushion is very low on my upper lip, but since Dane said the outer cushion is not for sealing, just stability, I'll worry less about a bit of overhang of the outer cushion over my lips. I am using the small size. Keeping it on the loose side keeps the outer cushion from squishing outward towards my eyes but it sometimes springs a leak when sleeping on my side and when it leaks the air hits the corner of my eyes. It is my first and only mask so I can't compare, but it is very soft against my face. I would recommend anyone to try it. I want to try nasal pillows to see if the grass is greener .... with less stuff on the face.