Very Rookie question... (A week on cpap)

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:07 pm

Greetings everyone,

Thank you for the incredible amount of information I have found searching this board already. I have a Resmed Mirage Activa mask and it is driving me nuts. I was amazed at how comfortable the "el cheapo" mask I used at the hospital was. Wearing a mask is not a problem because I have been cave / deep diving for many years and have worn masks that were much more obvious. The Mirage headgear is comfortable it just feels like too much silicone if that makes sense. Can anyone suggest some comfortable masks they have used? My mask size is Medium. I got so frustrated with the Mirage Activa last night I almost wanted to get my diving full face mask and hook it up! LOL. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Robby

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:09 pm

Also,

Does anyone know if there is any software that will work with my machine? A Respironics Remstar Plus with C-Flex w/ the heated humidifier.

Thanks,
Robby

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:25 pm

Hi Robby,

Unfortunately, the RemStar Plus doesn't have software capabilities. It doesn't collect anything but compliance data. It's the Pro 2 and the Auto (within the Respironics brand) that have those capabilities.

As far as the Activa, I'm sorry it's not working for you. It's actually the nasal mask that the greatest amount of users on these boards find comfortable. Unfortunately, the only way to know which mask is going to be comfortable FOR YOU is to keep trying them until you find one. If the "el cheapo" one at your sleep study worked well for you, find out what it was and get one. If your insurance will pay for it, get it through your DME, and if not, get it through CPAP.com. You don't need a prescription to buy a mask.

Hope that helps.

--CG

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 4:34 pm

Thanks CG!

I appreciate your input. Unfortunately when I was diagnosed I was just between insurances. The folks at CPAP.com were more helpful than my pulmonologist and resp. therapist combined. I would rather pay cash to such an excellent business ANY DAY! Those folks are just great. I have a mask like I used for the sleep study coming in from cpap.com. Perhaps I may try trimming the silicone just a tad to make it usable.

What I really want is to get "hooked up" for the night and watch an episode of MASH and get a little tired. The el cheapo mask allowed me to wear my glasses over it. My current mask doesn't.

Thanks so much!
Robby

NeurosurgeryNP · Post by **NeurosurgeryNP** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 5:44 pm

Robby,

Are you using the Active properly? Using the straps so ridiculously loose so that the mask almost falls off, so that when you turn on the blower, the mask inflates like a bellows? Check out the CD rom that came with the mask.

Like CollegeGirl said, many of use the Avcitva. I have tried several other interfaces, and I always went back to the Activa, even after spenind a few hundred dollars on the other interfaces - found that the Activa works best for me. It is bulky, but for me has worked the best.

I don;t know about you, but the el cheapo mask I used for my titration, seemed to be a single time use mask or per hospital admission mask - it didn't seem suitable for long term use.

DaveMunson · Post by **DaveMunson** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 6:45 pm

I remember my DME talking about a diver guy who got a full face mask because he was comfortable with it. Work with what is comfortable. Try all the other masks at your DME.

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:02 pm

Thanks for the feedback. I followed the Activa CD to the letter. I probably just need to get used to it. I get the other mask tomorrow so I will not be able to differentiate until then. I do love the way the Activa is very difficult to get to leak even when I toss and turn!

My best to everyone,
Robby

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:03 pm

I wish I had realized that a week ago when I purchased my cpap. I would have shelled out the extra bucks for the pro 2. I am data minded and would love this capability!

[quote="CollegeGirl"]Hi Robby,

Unfortunately, the RemStar Plus doesn't have software capabilities. It doesn't collect anything but compliance data. It's the Pro 2 and the Auto (within the Respironics brand) that have those capabilities.

--CG

ellecia · Post by **ellecia** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:35 pm

use a humidifier.

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:42 pm

I do... but thanks! Almost drowned on the first night,lol! The setting was set to the highest setting. He He!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:12 pm

To avoid drowning (rainout) try the Aussie Heated Hose: Sleep Zone Heated CPAP Tube

rvbcave · Post by **rvbcave** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:27 pm

I like the humidity but living in Florida it would be nice to have cool or at least ambient air flowing. The humidity is really nice now that I have tweaked the settings. Now if I could figure out how to turn the heat down or off...

Robby

Very Rookie question... (A week on cpap)

Very Rookie question... (A week on cpap)

Masks

resmed

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: SleepyHead, ResScan 3.16, ClimatelLne Tube, Hosehuggie in Plaid (it's so cool)