Mask questions

Ok so it's onlly been 3 1/2 weeks since I've started using cpap and while I do notice a tremendous difference, after reading everyone's post, I'm wondering could it be better? First with my type of machine will the DME be able to tell me anything worthwhile from my data card when I send it in? Like my AHI? (still learning these terms). Also, according to my DME, if the mask I'm using isn't working well or is broken I will have to get a new script from my MD to be refitted for a mask in order for my insurance to pay for a new one. I feel that a "perfect" mask is so vital in this treatment being effective to promote compliance. I feel so guilty b/c my RT was nice and gave me 2 extra different masks without charging me and I don't care for any of those (swift pillow/flexi fit). I have been using the Ultra Mirage II, but beginning to think its not fitting as well as I thought it did before. I've cleaned it, even with vinegar to improve the seal. But my eyes wake up with goop in them and depending on my position I can feel a slight leak at the bridge of my nose from time to time, although it can get pretty tight above my upper lip. My concern is, say I go through the efforts of being refitted, how can you tell just from wearing it in the office for a few minutes if you can wear it 7 hrs a day, 7 days a week?? I'm thinking I would like to try the activa, but the hybrid sounds good, b/c of it's dual interface, especially now that winter is coming up and cold season, but I just can't get used to the nose pillow thing to even bother with the hybrid. Can anyone validate any of the things I mentioned?

Unfortunately, you are correct in your worry.

I have a drawer that is full of masks, that haven't been the "perfect" mask. It comes down to trial and error, and your pocketbook, usually.

Even after you find one that you like, you will hear of new and better and improved and more attractive and....................(get it). The grass always seems greener somehow.

Best advice I can give is to just hang in there. The longer you go, the better it gets.

Soon you will probably have problems with your nose running. You will probably have a problem with taking the mask off during the night and not remembering, etc. Most problems we have all gone through.

Hang in there...............it works.

Thanks for the motivation! Funny you mention about taking off the mask. I did that in the 2nd week. I really knew I was doing it, but couldn't stop myself from pulling it off twice on 2 different occasions. It was almost as if I was in a dream state, and then I would hold it in my hand for a few minutes and then "snap out of it' and put it back on. Weird!!

i so agree with you about the mask thing, however when you finally zero in on the right mask for you, your dme will tell you "you can't have it unless you pay for it, as you have tried your limit" tha'ts been my experience.........keep looking though...you'll get it eventually

You're absolutely right that there's no way to tell from a few minutes sitting-up fitting at the DME's office whether a mask will really be comfortable (and not leaky) when you have to use it night after night at home.

For what the DMEs charge (supposedly for "extra service", personal mask fitting, etc.) don't hesitate to keep going back again and again and again until you get a mask that really suits you well. Because you're right again when you said: "I feel that a "perfect" mask is so vital in this treatment being effective to promote compliance." A mask you can sleep in is the most important key (imho) to being able to do this kind of treatment.

There are so many pieces to the puzzle -- takes time to get all of them into place. And most of them are comfort issues, because if you can't be comfortable, it's very difficult to sleep, or not be awakened by discomfort:

A mask that lets you sleep.
That can be different for each person. For me, it's the Aeiomed "Headrest" mask with my own tweaks, or the Respironics "ComfortLite 2", again with my own tweaks.
Links to Aeiomed Headrest (Aura) nasal pillows mask topics
LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics

A machine that is comfortable to breathe out against.
I'd choose the Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex...to get the best of both worlds with "bipap" giving full relief when exhaling and "autopap" using only the amount of pressure needed throughout the night. If I couldn't get that one, then I'd choose the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex.

Both those machines use Encore Pro software. I'm a big believer in having the software yourself if a person is going to use an autopap or the bipap auto. I'd feel like I was driving on a mountain road in thick fog, if I couldn't download my own overnight data and see for myself, on my own computer, how my treatment was going.

There's a lot to be said for the psychological value and encouragement to stick with it, when you take up the reins of your own treatment. The software (and a machine that can give full data, of course, like the two I mentioned) can help you do that.

Heated humidifier.

Aussie heated hose.
LINKS to Aussie heated hose - to prevent rainout

Rig up a way to hold the main air hose overhead so you can toss and turn freely underneath it. Keeps main air hose from tugging at a mask.
LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose

Control of mouth air leaks, if that's happening. Control by means of a full face mask or by other methods if a person doesn't want to use a FF mask.
Links to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard

About nasal pillows masks, like the Swift you tried and didn't like. Each brand of nasal pillows mask is very different. The headgear, the way they fit, the "feel" of the pillows...each is quite different. So, don't rule out nasal pillows if your experience with one nasal pillows interface was not so good. Another could be your dream mask. There's no way to know without trying them.

Do think creatively about ways to "fix" a mask that almost suits you, but needs something changed about it. The leg cut off a pair of pantyhose tights can work wonders tied around amost any mask to give that last little bit of stabilization so many masks need to prevent leaking. A homemade strap often is much more effective and more comfortable than trying to tighten the straps that come with masks.

Good luck with your treatment. You have the right attitude and the intelligence to stick with it. It's just a matter of getting the tools that will let you do it comfortably.

RG, you're simply AMAZING.

All of us are so indebted to your persistent kindness, wisdom and helpfulness.

I hope that soemhow, you know this.

Chuck

GoofyUT wrote:RG, you're simply AMAZING.

All of us are so indebted to your persistent kindness, wisdom and helpfulness.

I hope that soemhow, you know this.

Chuck

Ditto what Chuck said!!

same here, I wouldn't be this far along with out reading posts from mostly restedgal and all the others here, the local DME only knew how to plug in the machine to the wall!, as far as questions, well none of them had ever used a machine.