Post
by SelfSeeker » Wed Nov 15, 2006 5:43 pm
Hi Trina,
It is good that you are making a list of supplies and equipment.
You have been given a good list to start with, my suggestion do not buy everything, start looking up what everything is for so you will know what you may want to get.
Get the best machine you can afford, you will have it for a few years.
If you are buying a machine online, get some filters now so you do not need to pay extra shipping later.
Get a humidifier right away. I do not know many people that do not use the humidifier.
Buy distilled water for the humidifier.
A surge protector, for your machine.
If monitoring yourself is of interest to you, consider the software. Especially if you can get it as a bundle with your machine.
Next what interface are you interested in.
I do not have, but want either a lamp which is controlled by touch or has a on off switch on a wire. So I do not have to move so much once I am settled with everything on.
A container to put the tape, lanolin, lip balm etc in near the bed.
Something which I will be looking at is attaching some type of L shaped brackets to the night stand so the machine does not fall off, when I move at night. Has not fallen off yet but to avoid it.
If you buy an interface that is not a full face mask, you will buy the tape for your mouth if you sleep with your mouth open.
Lip balm especially if you are going to tape your mouth.
If you get an interface that is a pillow type, you may want to get lanolin to help it seal better, or make it easier to insert cannulas if it goes in your nose.
A hook to hang up your interface and hose to air out and dry.
Pad-a-cheeks are great. You can't get those until you decide on a mask check out the web site, many are interface dependent.
If your nose feels dry the next day you can get a saline spray or saline gel.
I would not invest in the heated hose right away. Reason: Many people who have interfaces like the picture above, with a hose that goes over their head, will most like benefit from one. I found that a snuggle/fleece cover is enough for my interface that does not go like that. Others still use a heated hose. What if you spent a lot of money on the heated hose then realised that the 6 foot heated hose is not long enough and you would like a longer hose, like the 10ft hose (do not know if they make a 10ft heated hose). But at least you will have a choice from your experience. (I am now in the process of looking at longer hoses, because I find the 6 foot one to short for me.)
As for pillows, I think trying out the pillow with interface/mask you like may be a better idea.
I do not want to discourage you, but I would hate for you to buy everything on your list and then not have things work the way you want them to. At least if you get an idea of what is working or not you may have a better idea what will work for you.
Good Luck.
I can do this, I will do this.
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field Just my personal opinions.
