New Full Face mask

So I became a mouth breather after 16 years on CPAP. I added a chin strrap and that worked for another 2 years. Then my lips were part slightly defeating me once again... I went to tape to seal my lips and that worked great..... my machine went down to minimum pressure (10., leaks are from 0.05 to 0.22, AHI's 4.9 to 9.0, and either 0 Apneas or .5 and lower. I am loving this BUT

The tape is driving me nuts.I am peeling adhesive off my lips and face for most of the morning and not really getting all the sticky off , my lips are getting sore from constant taping and trying to remove it.

I decided it was time to go back to a full face mask,,,,,Medicare has removed my DME from the approved list this year and I have been through 2 others trying to get a company that will have an office somewhat close and have at least half a brain to talk to... but that is another problem for another day........ I am on my third company now and after months of phone calls, messages, emails and one local office visit it was suggested I go back to full face mask like when I started..... The mask they suggested was the Fisher Paykel Simplus.

Now I know I am going to need a lot time for adjusting to this instead of my nasal pillows..... but the numbers are not good...... The pressure only went up to 11.2 from the minimum of 10.8 ( not a big thing IMHO ) Leaks 0.58 to 0.66 ( I know I can keep on working on these and hopefully lower them) AHI's 23.2 - 23.9 and Apneas 4.0 to 5.7.....

Now the crazy thing is I don't feel miserable.........

I have tried a few different things will strap adjustments, different pillows, etc etc but I am open to any thoughts that could help me lower those AHI's and especially the Apnea's...

Maybe a different full face mask ??????? I have tried a couple of hybrids and that didn't work at all....

I have a meeting with my Doc next week and he is open to writing a script for a new CPAP machine...... so that is on the horizon , going to air sense 10 autoset....

So I am open for suggestions...... how to get better numbers,

The S8 uses the old algorithm and it left a lot to be desired in terms of how it responded and why.
Only thing I can think of is a higher minimum pressure and I don't know that will be all that successful. The old algorithm wouldn't automatically increase above 10 cm like the newer algorithm does now unless there were other indicators of impending OAs. If your AHI is primarily hyponeas the machine won't necessarily increase the pressure to try to kill them without other warning signs...like snores or increased flow limitations. So maybe the lack of response is related to the lack of the other warning signs that the S8 algorithm needs to be very aggressive in increasing as a response.
That's part of the reason for the historically higher hyponea counts on the S8 machines. Sort of high wasn't all that big of a deal if a person was feeling good and sleeping good but 20 per hour average is beyond "sort of high" in my book.

Any idea on the time frame for the new AirSense machine?

Also remember...many people have found that they need more pressure when going from a nasal mask to a full face mask. Not everyone of course and while it doesn't seem logical...I have seen it enough to know that it happens. As much as 2 or 3 cm more to get the same results as with the nasal mask. It may have something to do with the way full face masks and the lower back straps tend to alter the airway position a bit. Not sure but it's the only logical reason that I can think of for the change in pressure needs.

Thanks for some possible explanations...... makes sense and I am really not feeling beat up or tired.....

I see my doc this week, so I will know more about the new machine after that.... as long as he says OK and will write the script for it so that Medicate accepts it, then it is only a matter of when my DME provider can get it to me..... they have already said I needed it and would ship upon arrival of the script.

Anything special I would need to know about that machine ???

I never used the S8 but have used the S9 and now the AirSense 10 along with various Respironics machines and I can't really think of anything special that you need to be "warned" about. It's a pretty sweet little machine. I can't imagine your not being totally pleased with it.
I think it will lower your hyponea count without your having to really change much because it is more/better responsive with the new algorithm in play.

If you ever have had to battle rain out with your current setup you in will greatly appreciate the heated hose.
I use the heated hose year round...turn up the temp in the winter and turn the temp way down in the summer and never have to worry about humidity being delivered fluctuating. My nose likes consistency in humidity...doesn't like it when the moisture in the air goes fluctuating all over the place.
So more comfort in terms of hose air temp is available along with better more consistent humidity delivery no matter what your humidity preferences might be...low or high...just more consistent.

Personally, I have found the Air Fit F20 to be more comfortable than the Simplus. I have a narrow bridge on my nose, and the F20 seals better in that area. I also liked the Air Touch F20 cushion which is lined with memory foam. This cushion cannot be washed and must be cleaned using a mask wipe.

Thanks Okie.... I will look into that Air fit 20 as I still having some difficulty with the Simplus. and Thanks again Pugsy for useful information.......

the simplus just didn't make it... leaked everywhere and couldn't be sealed well for my face and after the last check of 29 apneas (YIKES),,,,, I gave up

On to the Airfit 20 suggested by Okie

Lou Cypher wrote:the simplus just didn't make it... leaked everywhere and couldn't be sealed well for my face and after the last check of 29 apneas (YIKES),,,,, I gave up

On to the Airfit 20 suggested by Okie

The simplus has three sizes of cushions. Did they measure you careful to determine which size you needed?
A friend has been using large since titration. His DME just measured and says he needs a small.

Trust no one. Check your size.
http://www.directhomemedical.com/masks- ... -guide.pdf

Yes they did........