Hey Tater!
I'm off in one hour. I've made a list to show to the tech of the items I'd like to have and/or test, based on what I've read here:
1) REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP machine
a. WITH REMstar heated Humidifier
2) MASK choices, based on testing, but consider
a. Profile Lite Gel Mask with Headgear
b. ComfortGel Mask with Headgear
c. OptiLife Nasal Pillow Mask with Headgear
d. Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow System
e. Adam Circuit with headgear
f. Resprionics ComfortLite 2
I'll check in tomorrow!
Jeff
If you'd known then...
Hayeswildrick, some of the masks you've listed are quite inexpensive. And you will probably need to try more than one. Many people buy or try 6 masks in the first 6 months. Sometimes a good DME will let you switch them out after an initial try, and some won't.
So, what I'm getting at is, check out the prices at cpap.com. Then let your insurance company buy the most expensive one. That way, if you have to buy another one out of pocket, then you can buy a less expensive one.
Good Luck tonight. Greg too.
So, what I'm getting at is, check out the prices at cpap.com. Then let your insurance company buy the most expensive one. That way, if you have to buy another one out of pocket, then you can buy a less expensive one.
Good Luck tonight. Greg too.
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Compliant since April 2003. (De-cap-itated Aura). |
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KeziasPurr
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:51 pm
- Location: Houston
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hayeswildrick
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:41 pm
- Location: New Jersey
And my "Sleep Number" is 8!
Well folks, I've got to report a mixed review of my second sleep study. Oh the difference a technician makes.
Upon arrival, the tech asked if I breath through my mouth when sleeping. I answered, to the best of my knowledge, no. So, he tried to fit me with a Res Med Activa nasal mask. "Tried" is the operative word. Even with the large the tip of my nose touched the mask. And, much to my surprise, they didn't have any other nasal masks to try! At $5000/night I'd expect a full supply closet.
So, with disappointment showing on his face, he tried to fit me with a Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow (reading the fitting instructions in front of me, making it clear he hadn't used one of these before). It leaked. He tightened the head straps -- very tight. Still leaked, but hurt my nose. Tried different pillows. Still leaked, but less. Another tech came to help. Tightened the straps more, which again had uncomfortable pressure under my nose. "It's got to be a tight fit tonight so that we can get a reading. You probably can wear it less tightly at home," she said.
After 1/2 hour of getting used to the machine (surprisingly easy) they took it off and wired me up. Again, problems. He couldn't get one of the cardiac leads to work. He changed wires, and tried at least six different pads and placements. Now, my chest isn't all that hairy, but it's hairy enough. Ouch. Finally he shaved a spot and got the lead to work. I've had dozens of EKGs and never had a problem before.
Just as I was falling asleep he was back in the room. "I can't get a respiration reading on you." Three more times he, and then another tech, came in and out of the room reattaching leads on my head, and finally a fourth time coming in and saying "You're breathing through your mouth." He attached a chin strap. Five minutes later another tech came in and readjusted the chin strap and I was finally able to go to sleep.
Bad people skills too. No apologies, making is feel as though somehow this was my fault. Of course, I know better.
Slept pretty well except that whenever I woke up to turn I was aware that the base of my nose hurt and there was a rubbing spot from the headgear over my ear. Couldn't sleep on my right side because of hose placement. This is clearly not the mask for me.
Still, despite all that, I actually slept pretty well! Woke up 1/2 hour earlier than usual feeling refreshed (despite the now very sore nose).
I was told that at a pressure of 8 I had no snoring and no events, and that I should ask for a full-face mask.
Whew! Thanks for all the advice. Despite the problems with the incompetent tech, I felt well informed because of what I've learned here!
Now, time to work with the doctor to make sure I get the right prescription!
Jeff
Well folks, I've got to report a mixed review of my second sleep study. Oh the difference a technician makes.
Upon arrival, the tech asked if I breath through my mouth when sleeping. I answered, to the best of my knowledge, no. So, he tried to fit me with a Res Med Activa nasal mask. "Tried" is the operative word. Even with the large the tip of my nose touched the mask. And, much to my surprise, they didn't have any other nasal masks to try! At $5000/night I'd expect a full supply closet.
So, with disappointment showing on his face, he tried to fit me with a Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow (reading the fitting instructions in front of me, making it clear he hadn't used one of these before). It leaked. He tightened the head straps -- very tight. Still leaked, but hurt my nose. Tried different pillows. Still leaked, but less. Another tech came to help. Tightened the straps more, which again had uncomfortable pressure under my nose. "It's got to be a tight fit tonight so that we can get a reading. You probably can wear it less tightly at home," she said.
After 1/2 hour of getting used to the machine (surprisingly easy) they took it off and wired me up. Again, problems. He couldn't get one of the cardiac leads to work. He changed wires, and tried at least six different pads and placements. Now, my chest isn't all that hairy, but it's hairy enough. Ouch. Finally he shaved a spot and got the lead to work. I've had dozens of EKGs and never had a problem before.
Just as I was falling asleep he was back in the room. "I can't get a respiration reading on you." Three more times he, and then another tech, came in and out of the room reattaching leads on my head, and finally a fourth time coming in and saying "You're breathing through your mouth." He attached a chin strap. Five minutes later another tech came in and readjusted the chin strap and I was finally able to go to sleep.
Bad people skills too. No apologies, making is feel as though somehow this was my fault. Of course, I know better.
Slept pretty well except that whenever I woke up to turn I was aware that the base of my nose hurt and there was a rubbing spot from the headgear over my ear. Couldn't sleep on my right side because of hose placement. This is clearly not the mask for me.
Still, despite all that, I actually slept pretty well! Woke up 1/2 hour earlier than usual feeling refreshed (despite the now very sore nose).
I was told that at a pressure of 8 I had no snoring and no events, and that I should ask for a full-face mask.
Whew! Thanks for all the advice. Despite the problems with the incompetent tech, I felt well informed because of what I've learned here!
Now, time to work with the doctor to make sure I get the right prescription!
Jeff
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WillSucceed
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:52 am
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
hayeswildrick:
Sounds like the night in the lab was less than stellar; sorry about that. The good news, however, is that a pressure of 8 is on the easy side. You may want an APAP, but at a pressure of 8, you may find that a CPAP will serve you well.
-CPAP machines simply deliver one pressure. In your case, likely to be a pressure of 8. You could buy a RemStar with C-FLEX, which would give you great CPAP treatment (they are solid machines) and could benefit from C-FLEX (if it suits you) or, simply turn C-FLEX off (if it does not suit you).
-APAP machines rely upon an algorythm that controls how the machine responds to your particular breathing pattern. The different manufacturers use propriatary algorythms. If the algorythm in the RemStar does not work for you, then having C-FLEX is of zero use.
-the only way you will know which of the APAP machines is best for you is to trial them before you buy.
-while it is entirely possible that ALL of the APAP's will work well for you, if you buy the RemStar just because it is the favoured machine on this forum, and find that the algorythm is not right for you, you are stuck with a very expensive door stop.
-contrary to what you will read on this forum, there ARE users who find that the RemStar APAP does not suit their breathing pattern AND you will find users who have problems with "breath-stacking" when they use C-FLEX.
-turning C-FLEX off is easy. Getting a new machine if you find that the RemStar algorythm does not work for you is not so easy -unless, of course, you are loaded with cash.
Overall, RemStar's are good machines and C-Flex can be a benefit. However, if you are buying an APAP, don't let the promise of C-FLEX be the deciding factor. Find out if the algorythm is right for you first, then, factor in C-FLEX.
Sounds like the night in the lab was less than stellar; sorry about that. The good news, however, is that a pressure of 8 is on the easy side. You may want an APAP, but at a pressure of 8, you may find that a CPAP will serve you well.
What I mean by this is that while lots of folk love C-FLEX, it is not for everyone. Fortunately, if C-FLEX does not work for you, you can simply turn it off. Here, however, is the fly in the ointment (and it is a big one):Could you tell me what you mean when you say "Don't be lured by the promise of C-FLEX"? I've been reading a lot of reviews and folks seem to love it.
-CPAP machines simply deliver one pressure. In your case, likely to be a pressure of 8. You could buy a RemStar with C-FLEX, which would give you great CPAP treatment (they are solid machines) and could benefit from C-FLEX (if it suits you) or, simply turn C-FLEX off (if it does not suit you).
-APAP machines rely upon an algorythm that controls how the machine responds to your particular breathing pattern. The different manufacturers use propriatary algorythms. If the algorythm in the RemStar does not work for you, then having C-FLEX is of zero use.
-the only way you will know which of the APAP machines is best for you is to trial them before you buy.
-while it is entirely possible that ALL of the APAP's will work well for you, if you buy the RemStar just because it is the favoured machine on this forum, and find that the algorythm is not right for you, you are stuck with a very expensive door stop.
-contrary to what you will read on this forum, there ARE users who find that the RemStar APAP does not suit their breathing pattern AND you will find users who have problems with "breath-stacking" when they use C-FLEX.
-turning C-FLEX off is easy. Getting a new machine if you find that the RemStar algorythm does not work for you is not so easy -unless, of course, you are loaded with cash.
Overall, RemStar's are good machines and C-Flex can be a benefit. However, if you are buying an APAP, don't let the promise of C-FLEX be the deciding factor. Find out if the algorythm is right for you first, then, factor in C-FLEX.
Buy a new hat, drink a good wine, treat yourself, and someone you love, to a new bauble, live while you are alive... you never know when the mid-town bus is going to have your name written across its front bumper!
Machine
Jeff--A friend suggested I get tested for apnea--my wife agreed. I did the sleep study and found that I failed in the first 45 minutes!! I had 84 events. They fitted me for a mask and for probably the first time in 20 years, I slept well. My md had a local company bring over a base remstar machine--worked fine, but i found that I woke up bloated with air, etc. Now--I found cpap.com right after. By the way my setting was 15.
I just got an auto m series pro with cflex this last week. I am extremely pleased. I thought it would be good, but its great!! The cflex is very good for me, the auto is tremendous, and the software is interesting--Mr. Skinner's program works well. So all that being said, I've kept the base machine as a back up--I love the new auto and would do nothing but get my stuff at CPAP. The guy Paul was great--had my new auto in 4 days. I wish I had done my homework up front--the good news is that I used fsa money to pay for my new auto.
dan
I just got an auto m series pro with cflex this last week. I am extremely pleased. I thought it would be good, but its great!! The cflex is very good for me, the auto is tremendous, and the software is interesting--Mr. Skinner's program works well. So all that being said, I've kept the base machine as a back up--I love the new auto and would do nothing but get my stuff at CPAP. The guy Paul was great--had my new auto in 4 days. I wish I had done my homework up front--the good news is that I used fsa money to pay for my new auto.
dan
_________________
| Mask | |
 |
Great and informative thread!
_________________
| Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Yes it is. Did it give you some good suggestions to what machine you want?
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Compliant since April 2003. (De-cap-itated Aura). |
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Rapunzel111
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:26 am
I would have done everything the same way if I could start over again.
It is important to do your homework before you buy anything,and consider the problems others have had and what is important to you before you make a decision.
When I knew I was headed to a sleep study I went to web sites and compared machines according to their features.
Next I went to posting boards like this one and looked over opinions from the people who actually use the equipment.I wanted to see how the different features on the machine benefit the people that actually use them.
Next I asked myself what was important to me,such as would exhaling with air being forced into my nose be difficult?For me,yes that would be irritating.Could I deal with this?Is there a solution?
I got a machine with C-Flex to solve this problem.
Would the machine make a lot of noise?Which machines are the quietest?
My Remstar Plus with C-Flex is relatively quiet,and has never kept me awake.
I love to go camping so which machines could run off of battery power?I saw one of these on one of the CPAP dealer's sites and I plan to get one.
How will I travel with this machine?This board provides answers -I just found out that you can carry a CPAP as an extra carry on bag because it is medically required.
Next I remembered that I have nasal congestion/allergies sometimes and I figured that this would be a problem for me and so I read online about the heated humidifiers and how they keep your nose moist.I had used other room humidifiers in the past and they kept me from getting colds in the wintertime,so I opted for one of these too considering that I could use no heat (passover humidity setting) when it is hot outside,and heat to keep my nose comfortable when it is cold outside.I also got some filters for my machine designed to filter out allergy causing substances.
I also bought a Neti Pot at my local health food store and natural salt to cleanse nasal passages if I need to.I also got some nasal spray as a last resort if the Neti Pot didn't work.I prefer to try the natural way first in all cases.
I wondered if the different styles of masks would make me feel claustrophobic,so I picked one that doesn't obstruct my vision,which is the Swift mask with Nasal Pillows.I love it and it is very comfortable.
I have wasted money on several chin straps that didn't work.Sometimes you can still snore through your mouth and not know it which makes CPAP not work at all.I now tie old pantyhose around my head to keep my mouth closed (Thanks Again RestedGal who posts here for the tip!)and I tape my mouth shut with Nexcare 1'' paper medical tape.This works great and I sleep great now.I tried using Fixodent denture cream to ''glue'' my mouth shut but found it too hard to get off without pulling skin off of my lips in the morning.
I like to take a melatonin before I turn in for the night.It is a natural supplement that helps with REM sleep.I have noticed a big difference because I wake up feeling great without headaches.Sometimes I also take some over the counter pain medicine for my osteoarthritis in my knee so it won't wake me up.
I like to wear an eye mask and put my headphones on and listen to my Healing Sounds CD.It is a CD that features the sounds of nature,didgeridoo,chimes,etc and is verrrry relaxing!Sometimes I listen to a hypnosis CD for relaxation.
I make my sleep experience each night like a trip to a spa.It is almost like sensory deprivation in a way,but I have gotten amazing results.
I have gotten used to CPAP very well and have adapted because I have added a little of this and that to my nightly ritual,and I actually look forward to it and most importantly,I wake up feeling wonderful!
I have been on CPAP for over a year now and half the fun has been the journey to the best sleep I have ever had.
God Bless-
Rapunzel111
It is important to do your homework before you buy anything,and consider the problems others have had and what is important to you before you make a decision.
When I knew I was headed to a sleep study I went to web sites and compared machines according to their features.
Next I went to posting boards like this one and looked over opinions from the people who actually use the equipment.I wanted to see how the different features on the machine benefit the people that actually use them.
Next I asked myself what was important to me,such as would exhaling with air being forced into my nose be difficult?For me,yes that would be irritating.Could I deal with this?Is there a solution?
I got a machine with C-Flex to solve this problem.
Would the machine make a lot of noise?Which machines are the quietest?
My Remstar Plus with C-Flex is relatively quiet,and has never kept me awake.
I love to go camping so which machines could run off of battery power?I saw one of these on one of the CPAP dealer's sites and I plan to get one.
How will I travel with this machine?This board provides answers -I just found out that you can carry a CPAP as an extra carry on bag because it is medically required.
Next I remembered that I have nasal congestion/allergies sometimes and I figured that this would be a problem for me and so I read online about the heated humidifiers and how they keep your nose moist.I had used other room humidifiers in the past and they kept me from getting colds in the wintertime,so I opted for one of these too considering that I could use no heat (passover humidity setting) when it is hot outside,and heat to keep my nose comfortable when it is cold outside.I also got some filters for my machine designed to filter out allergy causing substances.
I also bought a Neti Pot at my local health food store and natural salt to cleanse nasal passages if I need to.I also got some nasal spray as a last resort if the Neti Pot didn't work.I prefer to try the natural way first in all cases.
I wondered if the different styles of masks would make me feel claustrophobic,so I picked one that doesn't obstruct my vision,which is the Swift mask with Nasal Pillows.I love it and it is very comfortable.
I have wasted money on several chin straps that didn't work.Sometimes you can still snore through your mouth and not know it which makes CPAP not work at all.I now tie old pantyhose around my head to keep my mouth closed (Thanks Again RestedGal who posts here for the tip!)and I tape my mouth shut with Nexcare 1'' paper medical tape.This works great and I sleep great now.I tried using Fixodent denture cream to ''glue'' my mouth shut but found it too hard to get off without pulling skin off of my lips in the morning.
I like to take a melatonin before I turn in for the night.It is a natural supplement that helps with REM sleep.I have noticed a big difference because I wake up feeling great without headaches.Sometimes I also take some over the counter pain medicine for my osteoarthritis in my knee so it won't wake me up.
I like to wear an eye mask and put my headphones on and listen to my Healing Sounds CD.It is a CD that features the sounds of nature,didgeridoo,chimes,etc and is verrrry relaxing!Sometimes I listen to a hypnosis CD for relaxation.
I make my sleep experience each night like a trip to a spa.It is almost like sensory deprivation in a way,but I have gotten amazing results.
I have gotten used to CPAP very well and have adapted because I have added a little of this and that to my nightly ritual,and I actually look forward to it and most importantly,I wake up feeling wonderful!
I have been on CPAP for over a year now and half the fun has been the journey to the best sleep I have ever had.
God Bless-
Rapunzel111