BatmanMatt wrote: ↑Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:46 am
. I want to try a mask with the tube on top of my head or something but the DME lady thinks the F10 is fine and I should just try to get used to it. Simplus, or F30I and maybe Dreamwear. I only get one mask swap.
Anyways, I'm starting to be able to sleep on my side but it's barely working and will leak if I'm not in the exact right position. Might a lot of my issues be tied to my mask? I feel like I should be doing better.
Well your DME lady isn't the one having problems is she? Does she even use cpap? I bet not.
The "you will get used to it" is advice from a lazy ass person not wanting to work at her job.
I do think that finding the right mask is actually the hardest part of this whole cpap journey.
If we can't sleep well because of any issues with the mask (comfort, noise, whatever) then we have a serious problem because without solid sleep....not much matters does it?
Also...they lie about the "one mask swap" rule. The truth is that all masks come with a 30 day warranty FROM THE MANUFACTURER and has nothing to do with your insurance and everything to do with a lazy DME not wanting to do the paperwork for getting credit from the manufacturers. They could swap out the mask a dozen times and not lose money if they would just do a little paperwork. Yes, your insurance will only pay for one within the allowance period but manufacturers will reimburse the DME when they keep having to try other masks. Used to be (long time ago) the DME had to physically return the unwanted mask but now all they do is fill out paperwork and the unwanted mask goes in the trash.
I am not the person to be giving out advice on which full face mask might be better for people. I have never used one beyond trying it just for grins. The DreamWear FFM I did try and it's not a bad mask and I could use it if I just had to but I simply can't stand any mask that touches the nasal bridge area of my nose. I get immediate nasal congestion from the least little pressure on the nose where my turbinates are. If I can't breathe...I can't sleep.
The main drawback to the DreamWear is sometimes people hear that air flowing through the frame and find that noise annoying and prevents sleep. I didn't have that issue myself with it but I realize that all masks come with a huge YMMV sticker.
For your gas/bloating/aerophagia issues....I propose limiting the maximum and see what happens both in terms of vent noise and the gas issues.
Last night you spent more time up around 11 cm than you did the other nights...lets see if limiting the max helps with the aerophagia issues and doesn't allow too many apnea events to slip by the defenses.
Try reducing the maximum to 9 cm. See what happens.
Is there any way you could sleep and just breathe through your nose so you could use a nasal mask of some sort?
It would sure open up your choices to more masks that have silent venting systems.
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.
If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.