bleep help, please?

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apuaplz
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bleep help, please?

Post by apuaplz » Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:18 pm

The Bleep seems to hold great promise, and on a couple of nights, I've gotten it to work well.
I have a couple of questions about it:

1) I am experiencing a sore, horizontal line on my upper lip. I am guessing that the couple of very small projections somewhere around the top edge of the release tabs are somehow digging into my skin. Am I missing something in how I'm putting this on? eg, Is there a front or back orientation to this that would make a difference, or something?<br/>
2) I haven't used Oscar in a long time. I recall the mask type needs to be entered into the program somewhere. What mask category does the Bleep fall under? And if I switch masks from one day to the next, I assume it's easy to make this switch in the program and it adjusts the data accordingly?

Thanks much for your help. I appreciate everyone's willingness to share their experiences. (I guess it goes without saying that the local DMEs for one reason or another often aren't a good resource.)

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Dog Slobber
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Dog Slobber » Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:29 pm

OSCAR doesn't care what kind of mask you have, it only reports, doesn't analyse.

It does have some areas where you can enter treatment items in your profile, but they are purely cosmetic.

Perhaps you're thinking of Mask Type field in your ResMed setup, if that's the case enter a mask type of Pillows.

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Pugsy
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Pugsy » Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:36 pm

apuaplz wrote:
Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:18 pm
1) I am experiencing a sore, horizontal line on my upper lip. I am guessing that the couple of very small projections somewhere around the top edge of the release tabs are somehow digging into my skin. Am I missing something in how I'm putting this on? eg, Is there a front or back orientation to this that would make a difference, or something?
Those little knobs/projections/bumps should be pointing out into the air and not touching your upper lip.
Yes, there is a front and back to the Bleep and yes it does make a small difference especially when it comes to those little projections.

Sounds like you are wearing it backwards. The difference is ever so slight but there is a difference.
Did you watch Stuart's videos???
https://bleepsleep.com/

And if you are talking about the mask selection on your machine....it's not going to make that big of a difference...pillows or nasal will work just fine. I use the pillows selection myself.
OSCAR doesn't care and the mask information in the profile in OSCAR is mostly for record keeping I guess...doesn't affect any calculations at all.

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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
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.

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Miss Emerita
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Miss Emerita » Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:41 pm

Just to follow up, on each side there are two prongs, and on each side the end of one of those prongs sits between two little bumps. The prongs between the bumps face outward, away from your face. And check to make sure the prongs are between the bumps!
Oscar software is available at https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

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Miss Emerita
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Miss Emerita » Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:32 am

Now I'm wondering whether I told you the wrong thing! I may have gotten confused by doing bleep in the mirror, or I may have been doing it wrong myself. At any rate, try doing it both ways and see which works. The videos etc. are not very clear about this particular point, at least the ones I've looked at.
Oscar software is available at https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

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Pugsy
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Pugsy » Mon Jun 27, 2022 12:39 pm

Miss Emerita wrote:
Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:32 am
Now I'm wondering whether I told you the wrong thing! I may have gotten confused by doing bleep in the mirror, or I may have been doing it wrong myself. At any rate, try doing it both ways and see which works. The videos etc. are not very clear about this particular point, at least the ones I've looked at.
I spoke with Stuart a while back about the "job" of those 2 little "knobbies" on each side of the cushion/frame a while back and again with the Eclipse.

The 2 little knobbies on both sides have a two fold job.
1...they do mark the front of the mask and go along with the very gentle outward curve to the cushion on the frame.
2...the "get the little plastic arms between the knobbies" is actually just a design with the original Bleep to keep the little plastic "arms" from sticking out and poking someone. That's all the original design was ever meant for.
He told me the little knobbies were never designed to help with leaks...they don't help with leaks. :lol: I thought they did because of an experience I had but even though my leaks improved when I made sure the little arms were between the knobbies....it was a coincidence.

With the Eclipse they won't need the little arms to lay flat since there won't be little arms but he is keeping the knobbies on the front so that people can easily feel them and know which way the mask needs to be position so the front of the mask is away from the face. With the bikini thong in place it isn't easy to see the words "bleep" which also is a directional reminder as to which way the mask needs to point. The curve is so slight it's hard to see but it can be seen if someone looks close enough. Need light to look though.
BUT one of the nice things about the Eclipse is you don't need to look closely to attach. Will make for attaching in the dark to be a piece of cake but we can't see anything in the dark. So now we will be able to just feel for the knobbies and know they go in front and get the magnets just close and things will attach perfectly.

With the Eclipse people can put the Halos on wherever they are more comfortable and then go to the bedroom in the dark and connect the rest of the mask in the dark if they wish.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
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.

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Miss Emerita
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by Miss Emerita » Mon Jun 27, 2022 12:59 pm

Thanks so much, Pugsy! This is interesting and helpful.
Oscar software is available at https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

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booksfan
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by booksfan » Mon Jun 27, 2022 3:19 pm

:lol:
Pugsy wrote:
Mon Jun 27, 2022 12:39 pm

BUT one of the nice things about the Eclipse is you don't need to look closely to attach. Will make for attaching in the dark to be a piece of cake but we can't see anything in the dark. So now we will be able to just feel for the knobbies and know they go in front and get the magnets just close and things will attach perfectly.
Exactly what I use them for! I feel for the knobbies and I know that is up.
Pugsy wrote:
Mon Jun 27, 2022 12:39 pm

With the Eclipse people can put the Halos on wherever they are more comfortable and then go to the bedroom in the dark and connect the rest of the mask in the dark if they wish.
Yep, stick it on in the dark once I'm done with my book. SO easy! Half the time, with the DreamPorts, I had to get back out of bed to stand and attach...compromised manual dexterity. Why it's easier standing, I have NO CLUE! :lol:

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Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: AirMini for travel, with Eclipse/Halos. OSCAR software.
Mask: Bleep Eclipse/Halos
Machine: ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet

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ozij
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by ozij » Mon Jun 27, 2022 8:52 pm

apuaplz wrote:
Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:18 pm
1) I am experiencing a sore, horizontal line on my upper lip. I am guessing that the couple of very small projections somewhere around the top edge of the release tabs are somehow digging into my skin. Am I missing something in how I'm putting this on? eg, Is there a front or back orientation to this that would make a difference, or something?<br/>
I am experiencing something similar - even when the DreamWay is in the correct orientation. The top part of the connectors (the part that flares out and has to click) will sometime dig into my upper lip - and hurt. Nothing to do with the quick release arms.

It has to do with how the DreamPort is stuck to your nostril -- and I haven't figured out a reliable way of avoiding it. I try to make sure the ports don't point down, but between "not pointing down" and "not pointing out" - it's not that easy. Some nights I'm OK, others - it's so bad that I find myself having to switch masks. I wonder if it depends on the shape of one's nose / nostrils. Or if there's a manufacturing difference between the some of the DreamPort boxes.

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Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
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GrumpyHere
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by GrumpyHere » Mon Jun 27, 2022 9:34 pm

ozij wrote:
Mon Jun 27, 2022 8:52 pm
It has to do with how the DreamPort is stuck to your nostril -- and I haven't figured out a reliable way of avoiding it. I try to make sure the ports don't point down, but between "not pointing down" and "not pointing out" - it's not that easy. Some nights I'm OK, others - it's so bad that I find myself having to switch masks.
How I placed them when I used the Bleep system:

1. Stick a pen into the dreamport (blunt end first.)
2. Place the tip of the blunt end into the nostril.
3. Guide the port up the pen barrel to the nostril.

The pen barrel allows you to adjust the angle at which you stick the ports.

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ozij
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by ozij » Mon Jun 27, 2022 9:45 pm

:idea: Wow!!!

I have a cold right now - so using an FFM, but will try eventually and report on this thread
Preliminary steps:
Make sure the pen is clean
Make sure the Port moves smoothly up and down the pen before it's anywhere near your nose!

:shock: The lengths we go to to make our CPAP therapy work....

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023

JimmyStewart
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by JimmyStewart » Tue Jun 28, 2022 9:22 am


For what it’s worth…

I wrestled with dreamport orientation A LOT when I started using bleeps. What “angle”, how close to lip etc. Comfort and leak problems with this and leaks between adhesive and skin almost made me give up on them, but I digress.

I know there has to be a limit (the angle separating dreamports away from parallel can get quite wide indeed), but in my experimentation, I found getting the ports anywhere near parallel (straight down out of nostrils) or very close to lip was far LESS important than finding an orientation for “solid” adhesion. The dreamway connectors are flexible and will adjust.

I finally settled on a millimeter (or 2), out from upper lip, and dreamports facing slightly outward, but having an adhesive strip 4-ish millimeters around both “corners” of nostril -- (where I had consistent leaks!!) worked 100x better than dreamports pointing straight down, with adhesive just barely covering corners of nostril -- even using Stuart’s trick of using tips of dreamports for reinforcement.

All that to say, experiment with dreamport placement!!! If it’s causing irritation to the lip, move it out slightly. If you experience leaks at the corners of the nostrils (outside or inside), rotate dreamports slightly either up or down to try and widen seal.

On a side note, I was not a beta tester, but I believe the bleep halos should eliminate this problem! The flat rings shouldn’t “care” what rotation angle the pads are at!!

Good luck!!!

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apuaplz
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by apuaplz » Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:32 am

Thank you all so much for your quick, thoughtful, and detailed responses! I was able to incorporate your suggestions that same evening, and thus save the night's sleep quality.

FWIW, where I think I went astray was with the words 'parallel' and 'perpendicular'. I assumed the perpendicularity (?!) was relative to the ground plane as I was standing, though I do believe the video may have mentioned 'perpendicular to the lip'. So now I'm giving more space between upper lip and ports, and that's been the magic bullet. And yes, I see I was confusing the ResMed's settings options with Oscar, with respect to the mask type.

The Bleep is very clever and I have not had any problems with leaks, even though I have recklessly foregone the witch hazel step. I've been a bit surprised, though, that despite the apparently easy adaption to it, I haven't slept correspondingly peacefully. I am half-wondering if I actually have a vague sense that something is missing when I don't have the big nasal cushion and air tubes and mask straps encasing my head. If only some genius solution would show up for the mouth leaks; I have given all the various strategies a go, but that remains the next blue rose to find.

Another question: I am accustomed to the hose being attached to the mask at the top of my head. Have you found that the fancy hose-minding system recommended in the videos is a significant improvement over doing without? If so, do you use the two devices recommended, or just the shepherd's hook thing? I couldn't find either of those products on Amazon.

One more thing: I was happy to see the Bleep is available through Aeroflow, but then I noticed their reviews were somewhat scary in terms of having money tied up and not receiving products, etc. Not sure if this is the type of question to ask here; if not, in general, where do you purchase these ports from, if that's a more appropriate question.

Again, all the best, and thank you so much for your kind help : )

GrumpyHere
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by GrumpyHere » Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:39 pm

apuaplz wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:32 am
Another question: I am accustomed to the hose being attached to the mask at the top of my head. Have you found that the fancy hose-minding system recommended in the videos is a significant improvement over doing without? If so, do you use the two devices recommended, or just the shepherd's hook thing? I couldn't find either of those products on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034CHMRU/

The hose manager in the Stuart video works well for me for various masks: p10, nuance, bleep.

It's not that fancy or expensive ~ $15.
Some others run up to $50 for example

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PK28GHT/

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booksfan
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Re: bleep help, please?

Post by booksfan » Fri Jul 01, 2022 11:32 am

apuaplz wrote:
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:32 am
Have you found that the fancy hose-minding system recommended in the videos is a significant improvement over doing without? If so, do you use the two devices recommended, or just the shepherd's hook thing? I couldn't find either of those products on Amazon.

One more thing: I was happy to see the Bleep is available through Aeroflow, but then I noticed their reviews were somewhat scary in terms of having money tied up and not receiving products, etc. Not sure if this is the type of question to ask here; if not, in general, where do you purchase these ports from, if that's a more appropriate question.
I do find that Stuart's system works very well for me! I prefer the hose to route upwards rather than down and it does a great job, especially as I am a very restless stomach/side sleeper. The hose switches sides easily with me. I did find this, which is similar to the HozeBoss. https://www.amazon.com/Holder-Retractin ... C69&sr=1-2

As far as Aeroflow, I am signed up with them to receive the Eclipse/Halos through my insurance. Obviously, as it has not yet been released, I have not received anything yet, but I have been pleased with my interactions with them so far. They got me all set up, verified my insurance, even coordinated with my PCP to get a new Rx for supplies. Hopefully it will work out, my primary health insurance is awful. So far, so good, now just waiting. Up to now, I have paid for my ports out of pocket (because of the awful HI), ordering from Direct Home Medical. Great prices, free (fast) shipping, and always a coupon code to save even more. My insurance only allows me to get a 1-month supply & I have to pay insurance. I pay the same for 2 months from Direct Home as for 1 month with insurance so it's kind of a no brainer. I'll see how it goes with Aeroflow.

_________________
Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: AirMini for travel, with Eclipse/Halos. OSCAR software.
Mask: Bleep Eclipse/Halos
Machine: ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet