New here

Hi, I just started using my cpap one week ago today. I was diagnosed with severe OSA with a RDI of 58.7.

I was given a Remstar Plus M with the setting at 8. The mask is a Respironics comfort classic that came with it. I still wake up at night and in the morning, I have red marks from where the mask was. I suppose it's from sleeping on my side, sine I usually sleep on the left side. The worse part is that the bridge of my nose is a bit sore. I'm not sure if I'm tightening the mask too much or what, as it seems to leak (how much is normal or should it not have any leakage at all?).

Should the bottom of the mask just hit the bottom of my nose? The RT did not really tell me much, let alone how I was supposed to clean it or that I was supposed to clean it. I awoke this morning and there was condensation in the mask, which hadn't happened before, so I have no idea if this is normal or if I need to adjust something. I also read that he should have adjusted my mask while I was laying down, and yep, he didn't. I wonder if I should try another mask? He did show me some and there was a similar one that I currently have that has gel all around it. I wonder if that would actually be a better one.

Thanks for any input.

The real name of that mask is the Crappy Classic.... it got that name for a reason.

You need to look for a better mask, that mask returns the MOST profit for the DME reason they give you that one.

You need to lighten up on the strap pressure and use the pivot to tilt the top of the mask out. Oh that's right,
the Crappy Classic has no way of doing that. Check the package it came in maybe there is a spacer for the
cyclops cushion you can push it out with.

Better quality masks have a pivot on the forehead piece so you can adjust the top of the mask out a bit to
reduce the pressure on the nose.

Never buy any mask that has "comfort" in its name, as you will find out the hard way its a lie.

Welcome to the message board, DragonLady.

Snoredog's suggestion to get the DME to let you try a different mask is a good idea. A mask that's comfortable (as he said, it's rarely one with "Comfort" in its name...the ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask is the only exception to that rule that I've found) is the most important key to being able to do this kind of treatment.

Ask if they have a Swift LT (not just a Swift or Swift II ) or an Activa in the size called "Shallow" that you can try.

About this:

DragonLady wrote:I was given a Remstar Plus M

While you're at it, politely ask the DME (the home health care supplies store that gave you the machine and mask) to swap that Plus for a Pro. The Pro is also a cpap machine...just like the Plus, except that the Plus can't record full data. The Plus records only "hours of use" to the Smart Card. The Pro can record full data about your treatment at home. Seeing treatment data from the machine will let you see how your treatment is going...particularly to see if leaks are a problem.

If the DME balks at swapping the Plus for a Pro, check with your insurance to see if you have a choice of DMEs in your area. If so, let the DME know you're prepared to return their Plus to them and take your business to a DME who IS willing to let you have a Pro.

Now's the time to try to get them to swap machines for you, while you've had the machine only a short time.

Thanks for the suggestions and the welcome.

I'll take a look at the Comfort Lite mask, although I'm not sure how that would work. I don't like anything going up into my nose, but I won't rule it out.

About the data in the machine, no one even ever said anything about getting the card from me, so I'm going to ask about that also. Who reads the data? The ENT, the sleep center?

Guest wrote: Who reads the data? The ENT, the sleep center?

Welcome, DragonLady!

The DME or sleep doc *could* read the data but most just look at how many hours you use it per night (the "compliance" data). Many of us get the appropriate software (EncoreViewer in this case) and the matching card reader and check our own data. The DMEs and sleep docs sometimes are ok with this and sometimes not. I've found it invaluable in tweaking my therapy but I have successfully kept my sleep doc in the loop (I'm lucky with sleep doc!).

Also, it would help us help you if you fill in your profile with your equipment information. There's lots of good info here and you might want to click on the "Our Wisdom" light bulb icon at the top of the page for accumulated information from a number of people.

Best,
Mindy

Welcome to the forum!

My story: It took 6 weeks and 8 masks before I could become compliant and comfortable every night. Try another mask.

If you click on the link in my signature line for the FREE Mask Test Drives, you can find some masks you can try before deciding to buy them.

Good luck!
Barbara