The CPAP MoneyPit = Masks

I'd do some research before blocking the nasal ports on the Hybrid. Each mask is specifically designed for specific air flow -- blocking the port's is literally re-designing the mask's airflow. If it were me, I'd call the mfg's customer service number (I think you'll get Cheryl who's great) and see what suggestions they might offer...they want this mask to work so you'll become a long-time customer.

Last night was night 6 was me wearing the Hybrid. I started with humidifer set to 2 (good setting for former OptiLife in summer in hot-lanta for me) and now I'm down to passover (humidifer off with fresh distilled water in bottom) to prevent rainout in the pillows...worked last night. If the pillow rainout occurs, I'm gonna make a tiny pillow snuggy (good thing I'm using the 'high' pillow position . The things we do to make CPAP work

I've read here that there is a nasal moisturizer gel (Ayr?) that might help your nose. Then, again maybe the Lansinoh inside your nose might help (I'd avoid the edges of nose in case it paradoxically breaks the pillow seal). I bought My Lansinoh while shopping for a baby shower gift anyway at Babies R Us for about $10 for a large tube one size...likley paid way more than drug store price. I shared about the way odd use of this product for apnea with the really young clerk...turns out her grandad and dad are award-winning snorers with gasps and chokes, guess she'll be educating them about OSA and having them followup with their doctors. Anything to educate others about apnea!

Some people say that Lansinoh actually helps their pillows seal. But like everything else OSA, YMMV.

If you are getting rain out make sure that your hose is hanging on the headboard or on a hook of some sort above your head,this may eliminate the rainout.

headbored wrote:If you are getting rain out make sure that your hose is hanging on the headboard or on a hook of some sort above your head,this may eliminate the rainout.

Only in the pillows, not in the mouthpiece or hose...and no jokes about all that hot air

On issue of heated hose,

I'm afraid to use the DIY pet iguana hose, may cause fire or meltdown.

But, what about this heated hose, it's only $44.
Fisher & Paykel ThermoSmart Heated CPAP Tubing
http://www.cpapxchange.com/cpap-tubing-hoses-bipap/

But it says, "For use exclusively with Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle 600 Series CPAPs." Wonder WHY? Anyone know if there's any way to ADAPT to fit other machines ? I could come up w/$44 for hose, but not the $150+ aussie heated hose.

? Thanks

The ThermoSmart hose has a special connect that also picks up power from the machine.

Here's a pic: http://www.cpap-supply.com/ThermoSmart- ... 0hc522.htm

You would have to figure out how to connect it to your xPAP and to a power supply that you would have to supply.

jdm2857 wrote:The ThermoSmart hose has a special connect that also picks up power from the machine.

Here's a pic: http://www.cpap-supply.com/ThermoSmart- ... 0hc522.htm

You would have to figure out how to connect it to your xPAP and to a power supply that you would have to supply.

Okay, I see JDM, the thing has no power.. that picture clarified and eliminated that hose for me.

Oh yeah... someone mentioned insurance.

Well, I bought my first mask from cpap.com w/insurance. Well, the mask worked for a while, and the insurance expired.... so I'm now out of luck. The second mask, I didn't buy the insurance, but got 50% money back through cpap.com (good customer service). My 3rd mask, the hybrid, I got insurance, but it's the best thing thus far... don't want to really return it. PLUS... you do NOT get a refund of insurance, so even if you do buy insurance and return, you're still out $30-50 bucks on insurance for trying a mask out for couple days.

PLUS, I can NO LONGER order from cpap.com because of their new prescription policy.... even though I've bought 3 masks previously. So all future mask orders will go to another vendor, unfortunately.

Can you get your PCP to write a script? Doesn't have to be a sleep specialist.

Nope on the PCP.

I'm student, no insurance until May 2010. About 6 months ago, when I self-diagnosed w/OSA, I went to my PCP (paid cash) to try and get Rx for machine. He said no, that I'd need a sleep study. So, luckily I found a good working machine on craigslist... and thus the journey has begun. I'm sure there's probably a physician i could find that WOULD give me a Rx, but I don't have the money to go from doc to doc to doc and find one.

Why on earth are you paying full retail for each mask??

http://www.cpapauction.com It's like eBay for CPAP stuff.

New masks average about $50. "Tried and didn't like" ones are usually less. It also might be a good place to get some return on your collection of masks.

LinkC wrote:Why on earth are you paying full retail for each mask??

http://www.cpapauction.com It's like eBay for CPAP stuff.

Has anyone heard if the Rx only requirement is going to be implemented at the cpapauction? The machine RX requirement already is in place. I bought a mask at auction after the Rx requirement went into affect at cpap.com.
Just wondering what they are going to do at the auction? Anyone heard?

If your in college or a university -- many in this area (Mo.) have physicians that are available to full time students at a reduced rate. Local community colleges probably won't have physicians on board -- but many 4 year colleges/universities do in this area.

When I was at the university back several years ago, the university didn't charge students anything to see the doctor and prescriptions were at a greatly reduced price. With 5 kids living at home and a tight budget, I used the doctor on staff with the university for all of my medical needs (family members had to pay so I used our primary care doctor that we already had for them). If this is a possiblity for you check into it to see if you can get an appointment and a script from the university clinic.

Thanks for all suggestions/help.

No university physician. Just local cheap community college, but in MAY I'll be able to get insurance w/job.

Also as pugsby mentioned, I think cpap auction follows same guidelines for requiring prescriptions now for masks.


The foam ear plugs inserted into the chambers seemed to work. It did not eliminate the nares air, but it did decrease it enough to avoid the irritation and make it tolerable. Didn't seem to adversely affect my therapy. Gonna run with this for a while and see how it goes.

From cpapauctions.com just moments ago:

Is a prescription required to purchase non-machine items?
No, a prescription is not required to purchase non-machine items. You may bid on and purchase masks, tubing, humidifiers, filters, etc without a prescription.

http://www.cpapauction.com/cpap-help/76 ... items.html