Changing masks

I was diagnosed almost a year ago, and have been using a CPAP machine for about 8 months. My sleep apnea is moderate (I think) - I wasn't aware of disturbed sleep and only went to the study at the behest of my partner - she couldn't sleep because of my snoring. Other than a happier and better rested partner, I'm not aware of any major changes since using the CPAP (although, a happier girlfriend is a significant improvment!)

Not knowing all of the options, I took what I was given in terms of mask - the Comfort Classic. I've rarely had a great sleep with it, as I almost always awaken when the leaks start and I get air blown across my cheek or into my eye. I'm a side (almost belly) sleeper, and through trial and error have found ways to position my pillow, and adjust the mask so that it's not too bad, but it's not great. So, I finally decided it was time to try another mask. When I called the DME to see if they had examples of other models I could see and try on just to get a sense of the options, they told me I'd need a new prescription and an appointment with an RT.

So, that would mean my doctor could bill the insurance company again, as could the DME for the appointment, etc. Seems rather unneccessary to me. However, as I'm new to all of this, I'm wondering if there is a valid reason for doing all that? Can a different mask require a different pressure setting (eg. one with nasal prongs vs. full-face, etc.)?

Thanks,
Scott

Hi Scott,

I don't have insurance. The one good thing about not having it is that I don't have to deal with DMEs. I think my nice normal blood pressure would go sky-high if I asked for a different mask and was told I'd have to jump through hoops to try a new one!

That little rant out of the way, I'd suggest this (if you don't mind buying a mask out of pocket.) Simply go online and check the prices for a Breeze with nasal pillows at some of the online stores like cpap.com. Order yourself a Breeze with two sizes of "nasal pillows" - Large and Exra Large. Great for side sleepers! (And for "almost belly sleepers.") If I could have only one mask, ever, for the remainder of my life, it would be the Breeze/nasal pillows.

No prescription is required to buy masks from online cpap supply stores.

Another excellent mask of a more traditional type is the RESmed Mirage Activa. It's usually just called the "Activa" on the message boards. While it's a nasal mask (covers the nose) I've found it to be pretty comfortable to wear while side-sleeping. Even with straps loose (which is how they should be worn to let the Activa's unique bellows design work right) the Activa is amazingly leakproof on most faces - unless the face is extremely small.

Since your girlfriend is so happy that you don't snore now, perhaps a Breeze would be a good Christmas present for her to get you this year. (To heck with the grinchy DME.) Can you imagine the shocked silence at the family holiday gathering when you open the beautifully wrapped box, pull out the Breeze, hold it up high with hose dangling, and exclaim, "Honey, it's EXACTLY what I wanted!!"

rested gal

Can you tell my wife to get me a breeze for Christmas. I would be overcome with joy to open such a great gift...really!

You've got me convinced to give the breeze a try. It is made by PB like my apap - I should try one!

There are several on eBay I'm watching. (keep that a secret)

rested gal - thanks for the suggestion - both for the Breeze and the Christmas wish list idea!

I figured the DME was just after another money grab - but thought I'd better check before spending money on something online.

wading - I'll try not to get into a bidding war with you!!

Scott,

I thought the idea was our female companions were buying these for us

Seriously, the breeze will be a huge improvement for you over the comfort classic.

If you have insurance, call up the doctor's office and ask them to fax the prescription to the DME.

My prescription was faxed to the DME's office.

However, I think it is ridiculous that they are requiring you to provide another prescription.

When I did not get a quick enough response from the DME, I told them I was ready to toss the cpap machine out of the window. I received a response. Perhaps because I am renting.

Good luck!

When I did not get a quick enough response from the DME, I told them I was ready to toss the cpap machine out of the window. I received a response. Perhaps because I am renting.

LOL, Yoga!

Does the Breeze with nasal pillows have a quiet exhaust?

This is as big an issue for me as is comfort.

I read on one of these forums that Fisher & Paykel HC 431 full face mask was a quiet mask. So I bought one.

Well! What a waste of money. The thing is so noisy.

Regards
Edgar L

Edgar, all three Breezes that I've had (one "older" model and two of the new "improved") sounded exactly the same in comparison to each other. All make a soft shusssshh sound when I inhale. No sound at all from the exhaust when I exhale. The only time I've ever heard any noise from the single exhaust hole on any of my Breezes was if I accidentally got my arm or any of the bedding too close to it. Unlike the wide diffused "many holes" exhaust ports of some masks, it's very easy to keep the single hole exhaust of the Breeze directed toward a "clear" area.

rested gal wrote:Edgar, all three Breezes that I've had (one "older" model and two of the new "improved") sounded exactly the same in comparison to each other. All make a soft shusssshh sound when I inhale. No sound at all from the exhaust when I exhale. The only time I've ever heard any noise from the single exhaust hole on any of my Breezes was if I accidentally got my arm or any of the bedding too close to it. Unlike the wide diffused "many holes" exhaust ports of some masks, it's very easy to keep the single hole exhaust of the Breeze directed toward a "clear" area.

Thanks for the info.

Edgar