CPAPtalk.com

I'm a User of the Cpap Pro, aka 'No Mask'. As of late, I've begun using the Cpap Pro again. My recovery is such, I have the 'where with all' to make it work quite effectively.

DISCLAIMER: My purpose is not to encourage purchasing the CPAP PRO. The CPAP PRO has played a valuable part in my arsenal of tools at various times of my ongoing recovery. The decision to purchase the 'No Mask' is very subjective depending on one's own personal good judgement.

I'm posting this thread for my own benefit. Often, I'll forget simple concepts that make the CPAP Pro work well for me. If you benefit from reading it, more power to you!

What works:

1. The nozzles, if that's the right word, must hug in close to each other and make a sharp 'v' shape. When putting the 'No Mask' on, the nozzles should fit perfectly into your nostrils without moving them. When removing the 'No Mask', the nozzles should not move or 'pop out'. Why? If the tubes are yanked upon while sleeping, the nozzle(s) will shift from your nostril(s) causing leakage. **Last night was successful, avg leak 18, avg setting 9/12 on Auto BiPap** Also, standing before a mirror, works much better for adjustment than doing it while in bed.

2. The next time I do my 'Boil and Bite', I must sink my teeth in as deeply as possible. If I don't sink my teeth in deeply, my lips won't close tightly enough. Lips not closed tightly cause leakage and saliva problems.

3. Using the PapCap, attach hose threw the velcro loop at the top (of the PAPCAP). The hose coming from above, keeps the CPAP PRO hoses 'static'. The CPAP PRO hoses need to be 'static' to keep the nozzles from being yanked out, even slightly, overnight. If I lose pressure, I'm bound to have a 'Apnea' which causes thrashing. If I thrash, leakage can become worse, Apnea become more frequent.

4. The adjustable clips that hold the CPAP PRO hoses must be tightened periodically with pliers and a very small screwdriver. If the adjustable clips aren't tightened they can move at an angle which pops dislodges the nozzle from my nostril. The adjustable clips are to be clicked no more than three times. Anymore, can damage hoses over time and possibly restrict air flow.

5. Exhaust pinholes must face outward. If the exhaust pinholes do not face directly outward, it's impossible to know if your leaking. Also, air will blow on your face, eyes and keep you up all night. Yes, it's happened. I was that tired!! Best way to tell, hold your finger, one at a time, over the pinhole. Listen for a change of sound....

6. How can you tell if the Cpap Pro is leaking?? The Cpap Pro is incredibly quiet if it is not leaking. Also, before attaching the hose, I cusp my hand over the opening of the Cpap Pro and breath in and out as hard as I can... If the sides of my nose puffs in and out, no air escapes, no hissing sound, I've got a great seal. **Best done in front of a mirror**

To be continued...

Mark aka SG

7. As a rule of thumb, when a dark spot appears on the diffuser filter, usually where the diffuser hole is, the diffuser filter needs to be changed (my opinion). Why is it important to change the diffuser filters??? The Manufacturer feels that old and dirty diffuser filters will interfere with proper ventilation i.e. release of Carbon Dioxide.

8. The 'Boil and Bite' is cleaned on a regular basis with anti-bacterial Denture Cleaner. Though, the Manufacturer recommends otherwise, I find the Denture Cleaner adequate. The key is not soaking the 'Boil and Bite' in hot water. Hot water will deform the unique shape and inhibit proper fit. I soak it in warm water.


To be continued...

Mark

9. The CPAP PRO is great for sleeping on your side. You can cock your head deeper into the pillow comfortably. And, since the exhaust diffusers are pinholes facing directly away from your face, no need of worrying about blocking your exhaust. However, saliva can drip onto the pillow and can be a big distraction to falling asleep. So, I simply place a dish towel next to my cheek.

10. The nozzles are oblong and follow the contour of your nostril. I have found that adjusting the nozzles are best done by not turning the hoses. If you turn the hoses, the diffuser pinholes move and can cause confusion on leakage. It's best to turn the nozzles while holding the hose, feel along the edges to make sure they are flush with your nostril. Looking in the mirror, pressure check by blowing into Cpap Pro.

11. A rotating adapter comes with the CPAP Pro. Not realizing, I wore the CPAP PRO without the Adaptor until discovering it in the box a few months later. The rotating adapter is vital so a twist doesn't occur in the hoses and the nozzles turn from the tension, causing a leak.

12. Alcohol wipes can be used to clean the nozzles periodically. The Manual recommends it. However, I question the wear and tear by putting Alcohol on the nozzles daily. I will use the Alcohol wipes when I have a chest/sinus infection.


TBC,

Mark aka SG

I never tried such a devise because, from a 1000-foot view, the concept always seems like this to me: "An interface needs gear to hold it in place. I don't like gear on my head, so I will put the gear in my mouth."

It is quite aggravating to have the headgear give me "gear hair" even with just a short nap.

Hi Rooster, love to hear from you!! Well the PapCap, I'm using as of late, doesn't give you 'gear head'. It flattens it out evenly.

The Manufacturer claims that because the 'Boil and Bite' is in your mouth, you tend to clench and keep your mouth shut. Not me! The CPAP Pro has to be supplemental with some type of Chin Strap, hence the PapCap.

I even tried using the blue carpenters tape, cutting a slit. Nah, didn't work!! I think someone even sells the tape, precut. Imagine...

First time I fitted the 'Boil and Bite', I might of been too vigilant. I brought my hand down and hit the Cpap Pro by accident, teeth really got yanked.

I'm finding that the CapPap keeps the jaw tight enough where the Boil and Bite is snug. Not to loose, not to tight. And, rather than the tape, if I have to sneeze, cough or just breath threw my mouth for a moment, I can bring my jaw down.

I'm really pleased and impressed how these two products, both designed by Patients, work so well together.

Thanks,

Mark aka SG

Mark: Thanks so much for posting all of this. I just got mine today and will be trying it out tonight. I wore it for awhile earlier while I was lounging in bed, and it felt rather heavy hanging on my teeth (just an initial impression, I realize that reclining is much different than lying down and sleeping). When forming, I did push my teeth all the way down into the mold and I really don't like it *at all* where my teeth touch the bottom of the mold. If I do it again, I will bite down as close as possible to the bottom, but not all the way.

I didn't think I'd be able to wear it all, as I could not tolerate the pillows in the Resmed Mirage Liberty, but since I can actually alter the configuration on this mask -- I don't even feel them. So that is a nice surprise.

I didn't pay any attention to the rotating connector either, so I'm headed to go get it out of the box now! But all of your points were most helpful. Thanks!

faded,

I hope you will bookmark this thread and make updates on your experience with the No Mask.

Regards,

Fadedgirl, good luck! Having the hose run threw the Velcro Loop from atop of the PAPCAP has kept the CPAP PRO hoses static. That way, the hoses can't be yanked while I'm sleeping. It's been so successful, I don't think at this point I'll have to put up a hose hanger.

The 'Boil and Bite' is a big hurdle for a lot of people. If you open your mouth while the 'boil and bite' is in and it falls out, probably too loose. Likewise, if the suction is such, you have trouble getting it off the teeth, might be too tight. Dentists will do your 'Boil and Bite' for you too.

The PAPCAP chin strap is playing a partial role of keeping the 'Boil and Bite' in place. Finding a balance, I think really adds to the comfort and exceedingly affective therapy.

Please input any comments, advice on this thread!! Thanks Fadedgirl...

Mark aka SG

13. After casting the 'Boil and Bite', cut off any excess material. Keep the excess material. If you redo your 'Boil and Bite', the excess material can be pushed back in when the 'Boil and Bite' is at it's maximum temperature. If you have done this, you know what I'm talking about...

Cutting off excess material really makes a difference on how it places in your mouth. Much more comfortable, works better.
I've been too tired and lazy to cut it off, regretted it.

A small scissors, such as you would use for nails, gives you the angle to cut it properly. The scissors on my Swiss Army Knife does it pretty well.

TBC,

Mark aka SG

Hello again! Well I'm sad to report that I did not love this thing. When I wear a nasal or full mask and said mask lies against or leans gently into my pillow, it doesn't bother me that this results in the mask being pushed into my face a little bit. Most of the time I don't even notice.

But when the CPAP Pro touches or is gently leaned against my pillow (which indents very easily and will stay there until manipulated otherwise), it results in torque. Torque on my teeth! Its very subtle, but for me: intense. I can't hack it. When I arrange my pillow so that it isn't touching the CPAP Pro, then I am too aware of the weight of it hanging off of my teeth. I do not like the pressure this mask applies to my teeth.

I also have to wear a chin strap with it, which thus far I am unable to do for more than 5 minutes (I'm waiting for Bret's to arrive). I am able to wear a nasal mask w/o chin strap successfully, but the piece that sits between lips on this mask is unreasonably thick & makes this impossible. The hoses and hose clamps are very lightweight, but the other outer pieces on this mask are unnecessarily thick and heavy. If they would make these pieces more lightweight/thinner, I'd be all over this thing.

But I'm going to keep it around. The pillows on it are awesome and I love that I can tilt, lengthen or shorten the hoses so that the pillows actually stay put unlike the hybrid I have. If I can't find joy in some of the other masks I try, I might look into getting a mouthpiece made by my dentist. I would bet that a better quality mouthpiece that fits perfectly would make a huge difference in the amount of torque and pressure I'm experiencing, but at this point I'm not ready to spend the $ it would take to find that out.

fadedgirl wrote:
The pillows on it are awesome and I love that I can tilt, lengthen or shorten the hoses so that the pillows actually stay put unlike the hybrid I have.

Do you have a Hybrid mask, http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/hybrid ... t_info.htm , or a Liberty mask, http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mirag ... c=patients ?

Are you aware of the "ladies tights fix" used with the Hybrid mask to hold the nasal pillows in place? See wiki/index.php/Hybrid_Mask_Modifications

Fadedgirl, I curl the pillow on the edge where I place my head, let the nasal mask or Cpap Pro hang over the side. By nestling my head into the pillow, sleeping on my side, either the nasal mask is going to break a seal or seal tighter. I don't want either to happen...

For me, I can cock my head at a greater angle lying on my side with the Cpap Pro relative to a regular mask. Again, with both types of mask, I don't want the pillow touching....

As it stands right now, the PAPCAP has solved many of the issues I have had with CPAP PRO. Now, the leaks are extremely low, it's quiet and very comfortable.

Your right about the three dimensional ability to adjust the nozzles. It adjusts to wide variety of facial contours. But, it takes time to learn how the adjustments work, best done in front of a mirror. Looking down on the nozzles, I have to see a 'V' shape, almost touching. After cleaning the 'Boil and Bite', loosely put the screws on, move it back and forth until I have a good seal. Then tighten....

I take those clasps, angle until the nozzles are inserted firmly into the nostrils but comfortable. I used to think everything had to be painful and tight. If any of these masks, chin straps or anything else is painful, I'm not doing it right!!

I'm excited for you on getting the PAPCAP!!! Let me know how it goes for you

Thanks,

Mark aka SG

rooster wrote:

fadedgirl wrote:
The pillows on it are awesome and I love that I can tilt, lengthen or shorten the hoses so that the pillows actually stay put unlike the hybrid I have.

Do you have a Hybrid mask, http://www.mergenetsolutions.com/hybrid ... t_info.htm , or a Liberty mask, http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mirag ... c=patients ?

Are you aware of the "ladies tights fix" used with the Hybrid mask to hold the nasal pillows in place? See wiki/index.php/Hybrid_Mask_Modifications

I have the Resmed Liberty, but it was clear from the git that I couldn't use it. The stalks on the pillows are just too long. Or perhaps its my nose that is too long!! Either way, it pushes my nose up and that starts to smart after not so long. So the 'ladies tight fix' won't fix that unfortunately. Frankly, I am on a mission to try out all the different kinds of masks. So far I have the best luck with the ComfortGel nasal and the Mirage Quattro Full. I can't get an F&P mask (full or nasal) to not leak like crazy on me. I rec'd their Oracle today but I think I'm gonna wait for congestion city to test that one out all night. I did a little run with it today and its actually very comfortable in the short term, and probably the best alternative to the CPAP Pro for me.

fadedgirl wrote:...I have the Resmed Liberty...stalks on the pillows are just too long....

The Hybrid (not the Liberty) pillows can be set at two heights...just giving you some info.

14. Cpap Therapy and Ergonomics - Constant use of the same Mask and 'mouth leaking' solution over extended period of time can cause pain at pressure points. Cpap Pro is no exception. Clenching of teeth on the 'Boil and Bite' and PAPCAP chinstrap can cause dull pain in the jaw and jaw muscles. Time to celebrate a successful campaign of good 'numbers' and switch strategies.

I will switch over to Comfort Fusion and use Painters Blue Tape. Likewise, Comfort Fusion will cause 'red marks' on forehead and sides of nose over a period of time, will switch back to 'Cpap Pro'.

Encore Report 01/15/10

FL: .8
OA: 0
H: .1
VS: 4.6
AHI: .1

Avg. Leak: 18
Avg. Leak above 90%: 18
Large Leak: 0

Avg. Epap 10
Avg. Ipap 12

Avg. Time in Apnea per Day: 0

TBC..

Mark aka SG