CPAPtalk.com

Medicare bills over a 13 month period so that means if you return the machine anytime in that period they will just stop billing but there would not be any refund it is just a rental for the months you used it. I agree with the others though that it is hard to get used to but the struggle is worth it. many times people do better with a full face mask.

Good Luck,

here are some videos that show some other masks as well. http://www.sleepnation.tv

Wonka, you can do this, you need to do this. I don't think anyone has had an easy time but the alternative is pretty grim. So start working on problems one by one. You really will feel great, better than you can imagine right now. Give it time and effort.

My DME delivered a 3rd Mask today, a Resmed Swift LT Nasal Mask. At my request, he also brought a Swift FX but he recommended the Swift LT because he said the headgear is much better. The DME seems very helpful. Now, I have three masks. A full face mask, a nasal mask, and the nasal pillow. The nasal pillow does seem more comfortable and less claustrophobic. But, it's hard to tell in 5 minutes at a dining room table. I'll try it tonight. I hope it works and provide feedback to all the good folks here trying to help.

Wonka wrote:Again...Thanks for the input.

I have another question. It appears that those adjusting to the use of a CPAP never sleep without it (including camping trips, etc.). Does continued use of a CPAP increase one's dependency on the machine?

I would phrased the last question differently ...Does continued use increases one's desire to use the machine? And the answer I would give is most definitely YES, due to the numerous benefits achieved. (Much in the same way as having water to quench one's thirst on a hot day.)

I am one of the rare ones in that I Have had great results from the very first night I used My CPAP. But as I said it is rare, most people here have had strugles and they have over came those strugles. You can and will to just don't give up. On a side note I had acid reflux that has went away since starting CPAP.

Xsnorer gave a GREAT response to your query whether use of the machine increases your dependency on the machine:

I would phrased the last question differently ...Does continued use increases one's desire to use the machine? And the answer I would give is most definitely YES, due to the numerous benefits achieved.

I might add that whether you know it or not, you ARE dependent on that machine. If you do not use it, you are risking your life, your health, and your physical indpendence. So whether you choose to use it or not, you absolutely are dependent on it, already--before you even got started.

I liken it to high blood pressure medication. You may not feel any symptoms of high blood pressure--that doesn't mean that you don't have a serious condition and that you aren't at significant risk if you don't take medication. When you take the medication, you most likely will not feel any different, and you may even experience negative side effects, but you are STILL dependent on that medication.

The nice thing is that many of us (not all, as I'm sure some will point out) DO feel the benefits of CPAP therapy--better sleep, more energy and alertness, calmer feelings, lower blood pressure, lack of headaches, clear sinuses, etc. And that motivates us to use it all the time for every sleep, because we can really feel the difference if we do not. But even those who don't feel the difference are dependent and must use it all the time.

Wonka wrote:My DME delivered a 3rd Mask today, a Resmed Swift LT Nasal Mask. At my request, he also brought a Swift FX but he recommended the Swift LT because he said the headgear is much better. The DME seems very helpful. Now, I have three masks. A full face mask, a nasal mask, and the nasal pillow. The nasal pillow does seem more comfortable and less claustrophobic. But, it's hard to tell in 5 minutes at a dining room table. I'll try it tonight. I hope it works and provide feedback to all the good folks here trying to help.

Hoping you had an easier time with the new mask - to get more used to it try even lying on the bed with it BEFORE bedtime. Believe it or not I found a great deal of improvement tolerating the feel of the mask if I had some "alone" time with my new friend - do not ask me why but getting more used to it lying in bed when I did not HAVE to be sleeping seemed to help me a lot - maybe just less pressure and it was not dark - if its evening when you do this keep a lamp on and just read or watch TV. It helped me tons and I know I would not be where I am now without the "extra homework" -

I used the Nasal pillow for the first time last nite. It felt much better. I slept almost six hours with the mask. So, I'm optimistic. I did sleep in a separate room and also took an Ambien. I'm hoping I can sleep without the Ambien tonight.
I also took a nap break for about an hour this afternoon and was able to sleep with the mask.

Hypnotherapy really will help as well. Get a tape of a good session and play it as you fall asleep. It will help you relax and get used to the mask.

I had mask problems as well. The skin on the bottom of my nostrils actually split after just a few days, and I got sores all around them. It was really gross. I eventually found a pillow size (XS) that suited me better and made a huge difference.

I would also take my mask off in the middle of the night sometimes. This went on for over a month; I never knew when or if I'd pull it off. I stopped doing that and now I wake up every morning with the mask firmly on my face, and my leak stats are decent.

I had to try four masks before I found the right fit. I felt like the Princess and the Pea. I actually felt guilty about it, as if I were being unreasonably finicky. Now that I have the right mask for me, I find that it really does make a huge difference.

So give yourself permission to be finicky, picky and demanding until you find something that works for you! I'm sure, based on what I've read on the message boards, that everyone else gives you permission to be as much of a Prince, complaining about as many peas, as you need to until you find comfort.

Now I am having a different set of issues entirely. But I'll make you a cyber-pinky promise: I won't give up yet if you won't!

Lara

I had a terrible time wearing the mask(full-faced). I guess I am claustrophobic and it took months of failing to be able to keep it on and actually fall asleep. After many months of not being able to sleep with it on my sleep doctor prescribed lorazepam or ativan, same thing. Ambian didn't work. The lorazepam in a small dosage, took the edge off and I was able to sleep some with the mask on. I am off the drug and am increasing very slowly the amount of sleep that I am getting. It has taken me a year to get this far. Don't give up. Keep trying. Get help from your doctor.
Blessings,
Larry in Cincinnati

Wonka wrote:I used the Nasal pillow for the first time last nite. It felt much better. I slept almost six hours with the mask. So, I'm optimistic. I did sleep in a separate room and also took an Ambien. I'm hoping I can sleep without the Ambien tonight.
I also took a nap break for about an hour this afternoon and was able to sleep with the mask.

So happy for you - this is a huge step ahead. I am very optimistic for you also - keep up the great work!