New CPAP user, Swift FX/dry mouth, got new mask, DME issue?

Lora,

I LOVE my Swift FX, but I've been having to use the Quattro this week because of a bad URI. CHeck out my post, here: viewtopic/t58586/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58 ... ce#p550745.

Using this fitting technique there is absolutely NO pressure on my nose. It's like a miracle.

I'm wondering if it will work for others, so you might want to give it a try and then let me know.

I hated the Quattro before this week. It always hurt my nose and face and leaked like a seive. Now I am finding it sooo comfortable after working out this fitting technique. It leaks a bit at the chin area, but that's easily fixed either by pushing my face a little into the bed pillow or by tightening the straps. I find in the early morning my pressure sometimes maxes out and I get the face farts. I just tighten up the bottom strap a tiny bit, and go back to sleep. Even with the Quattro, I find I want to stay in bed and savor that peaceful feeling from sleeping with CPAP--that was NEVER the case before with the Quattro!

I also use the Swift FX. I am not a severe mouth breather but enough to spoil my therapy. Orderd the PapCap and that solved my proble. After a few weeks I no longer needed the papcap. My mouth stays closed. Who says you cannot teach an old dog new tricks!

Bob

rad3766 wrote: One taping tip if you do try it; fold at least one of the ends back on itself, a half inch or so, this will give you something to grab onto to help removal.

2nd tip, make sure at least full 10 inches long, tape all the way around, makes for more effective seal. If you use the blue painter's tape, make sure #2080 [not 2090].

cortez356 wrote:I also use the Swift FX. I am not a severe mouth breather but enough to spoil my therapy.

Experienced my first CPAP night at home yesterday. Didn't go so well. Started out fine, but just as I'd enter into sleep, I'd suddenly wake up in a little distress, hit the ramp button and start the process all over. This happened three or four times until finally around 1:00, I took the gear off and turned the machine off. Not looking forward to tonight.

When I had my sleep study with the CPAP, the tech came in during the night and strapped my mouth shut. How does one know if they are mouth breathing? Do I have to wait for my review in 6 weeks? Seems like there should be a way for a user to know so they can take appropriate action right away.

Today, I've been short on breath. Chest feels tight and I'm coughing a lot. Look forward to learning much more from all the veterans.

air_force wrote:How does one know if they are mouth breathing? Do I have to wait for my review in 6 weeks? Seems like there should be a way for a user to know so they can take appropriate action right away.

There absolutely should be. I've long thought that any truly conscientious DME should do a download (assuming the machine is one that records AHI and leak data, which yours does, air_force) during the FIRST FEW DAYS of a new cpap user's therapy.

It's ridiculous for a person to be going through the struggle of trying to get used to CPAP, and hoping to start feeling better, if mouth breathing during sleep (if not wearing a Full Face mask) is happening. CPAP air detouring out into the bedroom is not going where it's needed. It's not the cpap user's fault. It's the DMEs fault for not being aware of how easily this can be happening to many people, and/or not wanting to take the time or trouble to check on it VERY soon after the person begins CPAP.

A high leak rate, in and of itself, won't identify where the leak is coming from. Could be from mask, or from mouth. Or even from a poor hose connection. But if the person is not using a FF mask, the DME (or whoever checks the data) should strongly suspect mouth air leaks when a high leak rate happens.

What's really sad is that when the DME does finally do a download, they will probably be looking just at "compliance" (hours of use.) Just about all the DME is interested in is, "Is the person using the machine at least the minimum required time to justify to Medicare or the insurance company that we'll keep receiving the monthly rental fee." I truly believe it's a rare DME who would even glance at the all-important leak rate. Or know what they were looking at, or what to try to do about it.

air_force, you can see leak data in the display window on your machine. If allowing the user to see that info has been enabled when the machine was set up for you in the first place.

If you get the Encore Viewer or Encore Pro software (either one will give the same detailed "leak" data) that would be even better than trying to figure out leak stuff from the "averages" shown in the window of Respironics and Philips Respironics machines. The detailed data shown by the software gives a much better full night, night-by-night look at the leak situation.

About taping, and other ways to stop mouth air leaks:
LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

rested gal wrote:

air_force wrote: snip.....Or know what they were looking at, or what to try to do about it. snip

I voluntarily took my card in to the DME as they had requested feedback. I had to show the nurse how to download the data and explain what she was seeing. I remember one question...."What are the numbers in the box at the top of the event markers?"

There is one thing you can count on. Whatever mask you decide upon, there will be someone here who can tell you how to wear it best.

Using a FFM is similar to using a snorkeling mask and tube but easier I think. The FFM is lighter and exerts less pressure on the face for me. I couldn't guarantee the avoidance of drying issues because the air intake is opposite your mouth and there is air movement if you open it. But with good sleep hygiene and positioning in the bed, dryness can be managed successfully. The first FFM I tried was a Quattro Mirage and I am still using it at close to five months. I barely know it's there except on the worst of nights. Fitting any mask is critical to comfort and it will take some time. Hang in there and eliminate the problems one at a time.

I had my doctors appointment yesterday and told her about my problem. I also spoke to her about the DME, I had wanted a different machine (S9 got the system one) and she didn't want to change machines because the paperwork was already done. I'm a very lite sleeper and the S9 is 5 db (60%) quieter than the system one. The PR system one does seem like a decent machine if it had the added capabilities.

We discussed sleep issues I was having and she wrote me a new perscription for an apap machine with data logging.

Went by the DME and got a new mask, Mirage Liberty. Still woke up last nite with dry mouth and was having a fit problem that I need to address. Going to increase my humidity. The new mask is aso louder

The DME wanted me to try the new mask and then see how it goes before upgrading my machine. Still not crazy about not having data logging, I also wake up from issues not associated with apenea and feel the apap will be a better fit for me.

I feel like I'm getting the run around.
S9 autoset would be my preference but the PR Auto CPAP also looks like a good machine even though it is louder.

Thanks again for all the support and suggestions.

gm60 wrote:
The DME wanted me to try the new mask and then see how it goes before upgrading my machine. Still not crazy about not having data logging, I also wake up from issues not associated with apenea and feel the apap will be a better fit for me.

I feel like I'm getting the run around.
S9 autoset would be my preference but the PR Auto CPAP also looks like a good machine even though it is louder.

Thanks again for all the support and suggestions.

Yes you are getting the run around. If you have a new RX from your doctor, insist that they fill it, or you'll go elsewhere. Check with your insurance co., to find out other DME's that they cover. Good luck to you.

I plan on calling Monday. I would like the quieter machine and the ability to monitor my sleep or lack of. Due to the arousals I have during the night the advanced features of the S9 autoset should help with my sleep problems.

My perscription doesn't include the heated hose. Not sure if it is worth the fight. I do notice with the PR1 the heated air does not seem even warm. I don"t have a hose cover. The heated hose would make a difference.

Thanks all!