Re: Prescription for a mask?
Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:42 pm
Yes, prescriptions are good across states.
Yes, it is important to have and keep your prescriptions for your mask and xpap machine. I also need to watch a little tv before bedtime. It relaxes me. If you are not a mouth breather (that is, you don't open your mouth in your sleep), then why not try a nasal pillow mask? I use a Swift FX and it is is very non-invasive. I can watch tv in bed with it on and as I drift off to sleep I turn on my side. And, there are some folks here who do breathe through their mouth on occasion and use a nasal pillow mask along with a "papcap" (you can view one at http://www.pur-sleep.com). Some folks also tape their mouths closed at night (you can do a search on mouth taping). My husband uses a Mirage Quatro full face mask because he does open his mouth at night during sleep and it's comfortable and easy for him to use. You see, mask choice is very personal. What feels wonderful to me, may not to you, and visa versa. I found that when I had a sinus infection my nasal pillows bothered me and so I have a Comfort Gel Nasal Mask and a Mirage Softgel nasal mask here for whenever I need them.
I also found that I was having trouble keeping a good seal on my mask at night because of my pillow sort of bouncing back and fighting my mask. So, I purchased a buckwheat hull pillow from http://www.pur-sleep.com. Although it took 3 nights for me to get used to it, I love it now and I find it to be very comfortable and very helpful.
It takes time to get used to wearing a mask and hose every night. The folks here are wonderful, warm and caring and eager to help you. Feel free to try a few comfort items and try different masks. When you try a mask at your DME make sure that you are lying down with the machine turned onto your full pressure. If you decide to purchase a mask on line at a site like https://www.cpap.com, take the insurance so that within 30 days if you discover that it just isn't right for you, you can send it back and try a new one. This is a journey and it takes time to get the right items so that you feel comfortable. The good news is that eventually you WILL feel better. Eventually, you WILL sleep peacefully.
I read your other post about taking the mask off in your sleep - many folks do that at first. Eventually, each night that you put the mask on, it will be a signal to your brain that peaceful, restorative sleep is on the way and as the soothing air enters, you will gently go to sleep.
You can do this. It WILL get better.
Warmly,
Jersey Girl