CPAP Basics - 4

49er wrote:

zoocrewphoto wrote:

49er wrote: And he is a cpap user himself which I think makes all the difference in the world. I really despise anyone who hasn't put a mask on themselves for at least a week, giving advice to a group like this in the manner that he has.

I think somebody offering advice in a professional capacity (DME, book, etc) should have SLEPT with a mask on with at least a pressure of 10 (better yet, 15-20), and they should have successfully achieved COMPLIANCE.

Not just one a try in the office, or one or two nights. But 21 days out of 30. Over 4 hours per night. Get a REAL idea of what the challenges are.

And since they are professionals, they should be able to do with this nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, etc.

Totally agree Zoo Crew. Once again, you are right on the money.

49er

Clearly, at this point it is obvious that The Group KB is infinitely superior to the Outsider CB, and must take decisive action.

The Sons and Daughters of Liberty will break the Bonds of Oppression!!

To wit...

49er wrote:

zoocrewphoto wrote:

49er wrote: And he is a cpap user himself which I think makes all the difference in the world. I really despise anyone who hasn't put a mask on themselves for at least a week, giving advice to a group like this in the manner that he has.

I think somebody offering advice in a professional capacity (DME, book, etc) should have SLEPT with a mask on with at least a pressure of 10 (better yet, 15-20), and they should have successfully achieved COMPLIANCE.

Not just one a try in the office, or one or two nights. But 21 days out of 30. Over 4 hours per night. Get a REAL idea of what the challenges are.

And since they are professionals, they should be able to do with this nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, etc.

Totally agree Zoo Crew. Once again, you are right on the money.

49er

That is why I love this forum so much. Even when I am not looking for advice, I still pick up great advice from the other topics being discussed. And even a beginner can help another beginner as we are all working our way through a variety of similar challenges. If I struggle with a mask and master it (with help), then I can help the next person who is struggling with the same mask. Most DMEs don't even realize how little they know because they think it is great if it fits at the office with the patient sitting up and the starting pressure. That has nothing to do with actually sleeping. In real life, most people sleep in a bed, with a pillow, with a higher prescription than 4, etc. We roll over, move around, sneeze, cough, drool, etc.

I believe doctors are a good resource for the actual treatment plan. DMEs are for picking up equipment. And experienced users are where to get advice for how to USE the equipment.

Hello mollete,

Thanks very much for purchasing my book!

What specifically did you not like about it?

Jim

zoocrewphoto wrote:I believe doctors are a good resource for the actual treatment plan. DMEs are for picking up equipment. And experienced users are where to get advice for how to USE the equipment.

Quote of the week!

Only thing I would modify is docs are good for initial Dx. I have received more insight into better treatment plan from the users here.

SleepWellCPAP wrote:Hello All,

Many thanks to everyone chiming in!

Denial Dave raises such a great issue, not that anyone else's is less important in the slightest, but what does a person do with high pressures? Anything above 15, and I see such difficulty and struggle in patients trying to contain that amount of air. In my own experience working with others, either we have to loosen the bubble design mask or crank down on a Fisher Paykel product.

One of the things I have noticed is that there are quite a few sleep lab experts monitoring and commenting on these posts. As a side note, we really have to give those people who do that job and incredible amount of credit. Here they stay up all night long making sure the masses get better rest.

Have a great evening!

Jim

Jim, do you have a real good suggestion for Denial Dave and others with high pressure? I'm sure you have some good tips other than loosen or crank down mask, right?

Hello DoriC,

Thanks very much for your post!

You're very right, that was a little short on detail. What I was leading to, for those with higher pressures, is that ultimately it is the type of mask, in my experience, that leads to success. Higher pressures as you all are aware, can be very difficult to contain without at least a little bit of leakage. I have had patients use full face styles, then try pillows, then go to hybrid styles and back and forth until finally one seems to work better than the others. There really is no magical formula with high pressure, that I have known, it ends up to be trial and error.

If you have been prescribed a high pressure, detailed download information is incredibly important. It allows you to visually see which mask really is the best one.

Another thing about high pressures is to ask the doctor how much room you have for adjustment. Let's say you're initially given 17 cm to work with, but as little as 12 or 14 eliminates most of the problem. Even a little reduction in pressure can make a mask much easier to seal.

Hope that answer is a little more helpful.

Jim