New to Cpap machine

[Valvatien]

HI I jsut got a cpap machine 2 days ago. I am adjusting to the quatro mask I got, I need a full face mask and was wondering if anyone had any ideas or comments about there experiance with masks.
I breath through my mouth so they wont let me try nasal ones, although I would like to for when i fall asleep watching tv. My nose has been broken and the insurance company wont pay for a trial one because of that.

I also heard about sewing sleves and headgear padding anyone have any sewing tips on Cpap items?

thanks for any tips and or ideas.

I am also looking for inexpensive masks to try, I need a Med mask interested in Mirage, Respcare, or any other combo masks, or full face. If you have one you are willin gto let go of please let me know. you can PM me if youd like. also looking for a chin strap.::sleepy::

[renren]

Hi!
I've got one too,as does my father-in-law..
He has a chin strap,to help him literally keep his mouth shut,and breathe through his nose.
Just an idea, although I don't know where to find one.
Try shopping around online!

[Valvatien]

Thank you I am watching Ebay and CL but thought others might have gone through the same experiance or tried several masks and still had the masks that didnt work or knew someone that might. this is a large group and being new to the grou and the cpap machine I could use some help

any one use the tube warmers yet? what do you think of them?

Again thank you for your ideas.::sleepy::

[Valvatien]

followed links thanks

[RaevynCait]

I've had mine for just over a year, and we have a love/hate relationship. Wearing it drives me nuts, but when I go more than about 2 nights without it, there's a HUGE difference in the way I feel the next day! I tend to be a mouth breather as well, when I don't have the cpap on.

My original mask was the nasal pillows:
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/ResMed-Mirage-SwiftII-Nasal-Pillow-System-CPAP-Mask.html

I was not 'fitted' for it (the rep who brought the stuff was TERRIFIED of my cats and couldn't get out of the house fast enough), and so I just sort of had to feel my way. I had 3 pillows, and assumed that they were all the same. In order to have a good seal, I had to snug the straps up so tight that my nose hurt in the morning. I was NOT HAPPY, so I called the provider and said that mask was useless, so they sent me another one, that goes over the nose but also has the headgear
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-mirage-activa-mask-headgear-shallow.html

Again, I was not fitted for it. I was ok with it for a week or so, but it drove me nuts not to be able to read or watch tv while trying to fall asleep. Eventually, I did some more research online and discovered that the nasal pillows comes in 3 different sizes, and when I went back through my packaging and found that lo and behold, they were all 3 different sizes, not 3 of one size. I tried a different size and it made all the difference in the world! Now I'll switch back and forth between masks, the pillows will become very annoying so I'll use the other one for a few days or a week, then go back, but mostly I use the pillows.

I also learned, when I called a different DME provider (because I was VERY unhappy with the service I got from the first) that the first had NOT done what needed to be done. I SHOULD have been fitted by a respiratory therapist, and the fitting should have been a 30-45 minute process and included making sure the mask fit properly, and WITH THE MACHINE TURNED ON, as well as a full orientation to the equipment. I got, 5 minutes of "this is how to turn the machine on, connect it, and put your mask on. Read these instructions". They also called me 3 months later and tried to get me to sign up for 'required quarterly replacement' of tubing, masks, and filters, at a cost of about $150 quarterly. The DME provider I called said WHAT??? The RT that I spoke with has a cpap, and 2 cats (there are 3 in my house), told me that she changes her tubing about yearly, and filters every 9 to 12 months.

Also, on the mouth breathing thing, my nasal pillows came with a chin strap included. I only needed to use it for a few weeks before I trained myself not to open my mouth. Plus, when I've got either mask on, if my mouth is open, I whistle, because the air goes in my nose and right back out my mouth.

[Valvatien]

Thanks so much
the info is priceless I looked at the second mask and think that would be a good altenate.

I spent my first night with my mask so tight on my face i believe i have bruises. I did have the fitting and the hour visit. The mask i tried at the hospital killed my nose so we just grabbed a different one and fit it on adn took it home. last night I slept but they say you always need a back up mask my insureance doesnt cover that.

I appreciate your story at least i know i am not alone. i talked to a freind too they sent the machine home read the card sent the mask and a new machine home and said, its better to try and use it then not at all, it will take another month to get you in and we know you need it now. And sent her on her way.

Its a wild world out there

thanks again

[KyraAnne]

You guys inspired me...

I got a Cpap machine at the end of June and have been fighting with it for over a month. It doesn't want to stay on overnight. I went to bed last night and went looking for adjustors. (Yeah, seemed obvious to everyone but me!) I kept it on last night and woke up refreshed!! My nose is a little sore, but not nearly as bad as it was when I first got it. They did the fitting then and it was staying on. I don't know if the straps stretched or what, but it hasn't been fitting right in over a month. I've been back to being sleepy all the time and not getting restful sleep.

Yeah!! Let's see how long I can keep it on. At least I know better what to do now.

[Valvatien]

congrats on a good nights sleep!
I hope it doesnt take a month, my face is sore and every night I put the mask back on the bruses this is no fun.

The first maks made my nose sore for about 3 weeks after one nights use at the hospital, but i broke it years ago and it was never repaired so i am sure that had something to do with it. this one has less pressure on the nose and more on the forhead. and cheek bones.

thanks for the info::sleepy::

[RaevynCait]

You guys inspired me...

I don't know if the straps stretched or what, but it hasn't been fitting right in over a month.

Yes, the straps do stretch with time, just like any other elastic. I have found that if I loosen them before I take the mask off, I don't have to tighten more so quickly.

[AllieSutherland]

I have used my CPAP for over two years now, and I honestly can't sledep without it anymore. (I wouldn't *try* to if I could; apnea is serious, and I know that it can cause death...)

I use a Respironics nasal mask with the blue gel. That is the only kind that has worked for me. I started out with a full mouth/nose respironics, but I woke myself up trying to breathe with my nose and keeping my mouth shut.
I do just fine with a nasal mask now.

I did try the nasal pillow kind, but after two weeks, I got very painful cysts in my nose. I got bad nosebleeds, even though I use a heated humidifier attached to the CPAP.

I highly recommend getting a CPAP humidifier. Insurance will cover it, and especially in the winter, you will get nosebleeds. However, you really do need to be consistent in cleaning your mask and tubing, especially if you do use a humidifier. Mold and bacteria can grow, and you'll re-infect yourself with colds and flu.

I also use Quick Clips on the side of my headgear so that I can remove it more easily when I get up to use the bathroom.

Personally, I would only buy headgear and masks that are factory packaged, because they are such fertile germ-breeding grounds. Ask your provider if they have some trial masks that you can try out; sometimes they have extras and will give them to you. They want you to "move up" to a more expensive model if possible, and most are glad to let you try some out. of course, they are yours once you get them; they can't switch them with other patients.

Also, it sounds strange, but you may want to do some deep forehead massage after you've used the CPAP if you have a forhead pad. I now have a permanent divot of sorts where it rests. People can't see it, but I can feel the area, and it bugs me to know it's there. There's nothing I can really do, though, and it doesn't hurt.

I hope it helps you sleep better!

[RaevynCait]

(snip)
I highly recommend getting a CPAP humidifier.
:thinking:Since mine came with the humidifier, I assumed that that was standard. I did find, however, that I do have to adjust for the environmental humidity, or I wind up with moisture getting up the tubing and into my nose, even with the machine 2 feet below my head level.
(snip)
Insurance will cover it, and especially in the winter, you will get nosebleeds. However, you really do need to be consistent in cleaning your mask and tubing, especially if you do use a humidifier. Mold and bacteria can grow, and you'll re-infect yourself with colds and flu. I've been lucky so far, I've managed not to re-infect myself with anything, though when I do have a cold or something, I do extra-thorough cleaning, just in case. I have noticed, however that this year I've had more allergy issues with a few pollens. :unamused:I've had to invest in Claritin-D because nothing else works anymore. It never occurred to me that it all started after I got the CPAP!

(snip)
Personally, I would only buy headgear and masks that are factory packaged, because they are such fertile germ-breeding grounds. Ask your provider if they have some trial masks that you can try out; sometimes they have extras and will give them to you. They want you to "move up" to a more expensive model if possible, and most are glad to let you try some out. of course, they are yours once you get them; they can't switch them with other patients. I absolutely agree with not sharing them! I don't want anything used. Also, when I contacted the provider where I met with the RT, they were more than willing to give me a new 'pillow' in my size. Apparently, they actually FIT their patients there, and only send home the size pillow that the patient needs, and keep the extras to provide a spare to other patients (or in my case, potential patient)

[Valvatien]

My machine has a humidifyer. I also found a lady on another board thast is a certified sleep clinician I know thats not her title but i cannot remember. She told me they waltzed me out the door. i didnt have the mask on long enough and the paper said i wore a medium so they put me back in a medium of the new mask style it wasnt the same as i slept in at the sleep center. i didnt lay down i didnt use it on a machine or anything .
I also got better cleaning directions from her then the print out from the clinic. she said if you get one from anyone or even a clinician take it home soack it in bleach water for 45 min then hot water for 30 repeat this process 3 tiems to kell any and all bacterial she said she recomends this to everyone. When i asked about masks some people get maskes still in the bag they never use. I guess i start asking for a smaller one to try at the clinic. i have a full face the clinician (sp?) is sending me a nose mask that covers the nose to try with a chin strap.

thanks to all

She gave me a list of questions to ask next time I go to the sleep center. Things we are entitled to know. I didnt know i could have a copy of my chart, so i could ask others questions nad get a second opinion.

these boards have helped me immensly. i thank you all.
My biggest problem now is my mask feel like a 10lb bag of potatoes, and covers my face from forhead to chin. I ache when i wake up because it feels so heavy.

Also i made the cover for my hose out of fleece to help keep the moisture form forming condensation and coming up into your nose or giving it a chance for more mold spores if you sew check out5 this item on
ebay Item number: 320154607479 its easy to make and they have several ideas. i suggest pirtae themse not plain colors.

again thanks so much for your help.

[Valvatien]

To all of you that may get machines along the way, If you are in great paine from your mask ask for a refitting.
I spent last week with major face paine I couldnt touch my face and I had indents from the pads on my forhead. I kept wearing it figuring it would get better.

I went through the mask bag found a video and watched it, then went to the web site.
My mask went from hair line to bottom fo chin. I felt it was too big.
They had a chart to measure your face i printed it out it said I was a small. i went to the hospital and got a small mask. I persued unti they gave exchanged the mask.

Today I got a phone call apologiziing for putting me in the wrong size.

Last night i had no pressure onthe forhead, no sandpaper feeling this morning, I will ahve to get used to the mask on my nose but other wise it is so different.

thank you all for helping me through this.
If you ever feel the mask is totaly too big, call them bak ask to be seen.
See if htere is a pritn out from the mask company.

It pays to resurch your mask.

I slept last night :) :-D

[wendyzski]

I want to thank all of you for sharing your experiences. Our new flute guy has major sleep apnea issues (we all learned that our first night on tour together! OMG! Every 28 seconds all night!) and will be seeing a specialist in a couple of weeks, probably to get a CPAP of his own.

I copied all the info from this thread and e-mailed it to him - hopefully this will help him avoid some if not all of the problems that you have dealt with.

[Valvatien]

glad to be of service oops of help that is

[Valvatien]

For those following this I ended up with a smaller FF mask, a longer hose, and many sore noses. But, last night i slept all night no problems at all.
Of course i dont expect a miricle and i go for a follow up tomorrow but a nights sleep is a preciuos thing. since every time i take it all apart to clean it I somehow miss a nights sleep because something wasnt put on right, like the humidifier seal. i now follow step by step until i can do it blind folded.

Yea for sleep!::sleepy::

Its been a rough road and the bridge of my nose is bruised and sore, but last night was worth it. ( I have an old break from years ago, the nose has been an issue with the seal all along) I guess i just have to get used to it.

We will see what the follow up brings thanks for all your help and assistance