Hello to everyone.
My 8 y.o. son had his titration study last night...and I was told by the tech that he did very well...he slept deeply and soundly.  He was wearing the full face mask.

Are there some masks that are more comfy than others?  he still has a red mark across the bridge of his nose...a day later.  Is this normal?  Is this an indication that the mask was the wrong size/shape or too tight?

He woke up in a pleasant mood for the first time in YEARS!  I am experiencing a lot of Mommy guilt for not getting him in for a study sooner.  he had T&A at age 3 due to tonsillar/adenoid  hypertropy....but they never mentioned at that time that they thought he should get a sleep study at all!  He went back to the ENT at age 7 because I couldn't stand the way he was breathing at night...it made me cry watching him.  They x-rayed him and his adenoids had grown BACK and were blocking 80% of his airway.  they were immediately removed AGAIN...and now a year later,after an overnight sleep study... he is dx with sleep apnea.  Fast forward to last night at the lab!  

I am thrilled to say the least.  he was such a good sport and was very compliant all during the study....is this a good sign??   I am hoping he will not fight me to wear his mask....I think it was the hokey video they made us watch while they were wiring him up that confirmed to him that he needed to use the cpap for his own health.  It's amazing how much that affected him.  He was NOT happy with the thought of having to wear the mask  UNTIL we saw that video!  

Does anyone have any great suggestions as far as equipment goes?  I DO NOT want to be sold the "basic" equipment...because of insurance issues...and I want to have recommendations in my hand when we visit the medical place to order equipment!  

Thanks in advance!

Hello,
As for masks...
All masks are not the same.  It depends on the person, so I would say the important thing would be to try on several different masks when searching and find the best one that way - sort of like trying on shoes.  Some are comfortable to some people, and not to others.  Some leaves marks on the face when too tight, etc.  This, obviously is not ideal.  If one mask doesnt work, get a new one that works better.  If the insurance company wont pay for it, tell your Dr. that you need she/he to order a different one.  

I will however say that ResMed corp makes the only masks that are approved by FDA for pediatric use.  This basically just means that these masks were designed with kids in mind, and smaller mask interfaces were designed, whereas many masks are identical to the adult masks, just made in smaller sizes.  In my experience, they are pretty good masks...not to say they are better than many others though.  If nothing else ResMed made a wise choice in attempting to be the first to market to the pediatric demographic.  

It is definitely a good sign that he wore the mask all night long.  You will have to find a way to maintain that attitude and persist for a while, but the persistance pays off.

Thanks for the advice Tim...

I will have my list ready for the home medical company!  

amy