Hi there - I am new to this board.  Over the past few weeks I've been posting on the sleep study board, but I think I just about graduated to this board today.

After 2.5 months of BS'ing with the Sleep Lab for an appointment, etc (actually most of that was waiting for the study appt) - I finally have the orders faxed to the DME and an appoint to receive my CPAP on Friday.  Thanks to the folks on this board - I am actually looking forward to getting the machine and hopefully getting rid of my exhaustion.  

In case it matters, I will be getting the Resmed S8 Escape with integrated humidifier.  We chose this for a variety of reasons - first and foremost because I spend close to half my time traveling.

My one continued concern at this point is that darn mask.  I just don't want all that !@#! all over me.  I am not claustraphobic or anything - I just can't stand it!  When I spoke with the doctor - she advised me that my pressure needs to be set at 7 - so I am hoping this is low enough to offer me options.  After the titration at the lab, where I wore a nasal mask - I now KNOW I don't want one of those - which I guess leaves me with nasal pillows.

From web searches and looking at pictures - I immediately chose the Nasal Aire 2 - for both comfort and aesthetic reasons.  The comfort piece is speculative - it just looks like it will support more movement and allow me to sleep on my stomach more easily.

When I discussed this with the respiratory therapist - she said it is the one most often returned due to patient disatisfaction.  Of course this gave me pause, but I am hoping I am an exception to this rule.  She is recommending I go with the Mirage Swift Nasal Mask.

So here are my questions:

1.  I would really appreciate folks sharing their experiences with either one or both of these masks
2.  Is it possible for me to just buy the second mask - so I can have them both on hand and make my own decision?  I know the machine requires a prescription - but do the masks also?  (needless to say I'll ask this of the DME as well)
3.  Are any of you single?  If so how do you address the need for this aparatus with your new "friends?"  What have their reactions been like?  I would most greatly appreciate input from women on this one, since men and women react differently and I'm a girl - hoping that this will not blow any chance of my having a guy!
4.  Not sure if this is an ok thing to ask here - but how has this affected your "other" bedroom activities (if you know what I mean)?

I greatly appreciate any and all responses and deeply apologize if that last question is offensive - it isn't mean to be, it's just a very great concern to me at this point.

Many thanks and ENORMOUS appreciation

Quote:

2.  Is it possible for me to just buy the second mask - so I can have them both on hand and make my own decision?  I know the machine requires a prescription - but do the masks also?

That's a VERY good idea - having more than one mask on hand!  I've accumulated twenty or more...lol!!  Didn't need to try that many to find my favorites...it's just become kind of a crazy hobby, trying various machines and masks.   Anyway, with a bit of luck, both masks will suit you, in which case it's always nice to have a different mask to switch to on occasional nights.  Or even during the night.   Even a favorite mask can wear out its welcome being on the same pressure points all the time.

My two favorites are the Headrest (formerly called the "Aura") by Aeiomed, and the Breeze by Puritan Bennett.  Both are nasal pillows masks.   I used an extra homemade soft, stretchy strap to steady both of them in place.

Between the Nasal Aire II and the Swift, I'd say a lot more people would have success with the Swift.  But NA II has a goodly number of fans.  Perhaps it will suit you.  Exact fit of the nasal prongs of the NAII is more crucial to leakproof success with it.   Nasal pillows, like the Swift uses, are just a tad more forgiving of fit, imho.

A dab of Ayr gel or KY jelly at the nostrils helps the snout acclimate to nasal prongs or nasal pillows, especially if you start getting a bit of tenderness at the nares (the openings to the nostrils.)

If you do get a Nasal Aire II and are lucky enought to get a prongs size that fits you, but still have trouble keeping it on, here's a PDF file that shows pictures of a lot of different ways to hold it in place:

Headgear configurations for the NA II

If you're willing to buy a mask out of your own pocket, you can buy any mask you want from online cpap supply stores without a prescription.    When buying online, the only piece of cpap equipment that normally requires an Rx is a machine.  Masks, humidifiers, hoses, filters, etc., -- no prescription needed to buy those online.  Local DME's often want a prescription for every tiny thing right down to the filter, primarily for insurance billing purposes.  And perhaps also as a CYA measure.  

No problem about your other questions.  It's fine to ask those things.  I've just written enough already.  

tosleepperchancetodream wrote:

Hi there - I am new to this board.  Over the past few weeks I've been posting on the sleep study board, but I think I just about graduated to this board today.

After 2.5 months of BS'ing with the Sleep Lab for an appointment, etc (actually most of that was waiting for the study appt) - I finally have the orders faxed to the DME and an appoint to receive my CPAP on Friday.  Thanks to the folks on this board - I am actually looking forward to getting the machine and hopefully getting rid of my exhaustion.  

In case it matters, I will be getting the Resmed S8 Escape with integrated humidifier.  We chose this for a variety of reasons - first and foremost because I spend close to half my time traveling.

My one continued concern at this point is that darn mask.  I just don't want all that !@#! all over me.  I am not claustraphobic or anything - I just can't stand it!  When I spoke with the doctor - she advised me that my pressure needs to be set at 7 - so I am hoping this is low enough to offer me options.  After the titration at the lab, where I wore a nasal mask - I now KNOW I don't want one of those - which I guess leaves me with nasal pillows.

From web searches and looking at pictures - I immediately chose the Nasal Aire 2 - for both comfort and aesthetic reasons.  The comfort piece is speculative - it just looks like it will support more movement and allow me to sleep on my stomach more easily.

When I discussed this with the respiratory therapist - she said it is the one most often returned due to patient disatisfaction.  Of course this gave me pause, but I am hoping I am an exception to this rule.  She is recommending I go with the Mirage Swift Nasal Mask.

So here are my questions:

1.  I would really appreciate folks sharing their experiences with either one or both of these masks
2.  Is it possible for me to just buy the second mask - so I can have them both on hand and make my own decision?  I know the machine requires a prescription - but do the masks also?  (needless to say I'll ask this of the DME as well)
3.  Are any of you single?  If so how do you address the need for this aparatus with your new "friends?"  What have their reactions been like?  I would most greatly appreciate input from women on this one, since men and women react differently and I'm a girl - hoping that this will not blow any chance of my having a guy!
4.  Not sure if this is an ok thing to ask here - but how has this affected your "other" bedroom activities (if you know what I mean)?

I greatly appreciate any and all responses and deeply apologize if that last question is offensive - it isn't mean to be, it's just a very great concern to me at this point.

Many thanks and ENORMOUS appreciation

Hi,

There have been a lot of reported problems with the nasal aire system, however I believe a lot had to do with the fact that it is not suitable for patients with a high cpap pressure.........at 7 I think you should be able to handle it.

Its worth considering a second mask or set of pillows, particularly as you travel a lot. I don't use nasal pillows, but I do use two different masks for variety.

Masks don't need prescriptions..............no matter what they tell you.
When choosing a mask it is best to try it out with the DME person present. Not a good idea to buy and try to make it work later.

Don't think it will effect the love life. Think of it as a conversation piece   , then think of all the extra energy and bubbly personality you will have as a result of using it.

Other 'sporting' activities should improve considerably..............tiredness gone etc etc etc.

Best of luck,

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

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