Well, I finally got my CPAP and nasal system and am a little upset.  I wasn't concerned as I had such an easy time on my sleep study.  The doctor ordered the same type of mask, a Nasal Aire II mask, so I thought all would be fine.  When I went to pick it up, the therapist said she hated that mask as it didn't stay on people, and sure enough it just popped right off of me.  I think the gal at the clinic rigged the headgear differently as I am pretty sure none of the suggested riggings was what I had.  In any case, the Fisher Paskel seemed to work okay.  It does, I suppose, but is not as comfortable and I can just lay on the left hand side (or side where the machine is).  The weight of the tubing just pulls it loose if you try to lay on your back or right hand side.  That is a bit disappointing.

I did okay except for one time in experiementing whether I could lay differently until around 5:30 when I started to cough.  I took off the mask to cough and put it back on and started coughing again.  After a while I gave up and decided that I was pretty much in compliance for the whole night and took off the mask.

I hope the quality of sleep is better.  I was conscious of the weight of the mask but I slept okay.

I don't really think these therapists who "fit masks" care very much.  This is the second one I've dealt with and the attitude is "well, it takes time to adjust".  If it falls off, I can't see how you will ever adjust.  She did tell us (they do it in groups) that you could get a new mask every 6 months.  I questioned her on this as it was my understanding that Medicare paid more often.  First, it was a generic statement to cover all insurance it seems, she did not know the particulars and suggested a call to Medicare (I thought they should be the "experts" in this).  Then she said the problem was that they just bought the entire system and most insurance will pay for changing the nose piece, etc. earlier than the head gear.  However, as you had to pick up the costs of the headgear then they just said 6 mos as that is when most insurance would pick up the costs of everything.  She also said I couldn't exchange it as it seems some people on this forum have done until they found something that worked.  Sigh.

Judy

Hi Judyb:
Medicare allows a new mask (accessory A7034) every 3 months.

Here's all the stuff you can get as listed in the LCD for my neck of the woods:

Medicare Allowances

sleepydave

I'm new to Medicare, where do you find these lists for each area?

Anyhow, looking at that list, although the mask would be replaced in 3 months, the headgear just gets replaced every 6 months.  The tech's point was they did not sell parts separately so you could just get it every 6 months then or have to pick up the cost of the headgear, etc.on your own.  

Can one get it through an internet supplier and have medicare pick up the cost of the parts as per their schedule?

Judy