Tomorrow I am going back to the sleep center to discuss masks and equipment with a tech.  They dont sell masks so they have no agenda.  Any suggestions on how I should handle this chance?  Questions I should ask?  What I should expect?

Thanks all

I am gettting closer and closer to my therapy!!

I am so tired of being tired.


_________________
Thomas Vaughan

Hi Terribly Tired but not for Too Long Tom,

Masks and machines are very, very individual.  For every person who loves an interface, you will find someone who despises it equally.  The questions to ask are what do you want out of an interface?

Remember, each mask has pros and cons, which may only be applicable to the user (an example of this follows)

I have both Respironics and Resmed instruments, I don't value one over the other, as with masks, each has pros and cons.

1.  Do you want unobstructed vision or are you claustrophobic?  Try;
     Nasal pillows
     Comfort Curve
     Resmed Vista

2.  Can you sleep with your mouth closed and you don't care of your vision is obstructed?
     Try;
     Nasal masks (There are many different types, some have thin silicone seals while others
     use a thick gel material).

3.  Do you move around a lot?  Try;
     ResMed Activa (I personally hate this one, the headgear is hard plastic and cuts into my
     ears.  See, maybe your ears are placed differently on your head than mine and the
     mask would work well for you).

4.  Do you open your mouth or are your sinuses hopelessly messed up?  Try;
     A nasal mask and chin strap
     Full faced mask (If you end up using a full face mask email me as I do have suggestions
     for this.

5.  Adult masks come in S, M, L.  You have to try the mask on!  I wear a M with one brand
     and a S with another.  There are probably also pediatric masks available, check around.

     Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thanks Vicki

I have printed out your suggestions.  This is a mask visit but I am interested in this "cflex" technology.  What do you think of it?  

I had a nasal mask on during my split sleep study and I didn't experience any problems but I was concerned about being able to move.  During the study I remember feeling so calm and relaxed about being able to breath while on my back I didn't give any thought to moving.  Those 5 hours with the mask were the best 5 hours of sleep I have had in years.  I notice that I had a very vivid dream, so vivid that I was sure I would never forget.  I did forget the detailed but I was wondering if vivid dreams were a consequence of the hypopnea free sleep I had?

Thanks for your helpful response.


_________________
Thomas Vaughan

Thomas P Vaughan wrote:

Tomorrow I am going back to the sleep center to discuss masks and equipment with a tech.  They dont sell masks so they have no agenda.  Any suggestions on how I should handle this chance?  Questions I should ask?  What I should expect?

Thanks all

I am gettting closer and closer to my therapy!!

I am so tired of being tired.

Thomas,

Try every mask that they have. With each one move around as you might when asleep.
Take your time. The mask is going to become your new 'best friend'  :lol:

If the mask is not right, then the therapy will be difficult to use.

CPAP machines only blow air.

Daniel


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

(Anon)

The nurse at the sleep center at University Community Hospital in Tampa escorted me inot one ot the sleep study rooms and had a cartfull of masks.  I tried about 6 different ones.  With each she would set up the machine to my prescribed pressure and would check for lung volume and then would ativate the "cflex".  Eventulayy I piched something called the swift nasal pillow with cflex on.  I was so comfortable I quickly feel asleep.  The lady said I was sleeping so well she decided to let me sleep for 30 minutes!

I met the sleep cod today and she had already called him to tell him which machine I wanted as well as the mask.  she even told him which pressure I seemed to do best with.

I couldnt have been more pleased with the entire experience.  She even invited me to come back anytime I needed help.

I posted my study results on the "Sleep Study forum".  My RDI was 89.9 which was appearantly a very high number.

Now I have to wait for the insurance company to authorize it and then await the DME's call.

I swear I am tempted to spend the 800 dollars today to get the machine in a few days.  I have a RX and a copy of the sleep study.  My fatigue is so bad.   Good to hear so many people posting their happiness at the relief given by the CPAP machine.


_________________
Thomas Vaughan

Thomas P Vaughan wrote:

The nurse at the sleep center at University Community Hospital in Tampa escorted me inot one ot the sleep study rooms and had a cartfull of masks.  I tried about 6 different ones.  With each she would set up the machine to my prescribed pressure and would check for lung volume and then would ativate the "cflex".  Eventulayy I piched something called the swift nasal pillow with cflex on.  I was so comfortable I quickly feel asleep.  The lady said I was sleeping so well she decided to let me sleep for 30 minutes!

I met the sleep cod today and she had already called him to tell him which machine I wanted as well as the mask.  she even told him which pressure I seemed to do best with.

I couldnt have been more pleased with the entire experience.  She even invited me to come back anytime I needed help.

I posted my study results on the "Sleep Study forum".  My RDI was 89.9 which was appearantly a very high number.

Now I have to wait for the insurance company to authorize it and then await the DME's call.

Thomas,

Delighted to hear you had such a positive experience.
Sugest you start 'bugging' your insurers. 'The squekiest wheel gets the most oil'.

Daniel

I swear I am tempted to spend the 800 dollars today to get the machine in a few days.  I have a RX and a copy of the sleep study.  My fatigue is so bad.   Good to hear so many people posting their happiness at the relief given by the CPAP machine.

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

(Anon)