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ZolliStar replied to ZolliStar's discussion What's the Right Machine?"This helps a lot, Terry! Thanks for letting me know.
How is your dog??
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Terry Vella replied to ZolliStar's discussion What's the Right Machine?"ZolliStar, I went straight to an auto so can't really compare but from what I have heard there are two major benefits, first, the comfort factor of not having the high pressure all night and second, it adjusts to what you require, so if you use…"
Mary Z replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"Ginny, they are probably not doing anything against the law- though it may seem like fraud to us it may be an accepted practice. I would rather change DME's. Have you talked to the manager. They don't want to lose your…"
Ginny Edmundson replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"It really burns me up that they are doing things like this. Monday I am going to lok up th eMedicare complaint number and give them an ear full.
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RockRpsgt replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"Companies like this will have to pay in the end. Medicare is taking no prisoners in their effort to reform medicare fraud."
RockRpsgt replied to Mary Z's discussion Symptoms"I had zero symptoms. I was testing equipment one night and fell asleep hooked up. When I woke up my doc said I had an AHI of 10 with 30 second events. I have been on PAP ever since."
Ginny Edmundson replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"I just use a large rubber band and safety pin to attach i tho the sheet. It doesn't exactly kink, but rather seems to have almost bends that don't quite ever go away. I have one that doesn't but all the others seem to.…"
Mary Z replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"My light weight tubing does not have a tendency to kink. It just hangs down from the stand and comes back up to the bed. I tried a hose hanger, but bought the cheaper travel model and it just wasn't up to the task."
Ginny Edmundson replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"I was really surprised when the congestion improved without the humidification. Yes, I use the lighter weight tubing too. Do you have trouble getting the bends and kinks out of them???? I have one favorite that is broken in and I hate…"
Mary Z replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"The reasoning behind changing the tubing is that it may develop small holes or tears which causing leakage. I am careful with my tubing and don't have any animals or children playing with the tubing. I don't feel like they have…"
Ginny Edmundson replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"I have ben using one of my cushions for 3 months now. I think I will just see how long I can actually use it without leaks before I replace it. I wonder if it is OK that I do not replace the tubing but about every 6 months???? I…"
Mary Z replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"I agree Ginny, it does come out of all our pockets. I too have Medicare with a Humana supplement and insurance with my partners work. This is the only year I will have anything but Medicare and supplement. My last two Medicare…"
Terry Vella replied to Mary Z's discussion Symptoms"Good post Mary, I was like you when I was younger but the the sleep deprivation really started kicking in a few years ago my symptoms change, actually didn't change but got much, much worse. I was diagnosed with depression and on meds for 2…"
Mary Z posted a discussionSymptoms
Just trying to drum up a few posts-What symptoms did you have that got you to the sleep apnea diagnosis?I was excessively tired during the day- falling asleep eating breakfast and standing on my feet. I couldn't drive or stay awake during appointments. I thought this was the beginning of my apnea. Then I remembered the mandatory 4-5 hour naps in the afternoon when I was dead to the world. That must have been the real beginning. I went to my family practice doctor hoping for a prescription…See More
Ginny Edmundson replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"My insurance is Medicare plus supplement. SO I pay nothing out of my pocket. BUT it is coming out of ALL out pockets...........My DME is a nationally known company. I am really thinking of calling the medicare hotline.
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Mary Z replied to Ginny Edmundson's discussion New "Rant" about DME/Wisp"I think this kind of behavior may be the norm with DMEs. I happen to have one of the good ones so I'm lucky. It would be great if you called your insurance company. You can steal millions if you steal $40 from a bunch of…"
Ginny Edmundson commented on Mary Z's status"I was thinking the same thing, Mary. I did make a new post today regarding the Wisp and my DME."
Ginny Edmundson posted a discussionNew "Rant" about DME/Wisp
Well, it had been three months since I received my original Wisp. And while it is still working well I wanted a "spare" on hand...just in case! So I called my DME to ask if they had the one with the fabric frame in stock. They did. The next day I drove there and picked up the new mask and one extra cushion. All to be billed to my Insurance. When I got home I realized they had the clear frame and not the fabric. I called and told them I would take it back today and exchange for the…See More
What were your first and second masks?
Another question for you veterans: What mask did you start with? And what mask have you finally found works best for you.
Nasal Masks
I started with the mask "issued" to me: a ResMed - FX for Her. I liked it overall BUT finally the leaking became a problem (I found this wonderful site too late to know about liners). Another problem: the skin chaffing irritation on the bridge of my nose. As a result, I'm considering one of these nasal masks:
http://softgel-comfortgel.cpaptalk.com/?utm_source=PC&utm_mediu...
Then, happily, at a support group meeting (that our estimable Chris H urged me to attend), an RT recommended a nasal pillow style mask. I seized his suggestion.
Nasal Pillow Masks
I have since been switching between two nasal pillow masks: a ResMed Swift FX and a ResMed Mirage Swift II. The blowing air annoys in both. The headgear on the Swift FX tends to shift more; the Mirage headgear is better and more stable, but the blowing air is more annoying. I'm a side-sleeper, and both masks seem to stay in place throughout the night.
Phillips Respironics' GoLife mask seems to be an interesting option. The headgear (in the photo) appears to be less likely to shift. I haven't bought it yet, but I'm seriously considering it.
Full Face Mask
Finally, here's a full-face mask that I'm considering. It's expensive. The advantages (so far as I can tell from the photos and discription) are that it doesn't cover up the eyes (I like to read at night) and its headgear appears to be less likely to "jostle" or shift during the night thus dislodging the mask itself. Also, since I'm a mouth-breather, I hope I can dispense with my #&^$%#^* chinstrap!
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-mirage-liberty-full-face-cpa...
Not only would this newbie appreciate hearing the experience of the veterans, I bet a lot of newbies would be interested -- and even some veterans.
Views: 155
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on -
I started with the Quattro. It worked well for about a year then the bridge of my nose broke down. I tried various masks and settled on the Respironics FitLife Total Face Mask.
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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope www.hope2Sleep.co.uk on -
I like the FitLife too - no more nasal bridge sores or strap marks. However, a lot of people on nasal masks are finding a benefit from these that we sell on our website Nasal Soft CPAP Cushions which I'm sure you'll be able to get in the US.
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Permalink Reply by Terry Vella on -
ZolliStar, the liberty isn't really a FFM but a hybrid, I tried a number of nasal pillows, nasal masks then FFM until I decided to stick with the Resmed Mirage Quattro. It took me a bit of getting used to but now get hardly any leaks. I also use a chinstrap because I found that when I fall asleep my mouth will still open when I'm in deep sleep and the mask will leak. I know it's a lot to waer but I am now comfortable with it. I am also sensentive to light and sound so guess what I wear ear plaugs and an eye mask as well. Maybe I should be called a 'mummy'LOL. Let us know how you go and use the mask liners and have the hose coming from above your head.
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on -
Thanks for the detailed clarification re: the Liberty, Terry.
I, too, am light sensitive but can't tolerate the "weight" of an eye mask. So annoying. One thing I really like about the ResMed FX for her is that I can throw a black scarf over my face and eyes and block all light 100%. Love that.
I'm a side sleeper. I looked at the ResMed Mirage Quattro and read some of the comments on www.cpap.com. The few commentators who mentioned that they are side-sleepers said this mask worked fine for them and had high praise for it.
And, yes, I'll take your advice and buy the liners if I get the Quattro.
I look forward to comments from others about their preferred choices. These discussions and comments are very helpful.
Terry Vella said:ZolliStar, the liberty isn't really a FFM but a hybrid, I tried a number of nasal pillows, nasal masks then FFM until I decided to stick with the Resmed Mirage Quattro. It took me a bit of getting used to but now get hardly any leaks. I also use a chinstrap because I found that when I fall asleep my mouth will still open when I'm in deep sleep and the mask will leak. I know it's a lot to waer but I am now comfortable with it. I am also sensentive to light and sound so guess what I wear ear plaugs and an eye mask as well. Maybe I should be called a 'mummy'LOL. Let us know how you go and use the mask liners and have the hose coming from above your head.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Lorino on
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I have been on the Resmed Quattro for about a year, that was the only mask they gave me because, being that I breath through my mouth. The quattro was fine for a year and I take good care of my mask, but as of the last couple of months. the mask has been leaking into my eyes, I get kind of a rash around the nose area of my face and dry mouth. I am going to see a sleep doctor on the 2nd of Feb. I have also not slept well since the mask is leaking in my eyes. It's very frustrating. I'm thinking about talking to the dr about going to the fit life mask, since I breath through my mouth.
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Let us know what your sleep doctor suggests/recommends. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts:
1. Do you use a chin strap? It's essential equipment for me because I, too, am a mouth breather.
2. Is your seal good? Nothing is more irritating that air leaking into the eyes.
3. You might consider a nasal pillow-style mask.
I was surprised by how much I like the nasal pillow masks, btw. But I now switch between them and my original ResMed FX for Her mask. The big problem with the FX is the skin chaffing and irritation which force me to stop using it until my skin heals
I'm ordering a new mask today: the SleepWeaver mask which gets lots of nice reviews and is currently on sale at CPAP.com with free return privilege. Still, I hope I love it and don't end up returning it. For more information, click below:.
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/circadiance-sleepweaver-advance-nas...
Again, let us know what your sleep doctor suggestions/recommends.
Kenneth Lorino said:I have been on the Resmed Quattro for about a year, that was the only mask they gave me because, being that I breath through my mouth. The quattro was fine for a year and I take good care of my mask, but as of the last couple of months. the mask has been leaking into my eyes, I get kind of a rash around the nose area of my face and dry mouth. I am going to see a sleep doctor on the 2nd of Feb. I have also not slept well since the mask is leaking in my eyes. It's very frustrating. I'm thinking about talking to the dr about going to the fit life mask, since I breath through my mouth.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Lorino on
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I think with my condition, I was diagnosed with asthma, the year prior to myself getting diagnosed with sleep apnea. The dr had put me on a full face mask, because of my throat swelling, which they suggested was part of the reason why the put my cpap setting to 14 which, if I did some research, I've heard that the nasal pillow may not work at that setting that it would kind of get blown off of my face. The resmed quattro did get a good seal at first, but then started losing weight, which is one of my goals this year, also being italian, my facial hair is annoying. I usually have to shave in the morning and sometimes at night. The only problem with shaving at night is my facial hair still seems to breake the seal on my mask. Again, it's kind of frustrating and I'm feeling sleepy during the day, like before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. My wife gets irritated becaus the valve on the quattro blows air in her face.
ZolliStar said:Let us know what your sleep doctor suggests/recommends. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts:
1. Do you use a chin strap? It's essential equipment for me because I, too, am a mouth breather.
2. Is your seal good? Nothing is more irritating that air leaking into the eyes.
3. You might consider a nasal pillow-style mask.
I was surprised by how much I like the nasal pillow masks, btw. But I now switch between them and my original ResMed FX for Her mask. The big problem with the FX is the skin chaffing and irritation which force me to stop using it until my skin heals
I'm ordering a new mask today: the SleepWeaver mask which gets lots of nice reviews and is currently on sale at CPAP.com with free return privilege. Still, I hope I love it and don't end up returning it. For more information, click below:.
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/circadiance-sleepweaver-advance-nas...
Again, let us know what your sleep doctor suggestions/recommends.
Kenneth Lorino said:I have been on the Resmed Quattro for about a year, that was the only mask they gave me because, being that I breath through my mouth. The quattro was fine for a year and I take good care of my mask, but as of the last couple of months. the mask has been leaking into my eyes, I get kind of a rash around the nose area of my face and dry mouth. I am going to see a sleep doctor on the 2nd of Feb. I have also not slept well since the mask is leaking in my eyes. It's very frustrating. I'm thinking about talking to the dr about going to the fit life mask, since I breath through my mouth.
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