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What I Learned at Tonight's A.W.A.K.E. Group Meeting

I went to my second A.W.A.K.E. group meeting in my area tonight, and, like last time, I came away with some useful information from other CPAP users about solving common CPAP problems. I scribbled some notes while there so that I could share them with you. Here's the stuff that was new to me:

-- the oil on your face can cause mask cushions to degrade at a faster or slower pace, depending on one's particular brand of body chemistry. if the cushions aren't up to snuff, they are more prone to creating mask leaks. no cause for concern, though, since most insurance companies will replace mask cushions twice a month.

-- a guy at the meeting who looked to be in his early 30's shared that he had undergone surgery to reduce some of the tissue in his throat to widen the airway, and that although it had cut his AHI down by about half, he still has to use CPAP every night. there was wide skepticism over the success of surgery generally, and caution was urged.

-- a lot of people who have narrow nasal passages are seeing improvement with the use of prescription nasal decongestants. these folks see the decongestants, if used regularly, complementing CPAP use in getting well with sleep apnea.

-- some CPAP users are finding that CPAP use increases eye pressure. unclear whether this is truly linked to CPAP use, or independent.

-- if the mask is irritating your skin, you might alternate between two different masks so that you're not hitting the same sore spot in the same way night after night.

-- if you get marks from the straps of a face mask, you can buy a product to cover the straps with fuzzy, good materials, or stitch up a makeshift cover yourself from socks (personally, i would never be industrious enough to do the latter).

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Comment by Judy on December 9, 2008 at 5:47pm: I've gotten to the point the only section of the sleep profession I have much respect for at all remains the RPSGTs! And they are the very ones the patients are not allowed access to except the nights of their evaluation and titration when they are still numb w/realization of their Dx and all the equipment involved.

Comment by Judy on December 9, 2008 at 5:45pm: You are oh so right, Mike! A sad commentary on the sleep profession!

Comment by Mike on December 7, 2008 at 9:44pm: Thanks, Judy. Everyone should be aware that replacement policies vary by insurer.... a lot of people aren't even aware that they're entitled to any replacement, though..

Comment by Judy on December 7, 2008 at 9:38pm: Medicare will only replace cushions ONCE a month. While they used to be willing to provide one new hose a month, they have changed that to one new hose every 3 months.

AND, unless you PUSH your DME supplier MOST will not provide just the cushions. And even if you push, some just don't carry ANY of the mask "parts". They carry the mask w/headgear and that's all and that's all you're gonna get, one every six months, unless you KNOW your rights - and needs - and are willing to push the issue. Been down this road w/Wright & Filippis.