Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Z on March 19, 2011 at 6:46pm

You do need someone at the DME that is willing to work with you and is knowledgeable about masks.  You should be able to exchange any mask that is less than 30 days old.  My DME let me try on numerous masks until I found one I thought would work.  I eventually found the Respironics FitLife Total Face Mask on my own and I recommend it to anyone on a high pressure who needs a FFM.  Many of us have bought masks off cpapauction.com at reduced prices so that we can try more masks and hopefully find one that works for us  A DME who knows how to fit masks is invaluable.  I read through the mask section on cpap.com and read all the reviews of the different masks which helped me alot.

Good Luck.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 19, 2011 at 6:52pm

Thank you.  I did return the first mask and feel the 2nd one will be going that way also.  I feel the RT did not really understand about fitting the equipment. My pressure is set at 8 and I did not mind the nasal pillows~just what holds it in place.  There should be "custom made" ones!!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mary Z on March 19, 2011 at 7:11pm

There are custom made ones.  You just have to go to Australia!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 19, 2011 at 9:00pm

I did read about them.  For a diagnosis that is becoming more common place you would think someone would do that here.  Geez~we have shoes for different lengths, widths.....of course I Do have trouble finding the narrow width I need.  But why can't the companies offer more variety/options in sizes to fit the many kinds of heads/faces?   :)  If I don't find something more comfortable I will get no sleep at all.  So I suppose if I were awake~NO APNEA episodes!!!!   :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andy on March 19, 2011 at 11:12pm

Hi Ginny,

 

Welcome to the world of CPAP. Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting started, but don't worry! The results are worth it, and it's typical that you're having some trouble getting accustomed to using it.

 

I've used a nasal pillows mask that has the hose going up, called the Resmed Mirage Swift II. You can see it here: http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mirage_swift_ii/mirage-swift-ii.h...

 

The hose on this one can be set up on the left or right, and can exit from the top or from the bottom, so you have some flexibility to try different hose positions, to see which one is best.

 

I've also used the newer Swift FX, which is lighter and more comfortable for me that the Mirage Swift II. There's also a new Swift FX "For Her" which I believe is lighter still, and more streamlined.

 

You might give one of these three a try!

 

But regardless of what you try, don't give up! This take a little getting used to, but it is definitely worth the time to get a comfortable and effective fit.

 

I'm well over a year on CPAP, and not only do I feel great, but I've gotten so used to it that I barely notice that it's on. I'm comfortable with the mask, and have gotten to the point where I can pop it on and be off to sleep in a few minutes!

 

Good luck!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 20, 2011 at 8:51am

Hi Andy~

Thank you for your help.  Night 3~First tried not tightening as much and was somewhat more comfortable but had repeated leaks.  The "elastic" holding it on my head near the base of the neck kept riding up.  This morning my front upper teeth area hurts as well as the top of my head.  I am convinced this headgear is too large for my small head.  I am petite all over so I guess I present a challenge to CPAP.  I am going to ask Monday about the Swift FX.  Again, I don't mind the feeling of something "up my nose"  (He-He)  it is just the stuff that holds it on.  Right now I am thinking, "Gee, now I have damaged my teeth in front and have a new problem".  Probably not but I don't like the feeling I have been hit in the face.  I have persisited in leaving it on all night, though!

Andy said:

Hi Ginny,

 

Welcome to the world of CPAP. Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting started, but don't worry! The results are worth it, and it's typical that you're having some trouble getting accustomed to using it.

 

I've used a nasal pillows mask that has the hose going up, called the Resmed Mirage Swift II. You can see it here: http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mirage_swift_ii/mirage-swift-ii.h...

 

The hose on this one can be set up on the left or right, and can exit from the top or from the bottom, so you have some flexibility to try different hose positions, to see which one is best.

 

I've also used the newer Swift FX, which is lighter and more comfortable for me that the Mirage Swift II. There's also a new Swift FX "For Her" which I believe is lighter still, and more streamlined.

 

You might give one of these three a try!

 

But regardless of what you try, don't give up! This take a little getting used to, but it is definitely worth the time to get a comfortable and effective fit.

 

I'm well over a year on CPAP, and not only do I feel great, but I've gotten so used to it that I barely notice that it's on. I'm comfortable with the mask, and have gotten to the point where I can pop it on and be off to sleep in a few minutes!

 

Good luck!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on March 20, 2011 at 2:43pm

Hi Ginny, A hose managment system is very helpful. You can make one or buy it .The hose gets suspended so that you do not have the drag weight of it pulling on your head gear yanking your mask . A cup hook and bungee cord ,rubber bands attached to the head board ,wall ,home made bracketto suspend the hose over your head = less discomfort. Getting used to a mask takes time .You get thicker skin on hands and feet cause we use them ,our faces are not used to something strapped to them. The benifit is worth the hassel . Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 20, 2011 at 3:06pm

Last night the hose did not bother me.  I wish I was inventive & could "build" my own headgear.  If it never fits any better I don't see how it will do any good!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on March 20, 2011 at 3:21pm

Fitting and getting used to are the most daunting parts of  cpap. Im sure you being a nurse have witnessed people in great discomfort you know it will pass but they need your reassusance that it will indeed pass. Three nights is not enough time for you to get aclimated yet. Their are many things like pad a cheek that may be helpful your dme may not be telling you about. google cpap headgear you can ask your dme for what you find .Yes it sucks now BUT You Will Not Regret it once You Get Dialed In. Good Sleep, Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 20, 2011 at 4:04pm

Hope so.   I feel my life revolves around CPAP now!   And I know I sound like a broken record/ but the mask or pillows don't bother me.  Just the ill fitting headgear that will not stay on or hurts and then the constant leaks no matter if I tighten or loosen to varying degrees.  I am going to TELL the RT what I have looked at on the internet that looks like possibilities!  Thanks again!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on March 21, 2011 at 4:29pm

For right now your life does revolve arround cpap.I am sure you have applied many bandages use that knowledge and bandage material to customise your head gear. Pad a cheek has many helpful bits. Like new shoes some need adjustments to make them not pinch or fall off. The dme works for you .Some comunicate better than others.You have never said I can not bandage that wound, their is a solution. Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on March 21, 2011 at 4:37pm

I have a SWift LT to try tonight and it seems promising.  At least it is comfortable while trying it on so will see how it does tonight.  Lays in the correct areas~NOT almost over my lower eyelid.  Will let you know tomorrow.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page