Hmmmm. Did your insurance company actually say that particular brand and model ? Did the insurance person you talked to understand that several different brands and models fit the one HCPCS (insurance) code? Is your insurance an HMO? Outside of an HMO insurance I've not heard of any insurances that only pay for one particular brand and model CPAP.

Which full face mask do you have? Hanging your hose above your head an eliminate that pulling the mask down your nose. You are aware that you should be laying down w/your CPAP turned on to your set pressure or 10 cms which ever is higher when fitting your ask, aren't you. Our facial tissue is subject to the laws of gravity juast as everything else. The "shape" changes when we lay down from where it was when we were sititng up. Assuming you are like most of us you don't sleep sitting up.

My insurance company is TRICARE through the military. I spoke to two different claim people and they are the ones that gave me the info for which model I had been approved for.

The mask I have is the Quattro FX. The tech who showed me everything never said anything abouy laying down first to fit the mask on but after reading some tips on this site yesterday I did try that last night.

It was a slightly better night but I still struggled to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Once I did I woke up about 4:30 am because my mask was leaking. I move around so much at night and Im a side sleeper and I just seem to keep knocking the mask around to much. But if I tighten it anymore it starts to hurt. It just doesnt feel like it fits well enough around my nose.

Drop in an join the apneasupport.com forum. Check for a "Sticky" for the military. There are quite a few posts by those dealing w/the military and CPAP, active duty, retired, etc. Some are routinely provided w/fully data capable CPAPs from the get go w/o asking thru those like you being provided w/just an entry level, compliance data only CPAP. It seems to vary greatly w/the area you are receiving VA or TriCare benefits.

There should have been some literature that came w/your Quattro FX, including a CD if I remember right. Read the literature, watch the CD. There is a trick to getting a leak-free fit at the bridge of the nose w/these really thin mask cushion "covers" and if I remember correctly the Quattro FX is one mask that they advise fitting sitting up and THEN re-fitting whilst laying down w/pressure turned on. Its been so long and I've been thru so many masks I don't really remember for sure.

It just so happens that the Quattro FX has become my favorite full face mask - but - that doesn't necessarily mean it will be the best one for you. Because it is so light weight and doesn't have a forehead brace its quite a popular mask.

The full face I had tried before the Quattro and been quite happy w/was the ProBasics Zzz-Mask. It was lightweight, no forehead brace, but a simple cushion mask which, for me at least, seem easier to fit, especially around the eyes and bridge of the nose.

I have found that the Quattro FX works MUCH better for me if I hang my hose above my head. That reduces the tugging on the mask when I move in my sleep AND when and if there is a tug it is upward instead of downward. The mask moving down on the nose it what causes the mask cushions to slice into the bridge of the nose as it tends to turn the edges of the cushion up and outward to slice the nose bridge. Sliding the mask up a skosh tends to turn the edges under so that they don't irritate the skin at the bridge of the nose.

And I have a nose that just loves to start dripping w/the least little bit of pressure at just the right spot up near the bridge. If I misplace my mask just a little bit its like it is milking my sinuses and just getting my snozz to drip like a water faucet. Just take your time fussing w/your mask to get a good fit before giving up on it - BUT - dont go over 30 days when trying one out so you can exchange it if necessary.

If a leak is a minor one, just run your fingertip gently along the seamline between mask cushion and facial/nose skin. That will often turn the edges of the mask cushion UNDER enough to complete a good seal.

Good luck!!