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Permalink Reply by Sandra Bozard on May 10, 2009 at 6:29pm

I have always wanted a Westie then I got the chance to get the Carin Terrier when he was baby and I have him spoiled rotten. His name is Boomer......what's your Westie's name.
Thanks, for the info....with this new mask I do not have any leaks anywhere. It is really comfortable...I just thought that since it was so close to the corner of my eyes that was why my eyes were so watery when I get up.

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Permalink Reply by Jeanne Berry on May 10, 2009 at 7:51pm

You go girl! It does take time, and trying different things, but eventually you can find a path that works for you. I hung in there for as long as it took to get bettter at CPAPing (I did make that up, silly me) and my health, attitude, depression, constant infections, stomach and lower GI issues cleared up. I skied 38 times this winter (after a year of CAP) and I walk 3-5 miles daily. I have lost thirty pounds, as I don't crave sugar or carbos anymore, and I am patient and much kinder to myself and others now. I love that my "brain fog" is totally gone, and I can THINK. It is amazing to think that this is how some folks have always lived. My slster told me that my 86 year old dad had this, but got a CPAP too late. My daughter was just tested, as was my sister, and both have Apnea. It is SO worth finding the root of the problem, and finding ways to make the CPAP work.

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Permalink Reply by Martha G. Lee on May 10, 2009 at 7:58pm

Like you I do better with a medium mask than a small that was first suggested. The large does touch the inner corner of my eyes, but does not leak air into my eyes. It is much more comfortable for me.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Bozard on May 10, 2009 at 9:14pm

Oh.....I am so looking forward to all of that! I cannot believe I was anti-depressants (3) for so long and not knowing about my sleep apnea! So many years wasted! Wednesday will be one week and I already feel better.

Jeanne Berry said:

You go girl! It does take time, and trying different things, but eventually you can find a path that works for you. I hung in there for as long as it took to get bettter at CPAPing (I did make that up, silly me) and my health, attitude, depression, constant infections, stomach and lower GI issues cleared up. I skied 38 times this winter (after a year of CAP) and I walk 3-5 miles daily. I have lost thirty pounds, as I don't crave sugar or carbos anymore, and I am patient and much kinder to myself and others now. I love that my "brain fog" is totally gone, and I can THINK. It is amazing to think that this is how some folks have always lived. My slster told me that my 86 year old dad had this, but got a CPAP too late. My daughter was just tested, as was my sister, and both have Apnea. It is SO worth finding the root of the problem, and finding ways to make the CPAP work.

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Permalink Reply by Jill Deitrick on May 11, 2009 at 7:18am

Clyde C. Parker Jr. said:

Dear Sandra:
If you are a beginner on a CPAP machine, it is hard sometimes for beginners to get use to the pressure, especially if yours go up to 15. Anyone whose setting is 15 is severe apnea. Sometimes we fell like we are smothering if our mouth comes open while we are sleeping. Be sure to use a chin strap that will keep your mouth closed while sleeping. If you want to get away from a face mask, you can check with your provider and get a Nasal tube that goes directly into each side of your nose.They give you a T that hooks into your hose and a rubber tube hooks on each side of the T. The other end of each tube goes directly into each side of your nose. Some likes this better than a face mask I tried it but I would rather have the mask. They also make a small face mask; I know! Because I have an extra one. You need to check with your provider.

PS: Anyone who rents a CPAP machine can get a new mask every 3 months, so take advantage of it, because you never know when you might break your mask; and anyone who has been on a CPAP for years know that you cannot sleep without your CPAP machine

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Permalink Reply by Jill Deitrick on May 11, 2009 at 7:20am

I only wish that it were true that all insurers paid for a new mask every 3 months. Believe it or not there is a big insurer in our area that will be for one; in a lifetime! Very frustrating as a DME provider/therapist.

Jill Deitrick said:

Clyde C. Parker Jr. said:

Dear Sandra:
If you are a beginner on a CPAP machine, it is hard sometimes for beginners to get use to the pressure, especially if yours go up to 15. Anyone whose setting is 15 is severe apnea. Sometimes we fell like we are smothering if our mouth comes open while we are sleeping. Be sure to use a chin strap that will keep your mouth closed while sleeping. If you want to get away from a face mask, you can check with your provider and get a Nasal tube that goes directly into each side of your nose.They give you a T that hooks into your hose and a rubber tube hooks on each side of the T. The other end of each tube goes directly into each side of your nose. Some likes this better than a face mask I tried it but I would rather have the mask. They also make a small face mask; I know! Because I have an extra one. You need to check with your provider.

PS: Anyone who rents a CPAP machine can get a new mask every 3 months, so take advantage of it, because you never know when you might break your mask; and anyone who has been on a CPAP for years know that you cannot sleep without your CPAP machine

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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on May 11, 2009 at 8:07am

Jill Deitrick said:

Clyde C. Parker Jr. said:

Dear Sandra:
If you are a beginner on a CPAP machine, it is hard sometimes for beginners to get use to the pressure, especially if yours go up to 15. Anyone whose setting is 15 is severe apnea. Sometimes we fell like we are smothering if our mouth comes open while we are sleeping. Be sure to use a chin strap that will keep your mouth closed while sleeping. If you want to get away from a face mask, you can check with your provider and get a Nasal tube that goes directly into each side of your nose.They give you a T that hooks into your hose and a rubber tube hooks on each side of the T. The other end of each tube goes directly into each side of your nose. Some likes this better than a face mask I tried it but I would rather have the mask. They also make a small face mask; I know! Because I have an extra one. You need to check with your provider.

PS: Anyone who rents a CPAP machine can get a new mask every 3 months, so take advantage of it, because you never know when you might break your mask; and anyone who has been on a CPAP for years know that you cannot sleep without your CPAP machine

Pressure requirements have nothing to do with how severe or mild your apnea is. Someone maybe diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and need a higher pressure than someone that is diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. The pressure requirements is dependant on how much pressure is needed to keep your airway open.

Many insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines, while others have their own policy. Just because you are in a rental period with your machine does not mean that you automatically qualify for a new mask every three months. You need to check with your insurance company and find out their policy on mask replacement. If you don't check you may find yourself having to pay out of pocket for a mask that insurance won't cover.

I think the mask you are speaking of is the Nasal Aire. It is considered a prong mask as the mask works by having prongs that actually insert into the nostrils. Many do not like this mask and it takes time to get used to it. Others really like and praise it as being the most comfortable they have tried.

Pictures courtesy of www.cpap.com

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Bozard on May 11, 2009 at 9:27am

I am very happy with the new mirage activa Lt...........no leaks and I slept all night last night. I have eves full of water in the mornings and that puzzles me. it touches the corner of my eyes and I thought it may be irritating them. It is a medium and they just came out with a small.
I understand the whole insurance thing.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy s on May 11, 2009 at 2:34pm

Sandra Bozard said:

What is the best thing to clean your mask with and how often should I? What about the hose?
They told me vinegar?

As a nurse I can tell you that vinegar is very good for sanitizing things. I use it to clean my mask, liner, tubing and water tank. I mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and let everything soak for a few hours and then rinse it. I clean it at least once a week. And remember vinegar when it comes to other aspects of your life too! example my grandson uses a nebulizer and we clean it with vinegar. I wipe down my countertops with it... It is excellent for sanitizing any surface.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy s on May 11, 2009 at 2:40pm

Jill Deitrick said:

I only wish that it were true that all insurers paid for a new mask every 3 months. Believe it or not there is a big insurer in our area that will be for one; in a lifetime! Very frustrating as a DME provider/therapist.

Jill Deitrick said:

Clyde C. Parker Jr. said:

Dear Sandra:
If you are a beginner on a CPAP machine, it is hard sometimes for beginners to get use to the pressure, especially if yours go up to 15. Anyone whose setting is 15 is severe apnea. Sometimes we fell like we are smothering if our mouth comes open while we are sleeping. Be sure to use a chin strap that will keep your mouth closed while sleeping. If you want to get away from a face mask, you can check with your provider and get a Nasal tube that goes directly into each side of your nose.They give you a T that hooks into your hose and a rubber tube hooks on each side of the T. The other end of each tube goes directly into each side of your nose. Some likes this better than a face mask I tried it but I would rather have the mask. They also make a small face mask; I know! Because I have an extra one. You need to check with your provider.

PS: Anyone who rents a CPAP machine can get a new mask every 3 months, so take advantage of it, because you never know when you might break your mask; and anyone who has been on a CPAP for years know that you cannot sleep without your CPAP machine

My insurance pays for a new mask every 6 months and a new liner every month. You just need to check with your insurance and see what is available and use!! Mine also pays for new tubing and water tank every 6 months. So I feel very lucky to have good insurance.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel on May 11, 2009 at 3:18pm

The manufacturers recommend 10 parts water to one part vinegar. You don't want it too strong for two reasons:
1) residual odor, althoguh if you use distilled white vinegar, this will be minimal
2) If the tube isn't rinsed throroughly, any residue is going to be forced into your nose with the pressurized air.

Ten to one water to vinegar is still strong enough to kill anything nasty that may be growing in your chamber/tube/mask.



Cathy s said:

Sandra Bozard said:

What is the best thing to clean your mask with and how often should I? What about the hose?
They told me vinegar?

As a nurse I can tell you that vinegar is very good for sanitizing things. I use it to clean my mask, liner, tubing and water tank. I mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and let everything soak for a few hours and then rinse it. I clean it at least once a week. And remember vinegar when it comes to other aspects of your life too! example my grandson uses a nebulizer and we clean it with vinegar. I wipe down my countertops with it... It is excellent for sanitizing any surface.

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Permalink Reply by peter stoddart on May 11, 2009 at 5:51pm

that's what they do in England and it works so don't give up keep mask clean keep it tight on your face

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