Cpap--sleep Apnea Machine

[Judyin Philly]

Hi folks

I have used the old mask that covers the whole face and HATED IT but it worked.

I've bought (with my own $$$) this new one.

Loved it in the beginning (after 3 months) but now getting the 'pokes in the back' back from dh again.

He says I'm snoring again or the mask has moved and blowing cold air on him, or making loud noises.

He's having to go to the couch again as he says I don't even wake up to fix the mask.

This past week I've been so exhausted and 'foggy' like before I was dx'd.

Last nite I readjusted the whole thing and woke up refreshed FINALLY.

dh still in bed in the am:)

Does anyone else out there have celiac and sleep apnea? What masks are you using?

Like this style so much better didn't want to give it up.

Wonder if the straps stretch or the nose pillows stretch?

Any ideas other there?

Judy in Philly

[debbiewil]

Hi Judy,

Yes, I have apnea and celiac. I also use the Mirage Swift pillows, mostly because they come with the three different size pillows and can be worn with glasses. The headbands do stretch a bit after a while, and need to be readjusted on a regular basis. For me, I like to keep the band in the back as tight as possible, and the one that goes over the head loose. That seems to keep the pillows properly positioned for me, without being uncomfortable. I wash the headband in hot water, which seems to tighten it back up again slightly when it dries, so I don't have to adjust it as much.

Debbie

[Judyin Philly]

  debbiewil said:

I wash the headband in hot water, which seems to tighten it back up again slightly when it dries, so I don't have to adjust it as much.

Debbie

Thanks so much for writting Debbie. I'm surprised that more haven't written but am going to do a re post --but word it differently.

I was dissapointed that last nite it happend again and i moved to the guest room without the mask b/c couldn't find in the darkkk grrrrrr.

this issue makes me so grumpy...

Do you use the different sizes of nose pads...or just one..it seems like one fits better than the other.

I changed the filter pad (forgot to do it) and that seems to help too...but last nite...was a mess.

I've lost 36 #'s but thought they only needed to change the pressure if you gained.

Any ideas...could contact the company but...also they said i was ready to get another free mask so was going to get this kind...what do you think...like this one so much better...WHEN IT WORKS.

thanks again for taking the time

Judy in Philly

[debbiewil]

Hi Judy,

Any change in weight could mean a change in pressure is needed. I broke down and bought myself an autopap last January, with the software for my computer. So I can download the info every few weeks and check that I'm doing ok. Any major changes in the leaks or numbers and I can change the machine or readjust my mask, etc. I just use one size of the pillows, but I tried them all for a few days each to see which one worked best. And I was able to check the numbers from the autopap to confirm how I felt. Also, some people do better switching off the nasal pillow and a mask occassionally. I kept my old mask, and wear it every once in a while, just for a change. It helps keeps the nose from getting sore and I think that sometimes we just get TOO used to something so it stops being effective.

Any way, check out one of the message boards - Open Original Shared Link is a good one. Some very knowledgable people on there. There are a couple of others that I know of, it you want them.

Debbie

[Judyin Philly]

  debbiewil said:

Any way, check out one of the message boards - Open Original Shared Link is a good one. Some very knowledgable people on there. There are a couple of others that I know of, it you want them.

Debbie

Debbie

THANKS SO MUCH

I will check this out

I didn't know it was out there.

The computer thing..how much was it if you don't mind me asking.

I did another post but think you will be my real expert here--

Yes I'd love the other sites.

I just want to fee better and not have to keep getting up in the middle of the nite.

thanks so much for your time.

Judy

[debbiewil]

Judy,

I went for the Remstar auto w/c-flex - figured if I was going to do it, I might as well go top of the line.

Open Original Shared Link

plus the software - Open Original Shared Link

There are others out there - 2 of my friends have the Goodknight 420E and love it. There are, as always, pluses and minuses with each different machine. If you ever seriously consider it, let me know and I'll give you a rundown on the ones I know something about.

Depending on how long you've had your machine, the insurance company may reimburse you for purchase. Mine will reimburse if the old machine is over 2 years old. Or if you can convince your doctor to write a letter that the autopap is required, instead of the regular cpap, you might be able to get reimbursed. The reimbursement may only be for the cheapest machine, and if you want a more expensive one, you have to pay the difference, but it is worth while to check your insurance.

Websites:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Message boards

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Debbie

[Judyin Philly]

Debbie

Thanks so much for the sites...ask and you shall receive

I looked at some of the sites and they are full of info.

I went swimming today and was so tired for last nite I came home and took a 3 hr nap

It's going to take some time and phone calls but tonight...going back to the old mask and see if my hubby and I can get some sleep.

thanks again for your time and expertice.

Judy in Philly

[debbiewil]

Judy,

You're welcome. Just glad I could help.

Debbie

[gdiluca]

Judy,

I use the NasalAire II and wear it over my ears and let it hang

down in front like a bolero. The only strap I use is one to hold

the tubes together at the back of my neck. My daughter, on the

other hand loves her Snapp.

Gretchen

[Judyin Philly]

  gdiluca said:

Judy,

I use the NasalAire II and wear it over my ears and let it hang

down in front like a bolero. The only strap I use is one to hold

the tubes together at the back of my neck. My daughter, on the

other hand loves her Snapp.

Gretchen

Thanks Debbie and Gretchen

I have to get familiar with these different kinds of masks.

When i got mine 5 years ago they said i could only have one kind.

After going on line last nite to some sites Debbie gave me realized why the insurance companies only say one kind..cheapest.

I've got alot of research to do...just want i want...more time on the computer...

seems like I'm getting some food questions under my belt and now this..but worth it to get good nites sleep.

thanks again

Judy

[ebrbetty]

my hubby had sleep apnea very bad, he had the surgery..its like he's a new man, to this day he say's its the best thing he has ever done. have you thought about it?

[Judyin Philly]

  ebrbetty said:

my hubby had sleep apnea very bad, he had the surgery..its like he's a new man, to this day he say's its the best thing he has ever done. have you thought about it?

Hi

I don't know ANYTHING about a surgery.

Want to tell me about it "

Judy

[ebrbetty]

hi judy, he had it pretty bad, I used to stay up and watch him sleep because he would stop breathing and I would have to wake him. he tried the mask, hated it!! he tried to loose weight, did loose some, but because his neck is so big it made no difference, anyway he had his uvula [sp?] removed and the excess skin inside his neck removed, the healing process was a bit painful for the first few days, but as I said he firmly believes it's the best thing he ever did. he only snores now if he has a bad cold, he wakes up feeling really good, like he got a good nights sleep..no more falling asleep on the couch in the middle of the day. I remember before the surgery he always woke looking like he never slept, said thats what he felt like.

hope this helps you..good luck, feel better

Betty

[Judyin Philly]

Betty

Thanks so much.

They never mentioned surgery

Where do you folks live?

I sure hate the think of sleeping like this the rest of my life but maybe if i continue losing weight I might not have to...do you think???

I'm so happy for the both of you

Judy

[ebrbetty]

hi judy, we're from MA

good luck to you

[debbiewil]

Judy,

There are several different surgical proceedures, which can help in some cases. It very much depends on how your face, throat, etc. is shaped and what the actual cause of the blockage is. They can range from a very simple proceedure called "pillar" done right in the doctor's office to actually reconstructing the whole jaw. Some have had great success, and others have had major stuff done with no success at all. Really need to talk to a surgeon you trust (I'd get 2 opinions) before you opt for this. You need to know exactly what the cause of the apnea is in your case, and what if any surgery might help first. Don't want to scare you off, it does help some people, but you really need to check it out before you do it.

Debbie

[Judyin Philly]

Thanks so much Debbie

I appreciate all you info and ideas.

I have already had 25 surgerys over the years for a rare bone disorder and it's the last thing I'd want to do but nice to know there are options...

I did take your advice and pulled out my old mask and slept 13 hrs last nite...wow....think it was the nasel mask????? No brainer here.

judy in philly