I know that several on my friends list are using CPAPs. What machine did you get? Which mask? Did your insurance company pay for it, or were you out of pocket (as I expect to be)? Are you happy with your choices?
Mine's a Respironics; insurance paid 50%. There wasn't any choice, but it's a nice, compact device that fits easily into the extra compartment of my laptop bag. The mask is a nasal mask with a gel pad that rests on my forehead; it's OK but could be more comfortable. I'll probably try a different one when I have some extra money to spend on it.
I have (I *think*) a Respironics machine with a ResMed nose-and-mouth mask that has the usual forehead rest. (I'll try to check the brands and models when I get home.) As with mdlbear, insurance paid about half of the machine (and the sleep studies); fortunately, I'd set aside my maximum for my flexible spending account, which took care of the rest. I'm OK with it; I needed a full mask because I'm a mouth-breather, but I haven't found one that I can consistently get through the night with without it developing a leak somewhere along the seal. However, I have no complaints at all about the amount and quality of the sleep I'm getting now, and not waking up with a raw throat is wonderful too.
Same machine, same mask. I tried one that fits under the nose, with an air hose into each nostril, (sort of like the oxygen thingies, but with a big, fat, fake moustache) and didn't like it as much. Insurance pays 80% until the deductible, then 100%. My insurance is veryexpensive.
Love it. I'm a side sleeper, and no mask is great with a side sleeper. I understand there are memory foam (think Tempur-Pedic) pillows that are carved to allow for the mask and hose to the side) which I may seek out. Meantime, I have 1-2 nights per week when I wake up with the mask off.
The head bands of the mask get loose over time -- washing helps. The gel can also be reformed for a tighter seal -- heat it in hot water, cool sufficiently to not burn yourself, and then press it to your face while it continues to cool. Then dump in cold water
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I have a ResMed machine. It's 100% paid for by (on loan from) my HMO (but the Fallon family coverage we're using currently costs $1,060 per month). The sleep studies have also been covered, less a small co-payment, but I think they may have hiked that from $10 to $100 this May (our coverage changes every May because that's our plan's anniversary, and there is usually a trade-off between a rate hike and coverage reduction).
The machine I have is an AutoSet Vantage S8. It's cool in that it's very small, and has a sort of integrated (snap-on) humidifier. The reason we have this one is that it can run on 12 VDC. persis arranged for a trade-up because she wanted me to come to baitcon, which is essentially camping, i.e., there is no available power. I'm really not much on camping, but it's come in handy while traveling by car and during power failures. It is complemented by a large, deep-cycle marine battery that stores approximately 1 kilowatt-hour (80 amp-hours at 12+ V) when fully charged, and easily lasts all weekend. But that weighs 60 lbs
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[This continues my previous comment, which otherwise exceeded the comment limit. Perhaps I go on too long, but I've tried to answer comprehensively.]
I have a nose-mask. I've tried a full face mask, but sleeping on my back, my jaw sags enough that it wouldn't stay sealed. This might have been addressed using some kind of chin-strap, but we just abandoned that instead. I still have it; once I'd tried to use it, they didn't want it back.
The mustache-like thing mentioned by carolf I think is called "nasal pillows" and was my initial prescription, but the technician fitting me immediately disregarded it. Some of the nose-masks I tried put too much pressure on parts of my face near my nose, which (surprisingly) restricted my airway so much they could not be used even with the CPAP's additional pressure
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Love it. I'm a side sleeper, and no mask is great with a side sleeper. I understand there are memory foam (think Tempur-Pedic) pillows that are carved to allow for the mask and hose to the side) which I may seek out. Meantime, I have 1-2 nights per week when I wake up with the mask off.
The head bands of the mask get loose over time -- washing helps. The gel can also be reformed for a tighter seal -- heat it in hot water, cool sufficiently to not burn yourself, and then press it to your face while it continues to cool. Then dump in cold water ( ... )
Reply
The machine I have is an AutoSet Vantage S8. It's cool in that it's very small, and has a sort of integrated (snap-on) humidifier. The reason we have this one is that it can run on 12 VDC. persis arranged for a trade-up because she wanted me to come to baitcon, which is essentially camping, i.e., there is no available power. I'm really not much on camping, but it's come in handy while traveling by car and during power failures. It is complemented by a large, deep-cycle marine battery that stores approximately 1 kilowatt-hour (80 amp-hours at 12+ V) when fully charged, and easily lasts all weekend. But that weighs 60 lbs ( ... )
Reply
I have a nose-mask. I've tried a full face mask, but sleeping on my back, my jaw sags enough that it wouldn't stay sealed. This might have been addressed using some kind of chin-strap, but we just abandoned that instead. I still have it; once I'd tried to use it, they didn't want it back.
The mustache-like thing mentioned by carolf I think is called "nasal pillows" and was my initial prescription, but the technician fitting me immediately disregarded it. Some of the nose-masks I tried put too much pressure on parts of my face near my nose, which (surprisingly) restricted my airway so much they could not be used even with the CPAP's additional pressure ( ... )
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