CPAP users, need advice

[Mellie2162]

Do you use the mask that came with your CPAP or have you bought your own mask that you like better? My husband has been using a cpap for a few years now and always has problems with the mask leaking. It drives us both crazy on some nights. The company that we get the supplies from is horrible. If we call them to tell them we need new stuff it takes about a month for them to get back to us. They are the only game in town around here. We even had his pulmonologist contact them about their service and they were good for about a month and then back to the same ole thing.

Anyway, he has never liked his mask. Any advice on buying one on our own that works really well?

 

[Abbie]

I don't have advice about buying your own (sorry) but I did want to suggest you make sure you are still right about it being the only game in town. I live in a rural kind of area and there are about 6 different vendors vying for the business! It's become an in-demand specialty and I wonder if there isn't another company available to you now that it's been a few years. Check with your primary care in addition to a different pulmonologist.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

My husband wears a bi-pap at night -- it's like a cpap but has a variable pressure. Anyway, what we've found is that the masks will leak if a) the headgear isn't fitted properly -- and let's face it elastic stretches out over time; and, b)when the mask's "gasket" around the face begins to wear out.

The first thing I'd do is go IN to the agency for a fitting. If that doesn't solve it, go back for a sleep study. Chances are if it is blowing that much on you, it's not blowing properly at him and is affecting his sleep.

Now, with that said, just about every mask leaks a little. You shouldn't feel like you are sleeping with a hurricane...but you may get a slight "blowing" sensation sometimes. If it bothers you a ton (and let's face it, we all have those nights) do what I do....get a 2nd or 3rd pillow and place it between the two of you and you won't feel the wind.

Hope that helps some!

 

[Mellie2162]

Its not the blowing that bothers me its the squealing sound. I know that sounds funny but thats what it does when it leaks. We have a king size bed so he can be pretty far enough away for me not to feel the air, although he gets it. Im going to check around today and see if there is someone else around now. He did just see his pulm doc in March and at that time he said they were still the only game in town. Maybe I will call the insurance company too and see if they can find someone else.

 

[RNMOM]

I have been using cpap for over 5 years and change my mask about ever 6 months. Check your insurance website, they should give you some idea about this. They also should give you providers of DME (durable medical equipment) in your area. There are dozens of online places to purchase equipment also. You just need your doctor to fax his order for replacement equipment over. By this time you should also be replacing the hose and any filters the machine might have.

I have never liked the typical mask. I have a short nose and "generous" cheeks so I couldn't get a good seal. I use nasal pillows. Occassionally I will still get some leakage and noise. I also use a humidifyer and if the condensation builds up it will squeak. I can adjust the amount of humidity and that also helps.

Go do a search for 'cpap masks' and you will find all kinds of choices and where they can be bought. Most of the manufacturers have videos of how the mask is put on and such. Go to the Resmed, Remstar and Fisher/Paykel, and on and on sites you can get other names on the cpap sales websites. Look around and see what appeals to him. Your insurance should cover the cost of any supplies all but the deductable you have with them. Where do you live? Even in the country you should be able to find a few places to go. Let us know here and we chan help you search.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Bren's Mom]

You do NOT have to live with an ill-fitting mask! And you'd probably be surprised to know the tubing and filters should be changed out every month and that many insurances will allow you to get a new mask every 3 months. You also sometimes need different masks at different times. I generally like full face masks ('Full Life' is my new favorite).

First, call your insurance company and get your durable medical equipment coverage info. Then find out from them who the companies are that they allow you to use. I have BC BS Anthem and can use any DME provider that accepts Anthem.

Check out forums at cpaptalk.com or apneasupport.org. Those people are patients like me, and your dh. They'll give you a wealth of info. LOTS of people have problems with DME providers but there are ways around this for most people.

What state are you in? (ETA: Oops, just saw the pp posted almost the same thing I did! LOL)

 

[bookgirl]

Do you use the mask that came with your CPAP or have you bought your own mask that you like better? My husband has been using a cpap for a few years now and always has problems with the mask leaking. It drives us both crazy on some nights. The company that we get the supplies from is horrible. If we call them to tell them we need new stuff it takes about a month for them to get back to us. They are the only game in town around here. We even had his pulmonologist contact them about their service and they were good for about a month and then back to the same ole thing.

Anyway, he has never liked his mask. Any advice on buying one on our own that works really well?

Mine came with a mask but I knew from the study that I couldn't wear it every night so he offered me a "nasal pillow" I don't know if I paid extra for that or not, but I like it better. It does have some issues, but at least I can sleep on my side.

http://pk.b5z.net/i/u/6023490/i/optilife.jpg

 

[GeorgeG]

I've been using a CPAP for 14 years and still use the same type of mask I started with. It works for me so I don't see a need to change. My insurance provides a new mask, headgear, tubing, and filters every six months and my provider calls regularly to see if I need anything replaced. They also have an offive right here in The Villages so I can go in if I decide I want to change to a different mask.

Masks come in a variety of types and sizes so it is important to have your provider fit you to the mask that's right for you. It's also important to keep the headgear adjusted properly. Even so, there will be some leakage at times.

Don't overlook the pillow you use. Sometimes you may need a firmer or softer pillow to help keep the mask from being pushed aside.

Also, keep the mask and other gear clean. Oil from your skin can affect the seal on the mask over time. To keep the mask seal firm, clean it every morning.

Check with your equipment provider to see if your insurance will allow trying other masks if you still need a better fit.

 

[Disney Doll]

Its not the blowing that bothers me its the squealing sound. I know that sounds funny but thats what it does when it leaks. We have a king size bed so he can be pretty far enough away for me not to feel the air, although he gets it. Im going to check around today and see if there is someone else around now. He did just see his pulm doc in March and at that time he said they were still the only game in town. Maybe I will call the insurance company too and see if they can find someone else.

I was going to suggest that. His insurance company might be interested to know that the company they are paying for his CPAP is not doing a good job.

DH has CPAP and there are some nights when it's a little "squealy"...usually means that the mask is off kilter or the gasket is getting worn. He actually went online and found a mask that eh likes better than the one that came with the machine...the one that came with it wasn't terrible for him, but this one seems more comfy to him.

Also, weight gain or loss can affect the mask's fit. Also a beard or mustache can.

 

[Beth]

I've only been "on the mask" for about 3 months, but I've really enjoyed reading the message boards on cpap.com - most everyone who posts there lists the type of machine and mask they use right in their signature - and lots of lots of reviews are provided on all the different models out there...

You can buy equipment directly from that website, as well. I purchased a "hose snuggie" - which I really like, and also some wipes which I use daily to clean my mask...

I totally understand the frustration with the leaks - when I don't have it fitted just right - they can keep me up as much as night as the condition, itself.

Oh - and another funny thing I learned on cpap.com? ....They have nicknamed us all "hose heads." Pretty funny.....

 

[Disney Doll]

We call DH's CPAP "Darth", as in Vader.

Something about the mask and the swoosh......