Intro and a question.
Hello all! I'm new to this sleep apnea stuff (as a patient anyway) and so far, so good. I was diagnosed in June with severe OSA. I had an AHI of 45. Earlier this month I was finally able to get my machine from the DME supplier (who was a complete moron btw). I was fitted with a Mirage FX for Her Nasal mask and my machine is a ResMed Air Sense10 Autoset. I was able to try it out fairly quickly that day because I had worked all night the night before. Even with a system amped up with caffeine from trying to stay awake, I was able to plug the machine in, put the mask on, turn it on, and go to sleep. And I slept! For four and a half hours straight with NO tossing and turning! My husband said I didn't make so much as a peep the entire time, which is a miracle in and of itself. I was pleased that I didn't have any issues with adjusting to using the machine. I still don't. The only issues I have now is that my front teeth hurt when I wake up and I ordered a different mask so that I can wear my glasses with my mask on. I am sleeping better. I still occasionally turn side to side but that has more to do with my weight and the pressure it puts on my bones. Even still, I'm turning once or twice a night versus 15-20. I don't wake up with headaches anymore either, which is a blessing. I do feel more rested but since I'm a night shifter, I'll never feel truly rested until I can clear my sleep debt. Any thoughts on the teeth hurting thing?
RE: Intro and a question.
Hi RestlessRN, welcome to Apnea Board.
It sounds like you've had a great start to your CPAP therapy.The biggest issue for most of us is finding a mask which is comfortable and doesn't leak. Every face is different, and there are a huge number of masks on the market, so it's often hard to find one which is perfect for you. In your case, you could try a different model nasal mask, but you might have better luck with nasal pillows, as these don't press on the face at all. You might also find a full-face mask is better, as they don't touch your upper lip.
Head back to your DME, be nice to the moron  , and get hold of a range of different masks. Try each for a few nights and see which works best for you.
RE: Intro and a question.
(08-29-2015, 03:34 AM)DeepBreathing Wrote: Head back to your DME, be nice to the moron , and get hold of a range of different masks. Try each for a few nights and see which works best for you.
I would LOVE to be able to try out different masks but my DME has a very limited selection and won't let me take more than one home, and if I want to try a different one I have to bring the other one back and RETURN it completely.
I did order an Airfit N10 for Her that I paid for out of pocket because it was highly recommended. If that doesn't work, my next purchase will be a nasal pillow.
RE: Intro and a question.
(08-29-2015, 03:34 AM)DeepBreathing Wrote: Head back to your DME, be nice to the moron , and get hold of a range of different masks. Try each for a few nights and see which works best for you.
I would LOVE to be able to try out different masks but my DME has a very limited selection and won't let me take more than one home, and if I want to try a different one I have to bring the other one back and RETURN it completely.
I did order an Airfit N10 for Her that I paid for out of pocket because it was highly recommended. If that doesn't work, my next purchase will be a nasal pillow.
RE: Intro and a question.
(08-29-2015, 03:16 AM)RestlessRN Wrote: The only issues I have now is that my front teeth hurt when I wake up... Any thoughts on the teeth hurting thing?
Hi RRN -- Maybe just make sure you're not overtightening the mask, which could put undue pressure on your teeth and cause sensitivity.
Re trying masks: Some of the online suppliers offer 30-day return insurance on their masks, so that if you don't like a mask you can return it and will forfeit only the amount you paid for the return insurance. And in some cases there is a 30-day free return option. Before I had insurance coverage for my supplies I bought my machine and masks from Supplier #1 (see the Suppliers link above), and was thoroughly pleased with their service.
RE: Intro and a question.
Hello RestlessRN. Welcome to the forum. The forum has a worldwide membership; with most members in the US.
In the US, a mask requires a prescription. So, it's best if you can get a copy of your Rx which often says: "Mask of choice."
The online suppliers can use a scan or Fax of the Rx to fulfill the legal requirements for supplying a mask.
The design of the Mirage FX for Her will put pressure on the upper lip; and may cause some discomfort if too tight. As Paul in Perth pointed out.
OTOH, it may have to be tight to not leak. Again, as pointed out by Paul in Perth, nasal pillows or a FFM may better suit your need.
Kindest Regards,
Mongo
RE: Intro and a question.
(08-29-2015, 03:56 AM)kaiasgram Wrote: (08-29-2015, 03:16 AM)RestlessRN Wrote: The only issues I have now is that my front teeth hurt when I wake up... Any thoughts on the teeth hurting thing?
Hi RRN -- Maybe just make sure you're not overtightening the mask, which could put undue pressure on your teeth and cause sensitivity.
Re trying masks: Some of the online suppliers offer 30-day return insurance on their masks, so that if you don't like a mask you can return it and will forfeit only the amount you paid for the return insurance. And in some cases there is a 30-day free return option. Before I had insurance coverage for my supplies I bought my machine and masks from Supplier #1 (see the Suppliers link above), and was thoroughly pleased with their service.
That's where I ordered my new mask from. They WERE very helpful as they allowed me to purchase my mask as an assembly kit since my doc was out of town and the covering physician wasn't comfortable signing the script they faxed over. The only down side was the assembly kit did not come with free return insurance so if I hate, I'm stuck with it. Though, if this doesn't work out I will be seeing my doc soon and will get her to write me the script so I can send it in and try a nasal pillow with the free insurance.
RE: Intro and a question.
Hi RestlessRN,
Welcome to Apnea Board!
Your DME or Doctor should have the original script that you purchased your Mirage FX with.
You don't need a different script to buy online. Your script should say "mask of choice".
Just get a copy from your DME. Don't let them give you any crap, they have to give you a copy). And while your at it, make sure your doctor gives you a copy of your sleep study.
RE: Intro and a question.
I use a nasal mask and had the same problem in the beginning because I was wearing it too tight.
I found out that if I wear it looser and let the air pressure puff out the silicon surface to seal gently against my upper lip and face then it is much more comfortable and does not leak. I just pull the mask out a bit and let it fill with air. Totally solved the problem for me.
if you can't decide then you don't have enough data.
RE: Intro and a question.
Welcome to the board! There is some great info in these posts, and I hope you find the mask that works for you. Best of luck with your therapy!
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