Neck brace and mask headgear?

[PaulaO2]

Due to the possibility of neck surgery and the wonderful brace that comes with it, I'm looking at the mask situation in preparation. I realized that the back strap for the Simplus sits really low and I'd have to raise my head off the pillow fairly far for it to be put on.

Since the brace would be keeping my mouth closed (and hopefully cutting down on lip leaks), I'm probably going to be using the Nuance during that time. The one I have is in really bad shape so I'll have to get a new one. The headgear can be slipped down the back of my head without me moving so that's a plus. But it still comes down fairly far.

Has anyone had neck surgery or had to wear a serious neck brace (not the pharmacy foam version) while wearing a CPAP mask? The surgery will be working on C4-7. I have a neck brace now but it doesn't come up very high (and is minimalistic to keep me cool) while the braces for this kind of thing go much higher and minimal is not something to describe them!

[coeur]

Hi I had a fatty lump removed on the back of my neck- top of my shoulders which abscessed and left a huge hole that needed packing for weeks. I am a mouth breather and use a mask. I had a lot of difficulty because the strap rested just above the stitches and with the swelling it pressed and cut into my wound I ended up having to flikp the strap up over itself to get relief and suffer the mouth leaks, Maybe having the neck brace will be a bonus and you can loosen the straps of your mask and pad it up with a flannel or something.
For me it was 6+ wks of torture I hope you have a better run


Coeur

[PaulaO2]

What I am looking for too is something easy to put on. I think the Simplus is going to be too complicated for a while. And the headgear really comes down low. That's going to make it difficult to put on.

I think I will just get the Nuance or the new Dreamwear.

And OUCH! That must've hurt for you!

[PsychoMike]

Hmmm...tough one, Paula. I know the P10 can be worn fairly high up with it's little split strap. I've got a Respironics Softcap headgear...longer straps and the mesh backing to distribute the load better...might be an option, perhaps?

[DariaVader]

hahahaha

P10 for Paula

[justMongo]

I wonder how hospitals handle such a situation? They must have people who have neck braces and need CPAP.

[PaulaO2]

I find out Thursday if they will even do the surgery. It's a soup that's been simmering for far too long.

If nothing else, the lower back strap can be put on top of the neck brace.

[justMongo]

My best wishes on that Paula.

Kindest Regards,

Mongo

[PaytonA]

What Mongo said, Paula plus a few.

[PsychoMike]

Ditto from me, Paula