what devices do you use as a CPAP and mask combination? I have used nasal pillow and the whisp. Which one works best for you or do you have another that works great for you. I look forward to your suggestions and what works best for you. Thanks
CPAP or BiPAP users
- Thread starter gonzo4str8rzrs
- Start date
I use the nasal swift FX, but I've tried and had success with different nasal masks. The ones I cannot use are full face ones.
The most unusual one I've used is the sleepweaver élan. It's made of fabric instead of silicone or rubber, so it's great if you have allergies to those. I like to swap the mask once in a while, too.
The most unusual one I've used is the sleepweaver élan. It's made of fabric instead of silicone or rubber, so it's great if you have allergies to those. I like to swap the mask once in a while, too.
I use a ResMed S8 Escape II Auto running in APAP (Auto PAP) mode and a Mirage Quattro full face mask. I have constant nasal congestion, so a nasal mask has never been an option for me. I like the full face mask for the fact that, on the rare occasion that I can breathe through my nose, I have the option. There seem to be a lot of people that don't care for full face masks, but I guess it's all what you're used to.
Hi all. ResMed with full face mask. Yep, this is definitely a ymmv thing.
What's a whisp?
Philips Remstar CPAP with nasal mask. Seven years on the machine and I find it very difficult to sleep without it. Makes camping trips a little less adventurous. If I could give a recommendation, it would be to clean it more often.
+1
I'm about 3.5 years into it and I'm still 100% compliant if you don't count falling asleep on the couch. It would be my desert island item, without question.
OP - Are you looking to change equipment or just getting started?
ylekot
On the lookout for a purse
Res-med mirage full mask.....
Over 5 years 100% compliant.....
I bought a spare machine....just in case
Over 5 years 100% compliant.....
I bought a spare machine....just in case
I've often considered the spare machine. I'll be getting a new one as soon as my insurance allows and keeping the current as a spare.
I've also thought about getting a back up power source in case of power outages.
Prior to my surgery I had the best luck with the Intellipap machine (3rd and last machine I owned), which was automatic and much less expensive than the resmed.
My insurance wanted me to buy the resmed through their provider, which would have cost me much more in copay than just paying for the Intellipap. Those service providers are so overpriced it is ridiculous. I just bought mine online for something like $400.
I had to use a full face as my mouth fell open when asleep and I couldn't tolerate the chinstrap nor the nasal masks. I understand everyone is different in regards to mask preference. I did like how the Intellipap adjusted.
I had it bad. my blood ox level was below 80% over 60% of the night.
After surgery it's .03%.
No more sleep apnea.
I do recall finding machines that used a battery power supply, useful for camping or frequent power outages.
My insurance wanted me to buy the resmed through their provider, which would have cost me much more in copay than just paying for the Intellipap. Those service providers are so overpriced it is ridiculous. I just bought mine online for something like $400.
I had to use a full face as my mouth fell open when asleep and I couldn't tolerate the chinstrap nor the nasal masks. I understand everyone is different in regards to mask preference. I did like how the Intellipap adjusted.
I had it bad. my blood ox level was below 80% over 60% of the night.
After surgery it's .03%.
No more sleep apnea.
I do recall finding machines that used a battery power supply, useful for camping or frequent power outages.
I wish I learned more about surgery option. This will make a nice google project for this weekend.
Thanks for posting this.
I would rather go under knife...
What surgery did you have.
My brother-in-law suffers from sleep apnea but so far the masks he has tried in his words "rob" him of any sleep.
Was this UPPP surgery? How was the recovery?
I cannot sleep with anything on my face not even a blanket or sheet pulled over my head so if my sleep apnea gets bad enough I will just go under the knife. I also have narrow nasal openings in my nostrils which are very easily stopped up by a teeny bit of boogers.
I had maxillomandibular advancement(both jaws broken and moved forward) as well as having my chin brought forward(which pulls the tongue forward) and he cut back my soft palate and did some sinus work. All in one shot.
My apnea was SEVERE and life threatening. I only opted for surgery because I couldn't get any consistent results from CPAP.
Not an easy recovery. 5 weeks liquid diet. I did lose almost 50 lbs.
Over a year later and still don't have much sensation in the teeth, next to none on lower lip and chin area.
I had to relearn how to swallow, which is tough. I still haven't relearned how to eat a sandwich very well. You grow up taking a bite of something and do it automatically, when all of sudden your mouth is smaller it's hard to take that smaller bite without thinking.
Keep in mind, my case was severe, most who undergo the surgery don't have all the extra procedures done I required.
There aren't a lot of surgeons qualified to do the maxillomandibular advancement. I know of 3 on the west coast, and only 2 did I consider, one in Seattle and one in San Diego.
My apnea was SEVERE and life threatening. I only opted for surgery because I couldn't get any consistent results from CPAP.
Not an easy recovery. 5 weeks liquid diet. I did lose almost 50 lbs.
Over a year later and still don't have much sensation in the teeth, next to none on lower lip and chin area.
I had to relearn how to swallow, which is tough. I still haven't relearned how to eat a sandwich very well. You grow up taking a bite of something and do it automatically, when all of sudden your mouth is smaller it's hard to take that smaller bite without thinking.
Keep in mind, my case was severe, most who undergo the surgery don't have all the extra procedures done I required.
There aren't a lot of surgeons qualified to do the maxillomandibular advancement. I know of 3 on the west coast, and only 2 did I consider, one in Seattle and one in San Diego.
That sounds intense! CPAP therapy works well for me, so I haven't really given any thought to surgery to correct it. I am having nasal surgery to open up my airway, so that will hopefully allow me to at least lower my pressure some.
- Thread starter
- #17
Great feedback from all.
A whisp is a nasal mask from Phillps. I sleep so much better with it than without. I am also on Requip for RLS.
A whisp is a nasal mask from Phillps. I sleep so much better with it than without. I am also on Requip for RLS.
I have used both the BIPAP and CPAP machines. Personally I do not like the full mask, I prefer nasal mask. Because it is more efficent and quieter too.
- Thread starter
- #19
I like the nasal mask better than the pillows so far because the pillows seemed to leak more often.
Glad to find more of you who need CPAP like me on here! I'm a pretty severe case as well, (pressure at 14) but CPAP is effective for me so no surgery options yet.
I need to be using either a chin strap or a full type mask, as I'm an incurable mouth breather. But I refuse, and still get good results. I've found techniques where I've learned to press my tongue into the roof of my mouth and allow a natural jaw relaxation that also helps. However, my next mask due in the next few weeks, I'm going to try one of the new Hybrid style masks. It has a nasal pillow component and a mask that covers the mouth. We'll see!
But, my favorite so far has been the Swift FX. So light on the head and face. But, it can be a bit leaky and the hose gets in the way. My second fave has been the Opus. Better seal in the nose, has an over the head hose management, but less comfy on the head and face. Also, the pillow piece is notorious for falling out, which is not only inconvenient but damn frustrating and creates a hell of an issue if you cant find it before bed or in the middle of the night.
Good networking with you guys!
I need to be using either a chin strap or a full type mask, as I'm an incurable mouth breather. But I refuse, and still get good results. I've found techniques where I've learned to press my tongue into the roof of my mouth and allow a natural jaw relaxation that also helps. However, my next mask due in the next few weeks, I'm going to try one of the new Hybrid style masks. It has a nasal pillow component and a mask that covers the mouth. We'll see!
But, my favorite so far has been the Swift FX. So light on the head and face. But, it can be a bit leaky and the hose gets in the way. My second fave has been the Opus. Better seal in the nose, has an over the head hose management, but less comfy on the head and face. Also, the pillow piece is notorious for falling out, which is not only inconvenient but damn frustrating and creates a hell of an issue if you cant find it before bed or in the middle of the night.
Good networking with you guys!
