Had my cpap titration just two nights ago and I got a call saying my doctor faxed in a prescription for me to get my machine.  My question is, I have no idea how severe my sleep apnea is.  During the cpap titration study the tech noticed I had trouble breathing through my nose and suggested I try the full mask.  I was panicked all night, very uncomfortable, gave me a headache cause it was leaking air and she decided to make it so tight I thought my brain was going to explode.  I faked having to go to the bathroom several times just to get up and be able to take off the mask and breathe.  What should I do, she suggested I have my doctor determine why I get so congested when I lay down.  I don't think I can tolerate the full mask.

T000579 wrote:

Had my cpap titration just two nights ago and I got a call saying my doctor faxed in a prescription for me to get my machine.  My question is, I have no idea how severe my sleep apnea is.  During the cpap titration study the tech noticed I had trouble breathing through my nose and suggested I try the full mask.  I was panicked all night, very uncomfortable, gave me a headache cause it was leaking air and she decided to make it so tight I thought my brain was going to explode.  I faked having to go to the bathroom several times just to get up and be able to take off the mask and breathe.  What should I do, she suggested I have my doctor determine why I get so congested when I lay down.  I don't think I can tolerate the full mask.

You can always elect for a chin strap and a nasal mask. Take the advice of some of the users on here, Chronnie (sorry if I butchered the name) for one, as they provide invaluable tips. Get a data capable machine that will allow you to trend your events and leak rates, so that you know when your setup is adequate.

Try out a few masks when you are given your equipment. You do not have to use the mask that was used during titration. Im sure that you can find something that will work out. Also keep in mind, if the mask was the Resmed Quattro, tightness isnt a good thing. The mask wants to be "loose", so that the air pressure helps with the seal.

Hoo boy! Talk about one extreme to the other! From those who have to wait weeks and months to having a script and equipment ready in two days!

Being able to get your equipment that fast is GREAT - IF - you are prepared ahead of time and know what you want and what you are entitled to.

A full face mask needn't be that tight. In fact, tightening too much is a common problem we tend to do when we are new to CPAP and mask. The mask cushions NEED to FILL w/AIR in order to seal correctly and well. If they are tightened too much and squished to your face it is interfering w/their ability to do so AND to fit comfortably. Your tech was NOT particularly good at fitting masks (to put it mildly).

Do you have ANY idea about the different models of CPAP? If you hang around these forums long you will be sorry if you don't get a fully data capable CPAP. That would mean either the Resmed S8 Elite, or S8 II Elite, w/EPR or the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex.

You DON'T want a compliance data only CPAP like the Resmed S8 Escape or the Respironics M Series Plus. Understand that insurances reimburse the local DME suppliers by insurance code NOT by brand or model. The compliance data only CPAPs COST the DME suppliers less to buy than the fully data capable ones so many DME suppliers prefer to try to foist the lower cost CPAP on unsuspecting newbies rather than providing the fully data capable CPAPs.

The DME supplier's RT "should" allow you to try AT LEAST one mask of each style: full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows and "hybrid" style, i.e. a combination of nasal pillows and mouth piece. Hopefully you will allowed to try MORE than one. Understand too, while many local DME's would prefer you not know it: Resmed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel will replace FREE to the local DME supplier most any of their mask models a patient has tried and not be successful w/IF the DME will fill out a form AND return that mask W/IN 30 DAYS. Hopefully, this local DME supplier will offer you a lenient mask exchange. They SHOULD.

It might not hurt to call your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with, hopefully you will have the option of several or at least more than just one, JUST IN CASE this local DME supplier isn't willing to work w/you or you are not comfortable w/them or they won't supply you w/the equipment you want w/in reason.

AND you should ask for a copy of the doctor's dictated results (1-2 pages each) AND the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs (5+ pages each) from BOTH your sleep evaluation AND your titration studies AS WELL AS a copy of your equipment order (script). They are a part of your medical records and if you are in the USA you have a LEGAL RIGHT to these copies. Store them away safely. You'll want them later as you come to know more about OSA, CPAP and your CPAP therapy.

At the top of this forum there is a Mask Fitting sticky. Read it. It will help you w/fitting your mask at home each night AND it will help you understand whether this local DME supplier's RT knows anything about PROPERLY fitting a mask.

Good luck and Happy PAPping!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Thanks for all the advise.  I get my machine tomorrow.  I am printing off the models that were suggested and will take it with me.  I spoke to company who will supply it-my insurance only uses one company and they suggested the hybrid facial mask, since I am having trouble with congestion and get panic attach from the full face mask.  Anyone know anything about it.

When you try on the hybrid, try on the Liberty also.  Some like that better than the Hybrid.


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