When you go in to get fitted for the mask, do they give you a choice of what machine you can get or do you get whatever they have?

They gave me the newest Resmed S8 with humidifier but I picked my out the mask I preferred.

Somthinsup wrote:

When you go in to get fitted for the mask, do they give you a choice of what machine you can get or do you get whatever they have?

Hi,

Remember......it's not THE mask, but the mask that is best suited to you. Don't be put off. Demand to see a full range of masks and try each one out. Masks are interchangeable with all types of cpap machines. When (and only when) YOU are happy with a specific mask look at the different machines.

As it is your first machine I suggest you look at the more basic machines (cheaper) before going for the ones with bells and whistles (expensive ones). Try and get used to cpap for the minimum cost. When you understand more about your disorder and cpap machines you may wish to look at the more expensive machines.

The mask is the 'thing' that will be closest to you while using cpap.........so you need to be sure that you are comfortable with it.

If possible, a good idea is to rent a cpap machine for a month or two first.

Kind regards,

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

I'm not worried about the cost of the machine...the military is picking up the tab, so cost is not an issue.  I just want to make sure that they don't try and give me some second rate machine that doesn't do what it's supposed to and then I don't use it.

Somthinsup wrote:

I'm not worried about the cost of the machine...the military is picking up the tab, so cost is not an issue.  I just want to make sure that they don't try and give me some second rate machine that doesn't do what it's supposed to and then I don't use it.

A more expensive machine does not necessarily do a better job than a cheap machine. An example is a basic CPAP machine against an Auto Adjusting PAP machine. Both pump air. Basic machine pumps air at a predetermined pressure and if the titration study was correct then it will clear all apnoea events. An APAP (dearer) attempts to pump the correct air pressure by way of an algorithim, which may or may not clear all apnoea events (recent studies have proven that they don't).

If the expensive machine doesn't work right then 'someone' is out the cost of it..........and they are almost impossible to sell seconhand. However if funds are not a problem then put the money into MASKS.........machines pump air.........MASKS are the interface. If your mask/pillows are not comfortable no machine will work for you.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

I would recommend a machine with "cflex", which reduces the air pressure during exhaling, then increases it when you inhale. Seems to make the adjustment easier.

I would recommend a machine with "cflex", which reduces the air pressure during exhaling, then increases it when you inhale. Seems to make the adjustment easier.

I do agree that the most important part is the mask, whether nasal, full face or nasal pillow, get what's comfortable and doesn't leak. Take in to account your favorite sleeping position, back side or face when trying masks. Do you roll over a lot during the night, etc. Little things make a difference, so don't be hurried when trying masks.