A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Sleep Apnea
Forum131 Posting


Archived Apnea Forum131 viewing only. To post go to the Apnea Forum Homepage.

Re: Got my mask and number today

Posted by George/PA on December 01, 2006 at 11:55:59:

In Reply to: Got my mask and number today posted by Got Rest? on November 30, 2006 at 17:15:37:

GR...When I started out with treatment for severe OSA in 1993, the sleep tech and the Doc decided that I probably wouldn't be able to handle CPAP at a setting of 14, so they put me on BiPAP at 14/10, which must have been perfect for me, because it worked well for over 12 years. This past summer, I had another study done by the young associate of my current sleep doc, and the pressure was increased to 16. He wanted to change me over to CPAP, but I couldn't tolerate the exhale pressure at 16. The older doc intervened, and I still have my BiPAP. You, however, may be perfectly able to tolerate the pressure of 14, especially if you are younger (I'm 64) and in fair health otherwise.

I cannot speak to the choice of machines, as mine have all been Respironics BiPAPs of one model or another, but I have had excellent success with the Comfort Gel masks. You may have to experiment with the elastic headgear to get the right one for you, but it's well worth the effort. Get a new mask as often as your insurance will allow and keep an old one in good condition for a spare.

My newest machine has the ramp feature, but I'm so used to the pressure by now that I don't use it.

As far as lease vs. own...I've owned all of mine and have had great success. I guess it would depend on your relationship with and confinence in your DME vendor. I still use my original machine at home and it has over 25,000 hours on it. I keep my second machine as a spare, and my newest is in my semi truck, because it is a smaller, lighter machine with a smart card that records my sleep quality on the road.

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

Follow Ups:


Archived Apnea Forum131 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use. The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes. Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2006 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved