Comments on: Alternatives for Treating Sleep Apnea

By: Tom Hurd

Tom Hurd — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:53:08 +0000

Bi-PAP user here, Quatro full face mask allows me about 4 hrs. Before I chuck it onto the floor in my sleep. I’ve had the greatest success so far with that. My 16 central apnic events per hour were not due to obstruction, but as a result of my brain “forgetting” that I should expel the air. I’m two years in, and still trying to discover what works best for me. I really appreciate the various comments and just knowing I’m not alone in my search for a good night’s sleep! Hang in there everybody!

By: Suzanne, RN

Suzanne, RN — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:01:08 +0000

I work for a company that fits and dispenses sleep-apnea machines. Insurance companies will pay for new supplies, depending on type, every three months or less. It is important for patients to get new supplies at that rate because masks begin to leak, tubing gets “boggy,” filters get dirty, elastic breaks down that holds that mask on. There are many, many types of masks, and it can take some changes before someone finds the mask that works the best. As someone commented, there are also special pillows and hangers for the tubing. Using the faithfully that comes with the machine does help dry mouth. You WILL feel better if you take the time (several weeks or more) to adapt to your machine. It will completely change the quality of your life.

By: Glenn A. Smith

Glenn A. Smith — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:34:26 +0000

Re:Fletcher C. Eberle’s comment Posted Oct 1, 2011
I use a Resmed Quatro FX Full Face mask. For a month and a half I fought the
problem of air leakage that would squeel and wake me up. The company that
furnished the equipment had no answer. I went on line to Cpap.com, looked
at what they had to offer.Some fellow came up with a brillant idea (I only wish
I had invented it) It is called RemZzzs Full face & Nasel CPAP mask liners.
They come 30 facial liners in a box, put it on the mask before applying it to the face.
For more detailed info visit them on line at http://www.RemZzzs.com
I now sleep 7 hours without being problems with air from a high pressure machine.
Hopes this helps!

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:33:58 +0000

I know it is hard to get use to wearing a mask. Both my husband and i wear a mask. We found a way to keep the hose from being tugged around. We got a plastic hook and put it on our bed post got a head band run the hose thru it and hooked the band on the plastic hook .We had to adjust it many times . That hook keeps all the extra hose in place and the mask did not slide around on our head when we turned around in bed.

By: LuLu

LuLu — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:05:29 +0000

I have been trying for over a year to use my cpap as I have 49 episodes in a 4 hour period. Also night terrors. It’s very hard to have any comfortable position with any mask on and I’ve been through them all. It always ends up on the floor by the time I awake. I would be very interested in a different alternative.

By: Lillie

Lillie — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:57:56 +0000

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea (30 episodes in 1 hour). I have had a bipap, with humidity chamber) for 14 months. I had about 7 different masks before I found one that reallly worked well for me. It is the Quatro FX. With the others I used a chin strap but that didn’t help. For the dry mouth I use Oral Balance or Biotene. They don’t releive all the dryness but they are a big help.

By: Ellie

Ellie — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:58:01 +0000

I have just started using CPAC (3 months) – not a happy camper – Three different types of masks all with the same results (awful dry mouth – to the point of ripping it off after using it only two hours). All of the CPAPS have humidity, but that is not helping at all. Also tried a chin strap to keep my mouth closed – no help, About ready to give up on this therapy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Donald May

Donald May — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:07:25 +0000

Eight years ago I was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, and was fitted with a defibrillator in case my heart stopped beating again, but it hasn’t. My heart has continued to strengthen, but two years ago my Cardiologist recommended I take a sleep apnea test as additional precaution. At that time I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, suffering 17 episodes of breath holding per hour, so doctor advised to start CPAP to reduce irreggular breathing during sleep, which causes extra stress on the heart. I started out with the CPAP mask, but that irritated the bridge of my nose, so I switched to the nazzle pilllow, which is much more comfortable and allows nore sleeping positions. I find it hard to sleep now without my CPAP nazzle pillow. It has become like a security blanket. Heart tests have now indicated my heart has strengthened to the point where doctor feels I no longer need the defibrellator. P.S. The implanted devise in your article does not sound inviting.

By: Cecile Klawitter

Cecile Klawitter — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:13:00 +0000

I am excited that there may be help for sleep apnea. I do use the mask faithfuly because I feel so well when I arise in the morning. Of course it is a pain to care for it. This news is something to look forward to.

By: Fletcher C. Eberle

Fletcher C. Eberle — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:41:23 +0000

I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea approximately 8 years ago
based on a Sleep Study and was fitted with a CPAP Machine which came with a
very uncomfortable mask which was triangular in shape and covered both my nose
and mouth. After some time using the mask my equipment supplier sent a “Swift Pillow Mask” which just filled into my nostrils. This seemed to work well. I ultimately
went for a new sleep study and was fitted for a new RESMED CPAP with built-in
humidifier. The mask initially provided with the new CPAP was a small mask which
just covered my nose. This encouraged me to breath through my mouth which was
not good. I now have a new mask which covers both my nose and down under my
lower lip which is must better. The continuing problem overall is that the strap system provided to hold the mask(s) on has never been good. I spoke to the
CEO at RESMED and told him they need to try to come up a better method
to hold the mask on rather that just reinventing the mask over and over again.
I would really appreciate your comments. Thank you for this opportunity to share.