topic For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine.... in Wellness

For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:28:38 GMT

I was diagnosed 8 months ago and prescribed a BiPap machine. My levels are very high: 21/17. Because of that, I was having a heck of a time keeping my full face mask from slipping and leaking.

Last month, I discovered a product that feels like a miracle to me. I went to a website called Remzzz dot com and they offer a face mask liner to help eliminate this problem.

IT WORKS!!! I ordered some and have been using them for 5 weeks now. They keep my mask in place and have eliminated 99.9% of my air leaks!

I'd like to suggest that those who find their masks uncomfortable, go to their website: Remzzz dot com and read about them. They've only been on the market a few years. (And BTW. I don't own any stock or have any association with this company other than as a customer.)

Such a simple solution to what was such a big problem for me! They are expensive, but for me they are so worth it that I budget for them by cutting back on other purchases. You can buy a 6-liner sample pack to try.

My DME technician hasn't told me about this product, so at my next appointment I am going to take one with me to show her.

Just wanted to post this information in case it could help others as much as this product has helped me.

Edited: Ooops! The correct website address is: Remzzzs dot com

Need to add an "s" at the end of Remzzzs

Sorry!

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

Jen44 — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 23:14:04 GMT

Thank you for sharing! I will tell my mother about this. She "fights" her mask nightly.

Take care.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

Poodlepet2 — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 23:15:57 GMT

I, for one, am excited to hear about this. I LOVE my CPAP, but I have had problems with leakage and what I call "Cpap strap Face": Even though I "oil/moisturize" the skin on my face, I get these indentations....one of the straps hurts my left ear-in spite of all the finaggling I have done with it. I will check this out- thanks for posting!

Poodlepet2

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 23:40:04 GMT

@Jen44 wrote:
Thank you for sharing! I will tell my mother about this. She "fights" her mask nightly.

Take care.

"Fighting" is a good way to describe it!!

The website has alot of good information, and the "Testimonials" that users have submitted are very informative, too.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:26:18 GMT

@Poodlepet2 wrote:
I, for one, am excited to hear about this. I LOVE my CPAP, but I have had problems with leakage and what I call "Cpap strap Face": Even though I "oil/moisturize" the skin on my face, I get these indentations....one of the straps hurts my left ear-in spite of all the finaggling I have done with it. I will check this out- thanks for posting!
Poodlepet2

I am so sorry to hear about your strap problem. The liners actually only cover the "cushioning" part of the face mask, and not the headgear, except they do include a small piece of cloth to place under the strap on your forehead.

I wonder if a different style of headgear would help you. That is awful to have to put up with uncomfortable strapping. Have you mentioned the strap problem with your Equipment Technician?

My headgear cut into my neck at the back of my head because I have a very, very short neck. So what I did was trim it with scissors to make it narrower so it no longer touches my neck. It now lays higher up on the back of my head. Much better!

There is a lot of good information on the website: Remzzz dot com. I also recommend reading the "Testimonials" section as I also learned alot from other users.

I hope you find relief soon!

Take care.

Edited to add: the correct address for the website is: Remzzzs dot com

(needed to add an "s" at the end of Remzzzs) Sorry!

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

Jessa9 — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:47:22 GMT

Thank you so much DeltaOne. I have been wearing a full face mask for years but latlely it has become so uncomfortable . I get up numerous times at night to fix it. I am going to check out that website.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

Meowingkitty — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:14:09 GMT

I wish my aunt knew about this before Medicare took the machine away from her because she didn't us it for 22 days straight and a minimum of 4 hours per night. Seems if Medicare okays a machine they also monitor the usage via a chip implanted in it. She could not use it because the mask was very uncomfortable and even after several try it still was not great. If she wanted to try for another machine she has to do the sleep test all over again. I guess if she had bought the thing outright Medicare would not have cared if she used it, but since she didn't use it to their satisfaction she had to return it.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

151949 — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 15:04:16 GMT

Thanks for the tip.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

151949 — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 15:11:57 GMT

What is an "equipment technician"? I had a Respiratory therapist one time - he brought the machine and mask - spent about 3 min explaining it - left a pamphlet with directions and left. No one else has ever come back. I am unfortunately stuck using Lincare as they are the only company available in my area and they provide horrid customer service. They actually charge 4 times a year to my ins co for a visit for "equipment check" and they get paid hundreds of dollars for it , but they have never come here- I called the ins co and they said they know but there is no one else available in my area. If I want my machine checked I have to take it to the Lincare offices around 25 miles away, only to be told mine is an old model and should be replaced and they don't check ones as old as mine.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 20:00:32 GMT

@Meowingkitty wrote:
I wish my aunt knew about this before Medicare took the machine away from her because she didn't us it for 22 days straight and a minimum of 4 hours per night. Seems if Medicare okays a machine they also monitor the usage via a chip implanted in it. She could not use it because the mask was very uncomfortable and even after several try it still was not great. If she wanted to try for another machine she has to do the sleep test all over again. I guess if she had bought the thing outright Medicare would not have cared if she used it, but since she didn't use it to their satisfaction she had to return it.

I am so sorry to hear that your Aunt had such trouble. Her Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider should have and could have helped her. The key to getting the best use of the machine is IF the company who provides you the equipment provides good service.

I am very new to all of this. I had my sleep study done just last summer. I am also on Medicare and their rule is Medicare patients have to go to a completely separate company from the one who performed the sleep study, to obtain the equipment even though the clinic who performed the sleep study also sold and serviced this equipment. Dumb!

I live in a small town, but there are 2 DME companies here. My sleep clinic referred me to the "good" one. My sleep clinic technician said he had heard horror stores about the other company!

So, I am lucky because this company has provided very good service to me. At my first appointment where I obtained the equipment, my equipment technician explained it all to me, showed me the proper useage, and encouraged me to call her with any questions/problems. And I did.

For the first 6 months, I had monthly appointments with them so they could check my progress by talking to me and by checking the "chip" that is in the machine. At first, my volume settings were 24/18 and I really had problems with that. So she contacted my sleep doctor and he authorized a lower setting which she changed on my machine. It is now 21/17 and is so much more tolerable. I also complained about the mask, and she had me try several other types as there are MANY on the market. She also explained that there is no "perfect" mask and just her acknowledging that made me feel better.

At my first appointment, my DME technician also told me that Medicare requires patients to use the machine at a minimum of 4 hours per night or Medicare will not pay for it. But Medicare does give you a "grace period" of about 60 days to work up to daily use of a minimum of 4 hours per night. It took me about 25 days of using it (or trying to use it) every night to accomplish that, even tho leaks would wake me up and I'd need to adjust my mask, but I finally could keep it on all night.

My main complaint were the leaks. But using the Remzzzs liners has been a Godsend to me. I now sleep uninterrupted by leaks. YAY!!!!!!!!

My DME technician never told me about these mask liners, so I am going to talk to her about them at my next appointment. After 6 months of monthly appointments, I now see her every 2 months. I think after a year I'll be on my own, but I need to find out for sure.

Sorry this post is so long....

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 20:53:59 GMT

@151949 wrote:
What is an "equipment technician"? I had a Respiratory therapist one time - he brought the machine and mask - spent about 3 min explaining it - left a pamphlet with directions and left. No one else has ever come back. I am unfortunately stuck using Lincare as they are the only company available in my area and they provide horrid customer service. They actually charge 4 times a year to my ins co for a visit for "equipment check" and they get paid hundreds of dollars for it , but they have never come here- I called the ins co and they said they know but there is no one else available in my area. If I want my machine checked I have to take it to the Lincare offices around 25 miles away, only to be told mine is an old model and should be replaced and they don't check ones as old as mine.

"Equipment technician" -- I was referring to the person I go to at the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company that provides my equipment. I go to her office, she doesn't come to my home. She has been extremely helpful, she's been my "coach" who has answered my questions and encouraged and supported me when I was ready to give up. I saw her once a month for the first 6 months, now it is every two months. And I can call her in-between visits if I need to.

Your situation sounds awful. Insurance companies need to wake up and get on the ball for their patients when it comes to this issue.

According to my Equipment Technician, a rule of thumb for machine replacement is 3 - 5 years. If your machine is this old, lobby your insurance company to provide you a new one.

If it has been some time since you had your last sleep study, it may be worth the time and trouble to have another one done, get a new prescription and then look elsewhere for a DME company that will give you good service, perhaps even if you have to drive to another town for the initial visit and a few "coaching" sessions. Once you are up and running, you could make contact by phone or email. And they can send your replacement supplies in the mail. Also, there are DME companies online that may be more helpful than your local one.

I think it is terrible how paients like you are being treated by some DME companies and insurance companies. Perhaps do some research online and call another DME company and maybe they can offer some advice or help.

I hope things work out better for you.

Take care.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:15:17 GMT

@jessa wrote:
Thank you so much DeltaOne. I have been wearing a full face mask for years but latlely it has become so uncomfortable . I get up numerous times at night to fix it. I am going to check out that website.

Do you get your mask and headgear replaced regularly? They do stretch/wear out and that can also contribute to your discomfort. I get mine replaced every 6 months. Medicare and my secondary insurance pays for it.

These liners are the answer for me!

......because, it sure defeats the purpose of getting a good night's sleep by using a CPAP or BiPap machine if the MASK wakes you up several times a night!

Wishing you a good night's sleep soon!

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

151949 — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 03:44:27 GMT

If I don't pull the straps on the headgear so tight it hurts my face my mask leaks. It doesn't really bother me at all - I'm asleep but it drives my DH crazy and he gets up and goes & sleeps on the sofa in his den. So I ordered the 6 piece sample set to see if this works.

I saw online the company that makes them is for sale.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

DottieBlue — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 19:44:58 GMT

@151949 wrote:
If I don't pull the straps on the headgear so tight it hurts my face my mask leaks. It doesn't really bother me at all - I'm asleep but it drives my DH crazy and he gets up and goes & sleeps on the sofa in his den. So I ordered the 6 piece sample set to see if this works.
I saw online the company that makes them is for sale.

Please post again after you've tried them out, I'd like to know if they work for you.

I didn't notice that the company is for sale...I sure hope someone keeps making these liners because it makes my mask work so much better.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

Marcail0825 — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 06:49:15 GMT

@DottieBlue wrote:
I was diagnosed 8 months ago and prescribed a BiPap machine. My levels are very high: 21/17. Because of that, I was having a heck of a time keeping my full face mask from slipping and leaking.

Last month, I discovered a product that feels like a miracle to me. I went to a website called Remzzz dot com and they offer a face mask liner to help eliminate this problem.

IT WORKS!!! I ordered some and have been using them for 5 weeks now. They keep my mask in place and have eliminated 99.9% of my air leaks!

I'd like to suggest that those who find their masks uncomfortable, go to their website: Remzzz dot com and read about them. They've only been on the market a few years. (And BTW. I don't own any stock or have any association with this company other than as a customer.)

Such a simple solution to what was such a big problem for me! They are expensive, but for me they are so worth it that I budget for them by cutting back on other purchases. You can buy a 6-liner sample pack to try.

My DME technician hasn't told me about this product, so at my next appointment I am going to take one with me to show her.

Just wanted to post this information in case it could help others as much as this product has helped me.

Edited: Ooops! The correct website address is: Remzzzs dot com
Need to add an "s" at the end of Remzzzs
Sorry!

Thank you @DottieBlue! I think this will help my DH.

Re: For those who use a CPAP or BiPAP Machine....

AuberriJean — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 11:38:33 GMT

Great information.