Wellness

[DottieBlue]

I also use a bi-pap machine, and need to wear a full face mask.  The mask I use is a different brand from the bi-pap machine.

My machine is a Phillips Respironics and my mask and headgear is Fisher & Paykel.

I am very fortunate that my equipment supply company is located in my town and they have been extremely helpful helping me find the best mask for me to use.  It really is trial and error and I was lucky that the second mask I tried is working for me.  

I also use a mask liner that I order from "Silent Night Health."  Medicare does not pay for these liners so I pay for them myself because they make the mask much more comfortable for me to wear.

Tell your  DH not to give up because there are lots of masks on the market now, and wearing one should not cause pain.

[SouthernBee]

@DottieBlue : Thank you. DH has gone to his durable medical store and they insist that Resmed has no other larger size mask. I continue to search on line. I took some soft microfiber cloths and cut to size to fit on the straps of the mask hoping that would help.Tried tee shirt type material and others.

[DottieBlue]

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@SouthernBee wrote:

@ScrapHappy : Thank you. I purchased a different mask on line and it didn't work for DH.

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Gosh, you shouldn't have to be trying to figure this out yourself and spending your own money on masks to try.  I hope you can return the one you purchased to get a refund.

The sleep clinic or equipment supply company should be actively working with your husband to find a mask that fits well.  They shouldn't have given him his equipment and then abandon him, they needed to follow up with him.  

Rattle their cage!     

He shouldn't be in pain using the wrong mask!

[DottieBlue]

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@SouthernBee wrote:

@DottieBlue : Thank you. DH has gone to his durable medical store and they insist that Resmed has no other larger size mask. I continue to search on line. I took some soft microfiber cloths and cut to size to fit on the straps of the mask hoping that would help.Tried tee shirt type material and others.

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Well, their "help" is just unacceptable.  You don't have to use the same brand of mask as what the machine is.  I am appalled that they have "given up" on your DH!

Is there another supply company you can go to in your locale that would be more helpful?  His doctor can  transfer the prescription to another place.  I had to do that because the first company I was referred to had lousy service so I switched companies.

Also, it may be the "headgear" that is causing the problem and not the mask cushion itself.  I need a size small mask cushion, but a size medium for the "headgear" (the straps that go around your head.)  Boy does that cause confusion when it's time to send me my replacement supplies because the cushion and headgear usually come packaged together as one unit/one size.  And I would have to remind them that no, I need a Small cushion and a Medium headgear so they have to break apart a set and send me the two different sizes.  Too bad for them!

I found all kinds of bi- and c-pap supplies on Amazon.  That would be a good source to do some research as to what is out there.  Perhaps call some other equipment suppliers even if not in your area, and discuss your situation with them and get their advice and suggestions.  Then call your local one if you've received some good information and they can order other types of masks for your DH to try.

Good luck.  All I know is that no one should have to use bi-pap  equipment that is painful.

[Loves Purple]

I have had a RESMED CPAP machine for years. I believe I got the referral to a supplier from the doctor that handled my sleep study. You shouldn't have to pay or shop around for supplies. I received different sizes of nasal masks til I got the one that fit me best. Have you contacted his dr. and who has he been getting his supplies from. They are supposed to handle everything. 

[Loves Purple]

@SouthernBee 

I wanted to add that I'm sorry you are having trouble finding a properly fitting  mask. They have come a long way in recent years and it should never be painful or uncomfortable. My supplier sends me reminders when it's time to reorder, everything is shipped to my house, and Medicare covers it. No bills. I'd give the doctor a call end ask him who your supplier is and get their number or have them call you. Tomorrow. You don't need to wait. 
I hope this helps and keep us updated. 

[SouthernBee]

@DottieBlue : Thank you. DH is now on his third medical supply company. I will try to call his doctor and Medical supply.

[SouthernBee]

@Loves Purple : Thank you. I have previously called the doctors office and the medical supply office and very frustrating. I have been researching on line all day. Tomorrow will call the doctors office, medical supply and resmed.

[Loves Purple]

I'm not sure if I can give you the name of the company I use (in case they're available in your area) but I'll try. Google APRIA. 

I'm extremely satisfied with them. 
Hope this helps. 

[Toot1920]

@SouthernBee, I would contact your husband's medical supply where he gets his supplies. He can always try different masks. I have tried at least five different ones until I found one that was comfortable and fit better. The only thing to remember is that per Medicare's guidelines, you can only get a new full head gear every 3 months, cushions and mask every month. So, every three months I would try a different mask until I found one that I liked. Hopefully, you live near the medical supply company and they should have a specialist who can advise him of the different types of head gear and masks. They should also know when to try a new mask and when Medicare will pay for it.