I got a new machine and within 3 days my face mask broke and I had to keep putting it back together before I tried to use it and it was just a nightmare.

I called up the DME guy and he brought over the canula type of mask and I think that I am going to be able to use it now. I think that I might be more compliant with the apnea machine now - so now it'll take for a few days to adjust - but looking forward to seeing if there are any physical benefits from this sleep apnea treatment.

If you know of any, let me know and pass along hope please?

If you are talking about the Nasal Aire or Nasal Aire II mask , you will absolutely love the mask. I have over 20 masks and parts and I keep going back to that cannula becouse of the ease and comfort. Good luck.

The Nasal Air looks interesting -- I have an Infinity and it is OK but puts some pressure on by upper lip that leaves my jaw sore in the morning.

How do you choose a mast? Is there any way to see them in a store or is it just hit and miss? /Stu

Stu, usually your dme provider will carry several models you can look at.

I don't have a local DME provider - the equipment was purchased from cpap.com.

I never met the physician who "supevised" my sleep test - it was done by a nice technician - but I honestly can't see the value of the test. The prescription - prepared after I went to the sleep center, got the unsigned report, and gave it to my GP - said, "CPAP 6 cm" - and the unit came preset at that level.

I worked by way through the instructions, installed the software, and changed the unit from CPAP to APAP mode - the second night I limited the max pressure to 10 cm get rid of the Darth Vader effect from the APAP.

Once I reset the ramp, changed the max pressure, and set the target pressure - I slept like a baby - 7.2 hours of compliance the second and third nights.

But, my jaw hurt - the maxk I have - an Infinity - presses on my upper jaw - and I have capped teeth and bone resorption - so I'm trying to fine tune my excellent results by getting a mask that doesn't press on my teeth.

I know I can't open them up and try them - but I'd like to find a place where I could see one or something.

The local DME is a store front - they order, mark up, and resell - might as well be mail order for 1/2 the price.

I'm looking for a local AWAKE chapter - most likely I can see other's masks if I just ask nicely.

Thanks for the reply /Stu

I have the swift (I am told the swift 2 is better). It sounds like you're not getting the monitoring that you need - simply because I am told that someone should follow-up and check your CPAP to se eif you are getting the "theraputic" amount (maybe someone was selling me a line of garbage?) But if it is too high or too low, it could do more damage to your heart instead of helping it - so be careful. Sounds like you need to meet with a pulminologist (need a referral from PCP if you have insurance) to ensure that you're on track.

Find out who the pulminologist uses for DME and then call them and ask them if you can come in and see what types of masks they have available and take a little while to go over them with a respiratory therapist. Good luck!