07-27-2022, 09:12 AM
RE: New CPAP User - Having Problems
Unfortunately, once you have the machine -- telling them you want a different one is not an option. Also, I live in Texas and my doctor told me that if I change the settings on my own, the insurance may not cover the device or my supplies.
The I-Breeze not having wi-fi has been a major inconvenience for me as well. My doctor requires me to bring the whole device with me to the appointment, and also has to wait for the DME company to fax them my data from the web site, because they have never been able to access the data I upload, nor do they have software capable of interpreting the data on my SD card.
However, now that I've used the device for 90 days and have met the insurance requirements for coverage, my next follow up appointment is one year from now, so I should be free to change the settings. However, I've been fine with the settings the doctor set now that I've switched to a nasal mask. The full face mask just did not work for me at all, even though I was completely convinced it would be the only mask that does work. Long story short, do not be afraid to try the nasal mask and see if it works any better. Like I said, I don't even need the chin strap. The constant positive pressure in my nasal passages keeps my sinuses clear enough to breathe and somehow keeps my mouth shut. Opening your mouth while wearing the nasal mask is actually a little bit uncomfortable so it's almost an unconscious reaction to keep your mouth closed. However, if I do get nasal congestion, which is rare now (where it used to be frequent while wearing the full face mask), I can still breathe through my mouth while the positive pressure works on opening my nasal passages, and it always eventually does after a few minutes.
The I-Breeze not having wi-fi has been a major inconvenience for me as well. My doctor requires me to bring the whole device with me to the appointment, and also has to wait for the DME company to fax them my data from the web site, because they have never been able to access the data I upload, nor do they have software capable of interpreting the data on my SD card.
However, now that I've used the device for 90 days and have met the insurance requirements for coverage, my next follow up appointment is one year from now, so I should be free to change the settings. However, I've been fine with the settings the doctor set now that I've switched to a nasal mask. The full face mask just did not work for me at all, even though I was completely convinced it would be the only mask that does work. Long story short, do not be afraid to try the nasal mask and see if it works any better. Like I said, I don't even need the chin strap. The constant positive pressure in my nasal passages keeps my sinuses clear enough to breathe and somehow keeps my mouth shut. Opening your mouth while wearing the nasal mask is actually a little bit uncomfortable so it's almost an unconscious reaction to keep your mouth closed. However, if I do get nasal congestion, which is rare now (where it used to be frequent while wearing the full face mask), I can still breathe through my mouth while the positive pressure works on opening my nasal passages, and it always eventually does after a few minutes.
