RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
(05-25-2021, 09:55 AM)Crimson Nape Wrote: Thanks for informing me of its operational design. So in theory it will only work if you don't mouth breathe. Also, I didn't see any way to adjust the back pressure for your individual needs.
I didn't look in details, just googled for 30sec but maybe there is multiple valve to adjust the pressure. Anyway it's like 400$ but for travels it's could be better as nothing. But I have a lots of doubt about the low volume of compressed air that handle after expiration. Plus the delay between end of expiration and inhalation...
It's clearly not a daily product.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
Thanks for the good information, Geer1. I've been using the Bongo for about a week and have had no trouble adjusting to it. No physical effort on my part. When I tried mask after mask, I never got more than 1 or 2 hours of sleep before ripping it off. With the Bongo, I slept through the night the first time. My doctor told me about it and recommended I try it as a last resort. The product information says it's intended for mild and moderate apnea, but a few user reviews I read said it worked even for severe apnea. But as you said, it won't work for everyone.
I'll need another sleep test in a couple of months to see how well it's working. I'll report back with my results.
P.S. I tape my mouth and it's done away with a very thick tongue and overall dryness in the morning. Highly recommend.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
Did you have to select an EPAP pressure or are they fixed at a certain pressure? I tried finding that information but wasn't able to do so.
Would definitely be interesting to see some real world results.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
The EPAP pressure is fixed, and it's significant. On exhaling, it feels a bit like having a stuffed-up nose, but I found it easy to adjust to.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
(05-25-2021, 11:43 PM)Helsal Wrote: The EPAP pressure is fixed, and it's significant. On exhaling, it feels a bit like having a stuffed-up nose, but I found it easy to adjust to.
So your problem with using CPAP is not breathing out against EPAP but with the discomfort of masks. Am I correct?
Personally, I'd have more problem with the stuffed up nose feeling.
How are you sure your OSA is being treated?
Are you basing it off how you feel after a night of sleep?
For mask discomfort, I'd suggest looking at:
the Bleep/Dreamports mask system
bleepsleep.com
or the NozeSeal system (or a DIY version) with PR Nuance Pro
youtu.be/t08jBCWt21Q
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
Yes. I've tried every mask out there and have suffered serious insomnia trying to get use to them. I'll have another sleep test in about a month to see what my numbers are. I have moderate apnea, and my doctor thinks the Bongo will work for me. I tape my mouth to insure I'm breathing through my nose. As for the feeling of a stuffed-up nose, it's no longer an issue. It took only a couple of days for it to pass. I absolutely love being mask-free, no noise or tubes to deal with.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
I realize the appeal of no hose or mask, but since this device doesn't produce any data, how do you know it is actually helping you?
Also, what is the lifespan of this device before replacement?
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
I'll take another sleep test in about a month to find out if the Bongo has reduced my numbers. That's the only way to determine if it's helping. I've already noticed less fatigue during the day since using it, in fact a lot less. And I'm not awake half the night like I was when trying to adjust to wearing a mask.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
Crimson Nape: Sorry, I forgot to answer your other question. The Bongo needs to be replaced every 90 days. The replacement, from what I've read, is much cheaper than the starter kit because the kit gives you 4 different sizes to try. Once you've determined the size that fits, you order only that one after 90 days.
RE: Bongo Rx instead of mask?
Thanks for the information. I take it that this product is not to be considered if price is a concern.
Based on my math using a CPAP's life of 5 years:
$ 200.00 Fit package
1500.00 ($300 annual replacement @ 5 Years)
$1700.00 Total cost for 5 years.