Early Morning Train Wreck

[Sleeprider]

The FFM may be a less important priority than you think. I have some chronic congestion that clears up with the use of nasal pillows, and I don't own a FFM. For the past 10 years through allergies, colds, Lymes and whatever life has thrown at me, I have never needed a FFM.

[gregger]

From everything I read on the Board, I should really try the AirFit P10 nasal pillows. I do use a "nostril dilator" sort of plug occasionally, so I certainly don't mind the idea of using something in my nostrils.

Re: recent numbers, I forgot to put my SD card back in the machine the past couple of nights, so only have summary data. One mystery is the difference between the machine's own sleep report (and via MyAir), and Sleepyheads'. They count AHI differently, it seems. 

Sun: 1.14 SH, 4.6 MyAir (FFM, EPR 2)
Mon:  .09 SH, .50 MyAir (Nasal, EPR 2)
Tues: .35 SH, 1.7 MyAir (Nasal, EPR 1, but some leak issues)

[jaswilliams]

Sleepyhead does not work correctly when there is only summary data its calculations are flawed. The MyAir will be correct, if you want to see some more info Resscan can be obtained from here http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...Only-FILES be aware that if you use version 6.0 it now prompts for a login on starting that will be your windows login to your machine

[Hydrangea]

I hate to ask the obvious, but... Is the cushion a large enough cushion for your needs?

When I use too small of a cushion, it causes me to feel my nose is clogged up or blocked. And if/when I shift positions in the night, it can slide the cushion a bit so the venting holes are no longer lining up optimally with my nostrils, thus causing that feeling of blockedness.

[Hydrangea]

From everything I read on the Board, I should really try the AirFit P10 nasal pillows.

I try to avoid jumping on bandwagons, and tend to dismiss hype. But the P10s are neither bandwagon nor hype - they are really worth a try!!

Even if I'm super sick, congested, and 100% blocked in my nasal/sinus passages... the P10 can bust through it and get me breathing clearly!  Sometimes it takes 5+ minutes, and I have to do some mouth breathing (due to my nose being truly blocker), but I've been shocked at how it takes such few minutes to really break through all that and get the air flowing. 

It's worth a try!

[gregger]

I hate to ask the obvious, but... Is the cushion a large enough cushion for your needs?

It's a fair question! To which the answer is, yes, I have carefully checked the alignment of the cushion opening and my nostrils. I use size Medium and when it works, it works great!! But when it doesn't work it's because one nostril (often the left, but not always) is completely blocked even before putting the cushion on and after futile attempts to clear it. The only thing that clears it--and I mean immediately--is Afrin spray. But it of course has been vilified as the "Crack" of all nasal decongestants. (I "treat myself" to an Afrin spray a couple of times a week so that I can use the nasal cushion that evening with assurance of no interruption. Meanwhile, a combination of daily oral Allerest + Flonsase spray, later replaced by Nasonex spray, have done little to help, but I acknowledge: We have been in a very high allergy season.)

I also have both size Medium and Large in the Dreamwear FFM; the Medium fits better in that style, as well. The Large tends to leak a lot. The Medium leaks less if and only if I pull the straps fairly snug. No leaks, lower AHI, but marks across my face all morning! At least there's this: MyAir says last night with the FFM I got down to .3 AHI. That's with a number of adjustments over time: Bumping my pressure range up to 14 max, using a collar, turning EPR down to 1 and turning ramp off.

[gregger]

From everything I read on the Board, I should really try the AirFit P10 nasal pillows.

I try to avoid jumping on bandwagons, and tend to dismiss hype. But the P10s are neither bandwagon nor hype - they are really worth a try!!

I appreciate the endorsement from both you and Sleeprider (among others). I don't know how many different masks I can get from my DME under insurance coverage; got 2 in my first month of therapy. 

I was kind of "saving" my next mask acquisition for an alternative FFM (likely Amara View, which I did try for a minute during fitting and liked, but not quite as much as the Dreamwear FFM). 

However, based on the gushing (not leaking!) endorsement from both you and Sleeprider, I am thinking, it's got to be the P10 first!! Even if I have to pay for it out of pocket. (My start-up expenses are creeping up all the time...chin strap, collar, several kinds of decongestants...but, what price good sleep? 

[Sleeprider]

If you don't want to use up an insurance claim on a P10, remember the complete mask with 3 sizes of nasal pillow is $67 to $70, often with free shipping online. It is one of the most affordable masks to buy on your own.

[Hydrangea]

I agree with Sleeprider. I bought my P10 on Amazon, because my insurance wasn't ready to ship another mask.

I'd started with the Dreamwear, and tried the Amara View. But the P10 is like the sweet spot of masks - minimalistic, comfortable, easy.

[gregger]

Hey all,

Quick question: How do you think the AirFit P10 nasal pillows compare to the Dreamwear Gel Pillows? (The latter fit the frame and headgear I already own...)

Just wondering. Thanks.