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Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
#11
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
I looked up the Dr. Dakota Snoring Stop. A cervical collar is cheaper. Take some duct tape and stick a rolled up sock on the collar you have now. If it works, then you can make it better.

However, if you have ANY neck issues, don't do that.

I use a Simplus and a Nuance. I get the Nuance parts from the local folks and just get the Simplus cushion from online. That's what I like about the Simplus - I just need a new cushion, not an entire new headgear. I used my DME to help determine which FFM would work for me then them to get the first one. After that, I told them I was going back to the Nuance.

I've not had to use the Simplus in a long time because I stopped lip leaking.

And you will find that the nasal pillows are better for when you have congestion than a FFM is. That's what i discovered. I was quite surprised at how clogged I stayed all night, waking up often, when I used the FFM with a cold. Switched to the Nuance the next night, just as congested, but it pushes it out of the way better and I didn't wake up.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#12
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
If your CPAP prescription says "Mask of Choice," you should be able to try whatever mask you want when it's time to get your supplies.
trish6hundred
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#13
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
Halfasleep,
I have and use a DR Dakota, and sometimes switch it with a cervical collar.  I started the Dr Dakota because I thought the Cervical collar was bothering the back of my neck. As it turns out, it wasn't. I can use them interchangeably and both work well to keep my jaw closed. The Dr. Dakota has a nice wide shelf to rest you chin on, and I find I can keep it looser around my neck and still make it work.
Best regards,

Analog
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#14
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
(10-06-2017, 01:28 PM)PaulaO2 Wrote: I looked up the Dr. Dakota Snoring Stop. A cervical collar is cheaper. Take some duct tape and stick a rolled up sock on the collar you  have now. If it works, then you can make it better.

However, if you have ANY neck issues, don't do that.

I use a Simplus and a Nuance. I get the Nuance parts from the local folks and just get the Simplus cushion from online. That's what I like about the Simplus - I just need a new cushion, not an entire new headgear. I used my DME to help determine which FFM would work for me then them to get the first one. After that, I told them I was going back to the Nuance.

I've not had to use the Simplus in a long time because I stopped lip leaking.

And you will find that the nasal pillows are better for when  you have congestion than a FFM is. That's what i discovered. I was quite surprised at how clogged I stayed all night, waking up often, when I used the FFM with a cold. Switched to the Nuance the next night, just as congested, but it pushes it out of the way better and I didn't wake up.

Thanks, Paula... That’s a great idea on adapting the collar under the chin. I would start jury-rigging right now, except...the back of the cervical collar puts my neck in an awkward position when I lie down. Plus, last night it was pushing up the straps for my mask.

Great input on masks and your experience. A strategy is starting to formulate in my brain.
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#15
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
(10-06-2017, 02:44 PM):thanks:analog Wrote: Halfasleep,
I have and use a DR Dakota, and sometimes switch it with a cervical collar.  I started the Dr Dakota because I thought the Cervical collar was bothering the back of my neck. As it turns out, it wasn't. I can use them interchangeably and both work well to keep my jaw closed. The Dr. Dakota has a nice wide shelf to rest you chin on, and I find I can keep it looser around my neck and still make it work.

Thanks
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#16
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
Why aren't you using a chin strap? The Ruby I have is adjustable. Seems as though that would be a better option than bending your neck backward.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#17
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
PaulaO2,
Not sure about Halfasleep, I for one could not make a chinstrap work. Even with a Simplus FFM, when my jaw opens it causes leaks. Also, the chinstrap distorted the shape of my cheeks right where the FFM sits causing leaks.
Best regards,

Analog
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#18
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
(10-06-2017, 06:07 PM)PaulaO2 Wrote: Why aren't you using a chin strap? The Ruby I have is adjustable. Seems as though that would be a better option than bending your neck backward.

Sleeping is complicated for me...

I don’t want to jam my jaws together: I have really bad TMJ.

I have tried a custom nightguard. I’ve chewed through several and broke my front teeth on the last one. Yes, I have a big rectangular notch to match the shape of the nightguard.

I have surgical pins in the middle of my jawline. Ouch.

I have neurological issues in my neck from getting old.

Necks are supposed to have a backward curve. I have a pillow designed to support that position.

I can’t sleep on my side because I crushed my ribs doing so. Seriously: 2 visits to the ER and frantic ER docs. Surgery.....

Still, I’m pretty confident I can make this work, though I might have to settle for some minor leakage.

I need to keep my cheek muscles relaxed, but with my mouth closed. I think this is do-able, but challenging. I plan to get this mostly worked out before I start posting SleepyHead data.
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#19
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
Buy from an online supplier with a 30 day return option (be SURE to read the details so you don't get stuck with a mask you ultimately don't want). If you are unsure what to get, contact the supplier and have them help you figure out which one to start with due to your jaw issues.

Once you have a full-face mask that works for you, in order to get cushions or the occasional mask from the DME, you have to go in to get fitted. Then make sure that they have BOTH masks listed so that you can alternate.

According to my former DME, very few of their clients use two different style masks. You just have to make sure that both are listed and then alternate once in a while so that you have enough backup cushions.
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#20
RE: Owning two masks: what’s your strategy?
(10-06-2017, 01:28 PM)PaulaO2 Wrote: And you will find that the nasal pillows are better for when  you have congestion than a FFM is. That's what i discovered. I was quite surprised at how clogged I stayed all night, waking up often, when I used the FFM with a cold. Switched to the Nuance the next night, just as congested, but it pushes it out of the way better and I didn't wake up.

Yup.  My sinuses are completely shut down from allergies most nights when I go to bed.  It's amazing how quickly they open up when the VAUTO pumps the nasal pillow volume up to 11.
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