mask farts

[ruthanne]

Dear Abby.

CPAP and I have a 3 month old relationship.  Amara View mask and I typically cooperate with each other.  But lately my pressures have been running high and she is farting and leaking like crazy.  We are about to divorce.  Frankly, I don't think I'm cut out for this.

1.  Any tips to save our relationship?

2.  In one thread I read this:  " If you have an auto machine, there is a setting on your machine that allows you to adjust the mask at the highest pressure before starting therapy."  I think my machine is auto (dreamstation).......how do I set this to experiment?

Signed, 
Awake in Iowa......

[Walla Walla]

ruthanne, The machine will test your mask at the highest pressure you have set. Your profile shows 16cm as your high pressure so that's the pressure it is tested at. To test your mask go to My Setup on your machine and dial to Check Mask Fit. Start the machine and it will start the test at 16cm. You'll see a small graph on your machine telling you the on going results. This allows you to adjust the mask during the test so you get instant feed back.

[readyforsleep]

You can do this. Each mask comes with its own relationship issues. Work with this team to narrow your pressure range. You will grow to love, love using CPAP.

[HalfAsleep]

Post some SleepyHead charts here so you can get input on pressure. You may be able to lower your pressure such that the mask will leak less.

[OpalRose]

Dear Abby.

CPAP and I have a 3 month old relationship.  Amara View mask and I typically cooperate with each other.  But lately my pressures have been running high and she is farting and leaking like crazy.  We are about to divorce.  Frankly, I don't think I'm cut out for this.

1.  Any tips to save our relationship?

Could you post your data from #SleepyHead?  Sometimes a few more eyes can detect why your pressure is running high.  

Before you consider divorce...have you changed the mask cushion lately?  If you have insurance, they should be replacing the cushion monthly, if you don’t have decent coverage...these cushions can be found on Amazon for a decent cost.  They tend to get soft and will start to leak after awhile.

2.  In one thread I read this:  " If you have an auto machine, there is a setting on your machine that allows you to adjust the mask at the highest pressure before starting therapy."  I think my machine is auto (dreamstation).......how do I set this to experiment?

I think WallaWalla answered this question above. (Mask fit Check)

Order the Clinicians Manual for your machine (if you haven’t already done so.)

http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pr...tup-manual

[kiwii]

I also wonder about the length of time since you first starting using this cushion.

With my F&P Simplus FFM cushions, I get maybe 5-6 good weeks before they begin getting fiddly.

[stanleydean]

[quote pid='232899' dateline='1510996727']

Before you consider divorce...have you changed the mask cushion lately?  If you have insurance, they should be replacing the cushion monthly, if you don’t have decent coverage...these cushions can be found on Amazon for a decent cost.  They tend to get soft and will start to leak after awhile.

[/quote]

For 16 years or so I had no problem getting monthly replacement cushions. Recently the DME tells me that my Medicare Advantage plan will now only allow a new cushion every three months which is the same interval for a new mask. This isn't working out well, even though my cushion is washed daily using Johnson's Baby Shampoo. I'll be changing DMEs soon and will, in the process of selecting a new DME try to find out the truth about cushion replacement intervals.

Stan

[kiwii]

Stan,

The ApneaBoard Wiki has a page that includes Medicare's replacement schedule:

Wiki: CPAP Masks

"Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months and complete mask system replacement every six (6) months."

[Walla Walla]

Actually the Wiki is out of date. The cushions are replaced every month now and the mask frame every 3 months. The head gear is every 6 months.

Just updated the Wiki.

[kiwii]

Good to know. Thanks, Walla Walla!