First, I sympathize with the "small" bit. There are at least two sizes of head gear as well as multiple mask sizes. My control got a lot better when I figured that out. The "but" here is that all complete mask setups come with medium head gear so you have to order the small specially. My DME kept as...

Went thru this a few years ago when my husband retired and went on Medicare. We were about 1/3 thru the rental period. Had to make sure that Medicare had the Rx and tell people again and again - but eventually all got straightened around. Treat it psychologically like a bunch of small hills - one mo...

AND TAKE YOUR CPAP!!!!!!!!!! even if it is a fast surgery and minimal anesthesia. Read the recent thread started by the person worried about gall bladder surgery.
Lindalrc

Putting the machine lower than the bedside table is helpful in rainout issues as well as noise. I bought one of those small plastic stools such as a kid might use to brush teeth or you might use to get something from a high cupboard. Under $20 and at most hardware and box stores. It is just the righ...

Of course you will not relax - but a watchful and educated approach can make the internal turmoil manageable. Be sure you understand what is supposed to happen in the surgery, how long, recovery expectations etc etc. BRING YOUR OWN CPAP!!!! My spouse and I are both on machines - and the medics we ha...

Have you changed out either the mask or the silicone components since you first got them? Silicone slowly degrades in contact with skin. The DMEs say replace at 14 days; many on this forum say they use components for months. But eventually components degrade and get hairline cracks and develop leaks...

Some info on your questions: 1. A gel mask still is silicone. There is an extra layer under the silicone of really soft and flexible gel. The idea is that it will conform to your face better. I have used the Activa LT in medium size for about 5 years. My biggest problem is that the gel makes it a bi...

Being female, no beard for me. But the SleepWeaver Elan (and their Advance) both claim that because they are fabric they can contour to most any face. I have just switched to the Advance and my leak rate is way down. I have a couple of other issues with it (doesn't swivel, but the Elan does) and the...

I just added that short hose when I changed masks and am expecting rainout in our 55 deg F bedroom. If that happens, I plan to slide a sock onto the short hose to ack as a "hose cosy" - i.e. minimize loss of warmth. Have not needed to yet.
Lindalrc

Hackers want your birthdate, your SS number, your name and address. That is all part of the records at the DME and the Insurance company. last year in Maine, Blue Cross Blue Shield was hacked for that info. Since BCBS is a major insurer here, many many people got those dreaded letters. I agree that ...

I have been using my new SleepWeaver Advance fabric mask (bought from CPAP.COM) for about a week now and am getting good results plus it is more comfortable than my Activa LT with a gel-cushion mask. Think I am going to make the S-Weaver my primary mask. SO two questions. 1. What should be the repla...

Can you please give more detail - pattern/chin strap brand/assembly steps etc. I have a hard time with my Respironics head gear sliding around because it is a bit big, even though I have the small size. This sounds like it might help and I can't quite visualize it from your image. THANK YOU!

I had the "info transfer" problem once (20 yrs ago) with a podiatrist. Filled out the complaint form and faxed to the State Medical Board. One of the questions was "What could the doctor/office to correct the problem?" Obvious answer: Send the requested documents. Got action in less than a week. Doc...

Of course, with a prolonged ER admission like your first one, you are kind of stuck. But my basic rule is ALWAYS take the CPAP if going any place they might keep me. If a friend/partner is coming along (or following the ambulance), put them in charge of the CPAP and the fight to get it on you. I hav...

My GUESS is that the air in your xPAP rate is/was drying out the area where the surgery occurred. This then led to cracks and reopening in the healing area. This then lead to the bleeding and the suggestion to stop using the xPAP for a few days so more stable tissue has a chance to develop. I also w...