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> I was never actually fit for the mask. The tech just gave me a large.

This sucks and it happens far too often. Mask fit is critical but these DMEs just toss you whatever they happen to stock and expect it to be perfect. Ideally, the tech would have let you try on a bunch of different masks to see which one actually fits your face. Most likely, you can still contact the DME and have them do an actual fitting.

>the bridge of my nose hurts

This could be the wrong mask for you or possibly over tightening the straps. It seems illogical, but most masks fit better with looser straps. All of us overtighten the straps when first starting out on CPAP.

>Everything seems to be ok when I go to sleep but during the night it seems like the mask fit changes.

Rolling over could cause this and a CPAP pillow might help. With a normal pillow, when we roll over, the mask hits the pillow and can be jarred loose. A CPAP pillow has a cutout to prevent this. Here's the one I like:

https://www.amazon.com/Contour-Products-CPAPMax-Pillow-CPAP/dp/B01LYNBWXG

Also, some machines have a leak alarm (usually in the hidden "clinician's menu").

>I get leaks, mask 'farts'

Getting the mask to fit better should be the first priority, but there's also a way to make the mask more sticky and help prevent leaks. Just a tiny dab of this will do, not even a pea size.
It's found with diapers or:

https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastfeeding-Moisturizer-Preservative-Hypoallergenic/dp/B005MI648C?th=1

>Is it just a matter of getting used to the mask?

This is part of it, but if the mask isn't comfortable enough, then you're not going to stick with it for the long haul.

>I have a lot of congestion and I am afraid that won't work.

Yeah, this probably means that a full face mask is going to be more useful. The one I like is the ResMed AirFit F20. It fits a wide range of faces because it's a lot more springy and flexible. Also, most masks also have a "sizing guide" available online that you can print out to get a better idea.

I am a fellow mild Apena kind of guy. I got my cpap about 2 months ago, and hated it -- I had an over the nose mask, and being a side sleeper it was the worst. Finally I got fed up and swapped to a Swift FX nose pillow.

I have used the machine every night for about 12 days. I can already tell a difference in my sleep. I don't wake up near as much. I can tell I am feeling better during the day already.

I actually got the machine because in the winter my nose dries out and I snore and sleep much worse. So noticing a benefit now while it's still fairly nice outside makes me happy.

Keys for me getting used to the machine.

1. flexible nasal pillows so I can sleep on my side. The ResMed swift FX is a fantastic mask. Light and pretty comfy.
   
   
2. Raising the hose above my head so I can turn over without fussing with the hose. I was using velcro on my bed frame, but found this hose holder on Amazon for like $12
   http://smile.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-JB5651-Holder/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413053679&sr=8-1&keywords=CPAP+HOse+holder
   
   
3. I bought an aroma therapy kit by Pur Sleep when I got the Swift FX. I am not sure if it's mental or not, but I feel like they help me sleep better by not having to smell all the plastic.
   
   I have a feeling if you spend the time and effort to get used to the mask, it will be a great burden off your SO. My Fiance is pretty happy I haven't been snoring (even though I am not a huge snorer till the dry winter). And you will feel better as well.

Really, I thought it was great for side sleepers. Hmmm I am a slide sleeper and don't have any problems. I like how it's super comfortable and really just holds in place just fine. The gel pillows that press against your nostrils felt a little odd the first few times I used it but other masks that go over the entire nose touched the side of my nose and I really don't like that. Only thing I would recommend is using the fabric coverings for the silicone frame (they come with it), for the parts that rest across your upper cheeks. It is also a good mask if you have a mustache; my last mask went over my nose and I had to keep my mustache trimmed really short almost shaved or it broke the seal.

If you need a chinstrap with it I would get a "halo" style like this from amazon because the place where the DreamWear crosses over your head is the same place other chin strips want to be and they interfere with each other.

I have used CPAP for years and have changed my mask style many times. What is comfortable for me might not work for you. I use the DreamWear Gel now, and it is the most comfortable mask I have ever used to date. I buy my masks and supplies from Amazon and Ebay because my insurance doesn't cover anything and they tend to be cheaper than a dedicated CPAP supply store.

So far, looking good. My tips or advice:

• Use Sleepyhead, as others mentioned here. Much better data.
  
• Your pressure will likely be adjusted upwards. For reference, my AHI (apnea/hypopnea incidents per hour) is less than 1.0 99% of the time. The goal is generally less than 5.
  
• The mask may occasionally cause skin irritation and/or redness at contact points—perhaps due to friction or skin dryness. With a nasal mask (the Wisp), it was bridge of my nose. With the Airfit P10, it tends to be the inside edges of my nares, and with the Phillips Dreamwear (my favorite mask yet) it is occasionally the outside corners of the nose. When this happens, I have found great success using a small amount of Lanolin ointment before going to bed. You can usually find it in the nursing section of a supermarket, packaged like this. Vaseline may work as well.
  
• Clean your mask, hose, and tank weekly. I use vinegar (to dissolve any hard water deposits), then use a gentle all-natural dish detergent that smells okay.
  
• Use distilled water for your humidifier, and it will substantially extend the life of your tank, hose, and mask.
  
• Don't be afraid to try other masks. I tried several before ending up with the Dreamwear, which has worked wonderfully for me.

I've got a Respironics System One. I have this unit, which is much cheaper than a purpose-built one. I've actually taken it backcountry camping, and frequently take it for camping on the water on my sailboat.

It's definitely good for two nights for me, but my pressure setting is a bit lower than yours. You will not be able to use a humidifier other than in just passive mode (heat / humidity off but tank full), humidifiers draw a lot of current.

My unit (and probably yours) is 12v DC, 10A (can get this info off your 110v AC power brick) and one of the generic laptop adapters that came with my battery pack worked just fine.

As long as you're willing to do a little homework you can avoid one of those $300-$600 "travel battery packs" that you see on e.g. CPAP.com, which as far as I can tell are just a generic battery pack unit identical to the one I have, rebadged and "certified".

I gather ResMed and some others have oddball voltages (18v, IIRC) so finding a battery back that supports that is a bit more rare. Most of the units like the one I have do 6, 9, and 12 volt, which is more typical.

Another route you can go is a jump starter pack like you find at e.g. Harbor Freight, and a 12v cigarette lighter adapter specific to your unit, which you can find on Amazon.

One thing I would avoid is a 110v AC inverter, these are lossy and so you waste a lot of battery hours due to the conversion. I found an inverter on my sailboat gave me about half the working time for my CPAP than I got with a 12v DC adapter.

One other note (and this is pretty common with things like refrigerators and air conditioners as well), I found that my unit had an initial "starting" amperage draw that was higher than rated if I turned it on without the mask actually on my face. This caused the battery to shut off and the unit to turn off, I'm guessing the fan runs harder when it doesn't have any pressure to work against.

I finally figured out not to turn it on until I put the mask on and the battery pack works fine and has served well on several trips.

If you have any other questions feel free to DM me. Obviously this is a long read and you need to know what you're doing, but a little bit of research saved me $500 off a "special" CPAP battery pack, and my unit is light enough to backpack with to boot.

A few things:

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• You have one of the best machines (Airsense 10 Autoset) on the market. You should hear almost no noise from it.
  
• Your mask (Dreamwear full face) is a great mask and also shouldn't be making much noise. There are two "exhalation ports" on that mask - near your mouth, and at the top of your head where the hose connects. Make sure neither of them are blowing air at your pillow, headboard, etc as that will cause noise.
  
• Check your machine settings. Is auto-ramp on? CPAP will be louder at higher pressures, so lower pressure during ramp as you fall asleep will help keep noise down. Also, you may want to increase the minimum pressure (even during ramp) to 6 or 7 - many of us find we feel like we aren't getting enough air to breathe at a pressure of 4.
  
• Try running a fan or noise generator for background noise if you're still bothered
  
• Mask fit is very personal - even the "best" mask on the market may be terrible for you. Try a few out. You can find masks online pretty easily, often without a prescription and for much less than a DME would charge. Here's a Nuance Pro nasal pillow mask on Amazon for $40.
  
• Note that you can use most of your existing mask with a nasal cushion or pillows - the Dreamwear system is very interchangeable. You will need the different headgear and the cushion or pillow (note both come in Small, Medium, or Large - try Medium if you're unsure). Maybe this will work better for you, and the cost is minimal compared to another mask.
  
• You mentioned you're worried about paying for the machine if you don't meet compliance criteria. You mentioned the DME would charge $8000. That's nuts. You can have your doctor give you your prescription (they are legally required if you ask) and buy it from one of the online vendors for about $850. Just return the machine and buy your own if that becomes a problem.
  
• You mentioned your sinuses are messed up - definitely speak to an ENT specialist if you feel this is hurting your ability to use CPAP.
  
• Blood ox at 70% is very dangerous. Keep it up, it gets easier. Good luck!

The machine amazing! I’ve been using it for over a year now and love every night of great sleep. It can take a few nights to get used to it. I also have found this hose holder helpful. Enjoy!

You are right about needing in the neighborhood of 50 AH (ResMed battery guide @ https://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/articles/198103_battery-guide_glo_eng.pdf if you haven't seen it yet).

The 12 volt scooter batteries are usually 35 AH so that's close but not quite. Two linked together would do it, or look at the 12v 55AH SLA batteries (example https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00K8V2LZI). I like the AGM/SLA batteries better than the regular deep cycle because they are sealed (non-spillable) lead acid instead of flooded.

Then just make sure you order the ResMed DC adapter and you should be good to go. It might be nice to have a cigarette adapter with eyelet terminal instead of the alligator clips version that comes with the ResMed DC adapter, here's one for example https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00G8WLW2Y.

I've used them for the past couple of years and find they help a lot. I don't think the cost is unreasonable vs the cost of the machine and the value of a good night's sleep (priceless in my view!)

$10 on Amazon, great for travel (I have two, one for home and one for travel): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N6RKIL0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$12 on Amazon (I used this for years, replaced with the one above) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CHMRU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$8 on Amazon, Minimalist one I haven't tried yet, could work well with a loop of cord over a headboard or lamp
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5PTIG8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the response. It's definitely something for me to look into and might might be the best solution as far as cost and longevity.

As to your final comment/question a marine battery is lead-acid verses a lithium ion so it would have different properties. In general lithium ion have the highest energy density out there (ie energy/weight ratio) and have fast recharge cycles. That's why they're in all of our cell phones, laptops etc. It seems like the commercial CPAP batteries are lithium, but if the marine battery can make it a weekend, it might end up winning.

EDIT- I decided to test this $100 option based on one of the other comments, it's good to have a backup though.

It's not going to have enough airflow if you place it under the covers.

Your better solution may be to elevate it and get a warm air room humidifier and place it on the same table as your CPAP. I also agree you should get it off the floor: air intakes on the floor are just horrible for sucking stuff up. Even getting it 6" off the floor makes a huge difference (ask anyone who works on computers)

If it's still too cold, maybe a heating pad placed behind the machine (not under) below the air intake would help warm it up. Probably go with an under-tank reptile one, as they are designed for continuous use unlike a medical one. You'd probably want to put styrofoam underneath it and some tiles or something on top for thermal mass, and maybe place an aluminum heatsink on top to help warm the air.

you can get a thermometer / humidify monitor combo for just a few bucks from Amazon or your local Walmart. :)

you mentioned that you have a heated tube. are you sure that it's actually working and keeping the tube warm?

another solution might be to get a CPAP tube cover... it will insulate the tube... I don't use one myself. I was talking with a lady at the sleep study center and she said the covers eliminated her rainout problem better than the heated tube.

something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Tubing-CPAP-Insulator-Cover/dp/B0167HA1GM

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/CPAP-Hose-Cover-Tube-Wrap/dp/B074Q73ZJ2

Good luck!

Awesome; I think I can wire in a $20/20K resistor! ;-)

Thanks!

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SO, my final cost will be:

US $2.35 https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Tip-7-4x5-0mm-Power-Plug-Socket-Connector-with-Cord-Cable-for-HP-Dell-Laptop/232768410175 . Even has a molded-in ferrite.

$0.00 : old lighter cable & plug from my junk box

$0.00 : 20K ohm resistor

$0.00 : solder & shrinkwrap

______

$2.35 !

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Versus the alternative:

$ 38: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Cord-Philips-respironics-DreamStation/dp/B01FT8QUNI/ref=sr_1_10?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1539715232&sr=1-10&keywords=Dreamstation

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Use a very tiny bit of a neutral lotion around your nasal passages first. To soothe and make a better seal with lighter pressure. That will be step one.

this is the best and will last over a year:

https://www.amazon.com/CPAP-Moisture-Therapy-Petroleum-Free/dp/B00865UVHS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521128363&sr=8-4&keywords=cpap+lotion

Okay, I am sadly a mouth breather as well and a chin strap would just cause me to slowly suffocate throughout the night so I feel your pain and even tried the dreamwear mask for awhile but couldn't handle the nose slit. But just fyi, there is this really cool thing I found on amazon that brings the hose behind your head no matter what mask your wearing and seriously so much frustration saved. Secondly, have you thought about increasing the humidity slowly? Like one notch every couple of days just as you get used to it? See if that works? And thirdly, maybe increase your daily water intake as well just in general and see if that helps? I know on nights where my water intake hasn't been good that's usually when I have the worst dry mouth.

Get this battery, it's frequently on sale for like $111

You can recharge it with a solar panel. I got this one on Amazon. You'll also need the adapter and some connectors

You'll get much better performamnce if you get a DC adapter for your CPAP.

I was in a similar situation as you. We do quite a bit of camping and our family has a non-electrified cabin we use for hunting. I recently bought this "Generator". It's probably no conducive to hiking as it is pretty heavy and it's an extra item to have to carry. However, for camping it works great. I use it with my Resmed AirSense 10 and it lasts me at least 3 nights per charge. It's nice and compact and can be charged with your vehicle. I got mine for $99 and I couldn't be happier. It's a much cheaper option than having to buy an entire second CPAP or having to buy one of the "official" battery packs.

look into hose buddies.

That's the one I got, but there are other options, or it might give you ideas on making your own set-up. I used to have my bed up against a window with no headboard, and used a long cord tied to the curtain rod to keep my hose elevated and out of the way; now I use the hose buddy. Or you can drape it over the headboard, but it really depends on the situation.

good luck to you!

I picked up one of these medical device luggage tags. It helps to very clearly mark why you have the extra bag.

I also eventually just picked up a Z1 travel CPAP machine. I have an oversized laptop backpack that barely fits under the seats. Now I just put the medical tag on that bag and keep my cpap in there instead.

Thanks! I'm going to try the full face mask + chin strap combo tonight. Which chin strap has worked well for you? I've tried:

• this one: https://www.amazon.com/SP-Medical-Super-Deluxe-Strap/dp/B0036F8EYA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1509669495&sr=8-8&keywords=chin+strap
  
  
• a homemade version based on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkByHPBPwXc
  
  
• an Ace bandage

I got a 40ah AGM for $140 at Interstate battery not too long ago and it worked perfectly on my last tent camping trip. Got 4 nights of out it without power. No humidifier and heated tube of course. See if there is a dealer local to you. I've seen cheaper AGMs also but this is an investment if you go camping often The dealer also will charge my AGM for free every 6 mo. Get a volt meter to take charge measurements. Grab a cigarette lighter plug hardwire kit that can handle the amps you need and hardwire it to the terminals. The clamps that came with my kit are almost worthless.

A CPAP Hose Cozy is pretty easy to sew up, but you can get them on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Snuggle-Skins-Insulating-CPAP-Cover/dp/B007BUOINM?th=1

I use it to also keep the cold plastic hose from waking me up when it brushes against my face or arms.

Each airline has their own guidelines, so you'll have to check to be sure. But in general, it's considered a medical device, which is indeed exempt. It does not count as a carry on or a personal item. I fly with mine quite a bit. When I first got it, I was stowing my bags on a Southwest flight when an attendant questioned me about having 3 bags. I explained it was a CPAP and she backed off right away. So just like CainerWolf suggested, I ordered a medical equipment tag that night. Haven't had a problem since.

ninja edit: that being said, I try to only have one carry on with me, and if for some reason I have two, I'll always put one of them under the seat in front of me just so I'm not taking up half the damn overhead all by myself. ;-)

Since it has a DC output capable of supplying 5-60V, it would work for any device.

You'd need a suitable cable though because of sensing circuitry in the Dreamstation and Airsense 10.

Dreamstation: details or readymade
Airsense 10: diy instructions

A Powergorilla would work just as well, it's cheaper and you can take it on airplanes.

this will also work if you’d rather have it faster and hassle free

Use this, you need a tiny bit on the area and you will be good!

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers, 40 Grams https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MI648C/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_UAklxbCMT79D7

>Price: $18.00 + $8.04 Shipping & Import Fees Deposit to Canada Details

Water Tank on amazon.com

​

still cheaper :)

If you don't roll around a lot in your sleep, these stands can help. They hold the hose up above your head.

https://www.amazon.com/Hose-Buddy-CPAP-Management-System/dp/B00866NTJY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542361621&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cpap+hose+holder+hanger&dpPl=1&dpID=31QqqAWlnbL&ref=plSrch

CleanSmart Disinfectant Spray Mist Kills 99.9% of Viruses, Bacteria, Germs, Mold, Fungus. Leaves No Chemical Residue! 16oz. 2Pk. Great to Clean and Sanitize CPAP Masks, Parts & Air Dry. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011A5FXWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZHbTDbETXA8E2

I got one of these to eliminate hose snags. Cheap enough, and works well.

I got mine from amazon.

Shacke Medical Equipment Luggage Tag for Respiratory Devices (White / Vertical) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010OFVBLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YZ2OAb23253FE

You need a hose buddy.

This is the one that I use, it's cheap on Amazon.

It folds up so you can also use it for travel. I have two, one stays at home and one goes with me on the road.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FWXKTA

Used this one for the past couple of years. Retracting Reel CPAP Tube Hanger Holder Cozy Hoze Boss

Use this one, it will make the vent always point up, even sleeping on your side.

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-JB5651-Holder/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

For instance: https://smile.amazon.com/Snuggle-Skins-Insulating-CPAP-Cover/dp/B007BUOINM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036F8EYA

This is the one I use. I have several different styles but this works best with my big Santa type beard.

Buy this. I have had it 4 years and can’t imagine living without it.


The Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SV6DMU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jlQ3Db86W58GM https://i.imgur.com/TanBUok.jpg

Or ya know you could pay $12

I got this for camping last year: 100-Watt Portable Generator Power Station, CPAP Battery Pack, Home Camping Emergency Power Supply Charged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car with Dual 110V AC Power Inverter, 3 DC 12V Ports, USB Ports https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3S00H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_y-3OAb1AJZA2D

Lasted me one night easy, without the humidifier. Same CPAP as yours.

I bought this stuff on Amazon because I liked the "spray and forget it" aspect and it was recommended for CPAP users.

On a daily basis upon waking, I give two quick sprays into my nasal mask. Once a week, I'll spray into each end of the hose. In the winter when I use my humidifier, I'd dump out leftover water and spray it, too.

I'll say this: I used to wake with enough nasal congestion such that I'd be hawking back phlegm and spitting it out continuously on the way to work. But just doing a daily spritz to the nasal mask has cut this significantly down. And the bottles (I bought the pack of 2 that spray the mist) are lasting a long time, too!

This solved my cat puncture problems. [CPAP hose wrap](Tender Tubing CPAP Tubing Insulator Cover, 6 Ft. (BLUE) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0167HA1GM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EzUXAb7N6VSKN)

I have this battery pack/inverter. You can take 12 volts off it or 120 vac. Not SLA. Haven't used with solar panel but see "special offers" at the link. 100-Watt Portable Power Inverter, 40800mAh CPAP Battery Pack Hurricane Emergency Power Supply Charged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car with Dual 110V AC Outlet, 3 DC 12V Ports, USB Ports https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3S00H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M7FWzbTATAT45

I mean technically a nasal pillow. The Phillips Size Medium. Rn it's around $12 but I've have seen it drop to below $5 a couple of times

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CLE3DRY/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_rE2BDbTRWR15G

What kind of mask do you have? I have the kind that just goes over my nose. I have found that while I sleep, I would open my mouth, causing really bad dry mouth when I woke up in the morning. I have found using a chin strap to keep my mouth closed solved this issue.

This is the chin strap I purchased.

I have something like this and this

The batteries can natively output 12V DC and It comes with adapters and will plug into the z1 battery shell and charge the official battery. (The z1 battery shell takes 12V as input). It charges slowly, but it works. One thing to note is that I believe that when in charging mode, it will try and use the LI-ION power source first, before it uses up the official battery. Unfortunately, what happens sometimes is that when in use it will draw more current than the Li-Ion battery can handle and shut down. So it's important to charge the official battery during the day, than unplug the Li-ION battery before you use the z1 auto cpap so that it is powered by the official battery. Also make sure you turn off other power sucks like Bluetooth.

YMMV this is obviously a jury rigged system, so I take no liability if you break your CPAP.