(Part 2) Best respiratory aids & accessories according to redditors

A key/wrench for an oxygen tank.

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Medical-8013A-Oxygen-Cylinder/dp/B000LX3BGG

http://www.sedationkit.com/Oxygen_Cylinder_Wrenches-Plastic_O2_Cylinder_Wrench_E-Key.html

You can buy hose covers that help with the condensation.

Your primary enemy is oxidation and after that, moisture. Freezer does help in reducing the rate of oxidation but you need access to a freezer that is mostly used for non-odorous items so that the coffee doesn't absorb "off"-flavors. Don't freeze, open, and then refreeze beans because when you open the bag outside the freezer it will introduce humidity from the air into the bag which will then condense onto the cold beans.

Here is what I do when I have excess beans on hand and it has worked well for me in terms of preserving flavor...but it is a bit of a hassle:

• measure coffee beans by mass into single-serve portions and place each portion into a pint-size freezer ziploc
  
  
• put an oxygen absorber in each bag
  
  
• squeeze out all the air by submersing the bag into water up to just below the seal
  
  
• seal bag
  
  
• dry off exterior of bag
  
  
• label bag with roaster, bean name, and roast date
  
  
• place as many single serve portions as will fit into a gallon size ziploc, then place the larger bag into the deep freezer that we mostly just use for storing meat
  
  
• repeat until all beans have been packaged for freezer storage
  
  Then when you want a cup you can take out a single-serve bag from the freezer, grind the beans while still frozen, and immediately brew!
  
  When I do this immediately after recieving beans in the mail, they still bloom significantly with off-gassing bubbles of CO2 when brewed months down the line and taste just as they did before freezing. It effectively puts the staling process into stasis.
  
  I really ought to buy a vacuum sealer so I don't have to faf about with Ziplocs and water displacement anymore, but the good ones are fairly expensive.
  
  /u/PregnantSuperman's suggestion with Mason jars works too, especially paying attention to letting the beans come up to room temp before opening. The only thing I would do differently is add an oxygen absorber into the jar before freezing. Personally I use the single serve bag method because I like to brew different coffees on a daily basis rather than working through an entire container of one variety before moving on to another.
  
  Note about oxygen absorbers: the best way to store extra absorbers without them getting used up is to pack them into a mason jar and then fill the rest of the jar all the way to the brim with white rice, then tightly screw on the lid.

A few things:

​

• 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!

AFAICT, this part simply replaces the rear strap, not the silicone face mask. My rear strap slips up every night, loosening the mask and causing air to escape onto my face, waking me. It SUCKS. I am looking forward to this new rear strap.

About those face marks in the morning: try using the mask wraps found here. They are soft and comfy and will alleviate the morning "strap face".

I don't use a full-face mask,but had the same problem. I just bought some generic ones with Velcro - the material was a fleece. They've worked fine for over a year, but due now for replacement.
Very much like this:
https://www.amazon.com/RESPIRONICS-INC-RE1116754-DreamWear-Fabric/dp/B01DJGGMBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=cpap+strap+covers&qid=1566948995&s=gateway&sprefix=cpap+strap&sr=8-7

I got sick from mine. I thought I had pneumonia. Nope. It was my unclean air hose. Cleaned everything in vinegar and put it in my Cpap drying machine.

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

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!

Generic hose on Amazon for $5.29, with free 2-day Prime shipping.

For compliance, in the evening if your watching tv, reading a book, put on your mask and run your machine. This will get you used to having it. Plus it will bump your usage numbers up too .

So for cleaning, I've used this, cpap wipes for the mask and I also use cpap brush for the tubing.

You may want to switch to a nasal mask or Full face mask depending on your preference

I used this stuff when I first started out. It worked great.

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

Mask Liners made a HUGE difference for me. If you haven't tried them, please give them a shot.

https://amzn.com/B00AC4GDH8

If they improve for you, then you may experiment with lower cost solutions like a cutup T-Shirt or something.

The condensation is something I've not experienced, but have you tried insulation around the hose? https://amzn.com/B006N8MBHI I know you said you tried everything, but wanted to ask.

I was wounded in an IED in Feb of 2005 one month into my first deployment. That was my first TBI and that deployment is when I started having problems sleeping. I was diagnosed in summer 2015 with sleep apnea. All of my TBI and related migraines sans sleep apnea were diagnosed in the 7 year gap after I got out. The whole VA ordeal was brutal as well.

I would resubmit for migraines and get that linked up so you can have your treatment covered no questions asked.

As for nose pillows. Here

Like everyone else says, the mask is probably too tight.

You may also want to get the large size frame. The mask normally ships with the medium frame, and it seemed to fit me fine, but I had the same problem you did. In fact the first couple months after I bough the dreamwear I only used it two or three times because it irritated my nose so bad. I finally broke down and got the large frame, and immediately noticed a massive improvement. It wasn't dramatically more comfortable at night, but in the morning my nose felt much better.

Also /u/wrong_assumption recommends the version without the nasal pillows. I used that version up until about a month ago, and I always liked it and it is slightly more comfortable. That said, I switched to the pillow version and won't go back. I had way more problems with leaks without the pillows, and it was noisy enough to wake me up way too often. Since I switched to the pillows, my sleep has noticeably improved. You may not have the same problem, but I would recommend trying the large frame before trying the non-pillow version.

BTW, if you do want to try the version without the pillows, you don't need to replace the whole mask. Just get the non-pillow nosepiece.

As others mentioned you need a different headgear. I have both, never had a problem with either.

If your head is on the large side, you may want to try ordering the large headgear, which is sold separately.

The medium seemed to fit me fine, so I didn't think I needed it, but my initial experience with it was fairly similar to yours. Once I tried the larger frame, my opinion of the Dreamwear went way up.

Also, just try fiddling with the straps... It is hard to get them "just right." A tiny bit too loose, you get intermittent leaks. A tiny bit too tight, and your nose hurts. But just right, and that mask is (as far as I can tell) the most comfortable mask available.

I made the mistake of tightening mine a bit a couple nights ago, and I am going to be wearing my nasal mask tonight... But in a day or two I will be back to the (loosened) Dreamwear.

I bought a 346 wh camping battery that has dc and ac outputs. Then I bought a converter. When I tested it using the converter the charge only went down 3 percent for 6 hours use. You could easily get a cheaper camping battery that would still last a few nights as long as you also buy the converter. Make sure the converter you get has the right plug for your machine. The one I linked to comes with two for the more common machines. I use a resmed air sense 10.

Another Question:

Has anyone had success with any CPAP mask pillows?

I have not tried but have looked into them and wanted some more feedback before spending the money.

Pillow

I use this one and I like it. Used with nasal pillows and now a nasal mask.

Contour Products CPAP Pillow 2.0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYNB4QM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z6bYzbD74MQ3J

I use these. https://www.amazon.com/Care-Touch-CPAP-Cleaning-Wipes/dp/B0753KMW66/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Cpap+mask+cleaning+wipes&qid=1564013136&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I use this gizmo to hold the hose. Works pretty well.

The frame is used for all three mask types. For both the nasal cushion and nasal pillows you use this headgear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYJRVWV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HBIxDbFQRCM10

For the full face you need: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHDCQTX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IFIxDbE6KAY9Z

Then you can use any of the masks: pillows, cushion, or full face. They just kind of clip into the frame.

I have never tried the pillows, but the cushion just sits under your nose and is held in place by the frame and headgear. The full face sits under the nose just like the cushion but also covers your mouth. The seal was excellent on the full face, I could actually open and close my mouth without the seal breaking which I could not do with the Amara View. The headgear for the full mask has straps to hold the bottom of the mask in place. As long as everything is adjusted right for you the masks seal is created just by the air pressure in the mask and stays put very well. The only issue you might have to deal with is the seal around your nose but it usually is just a quick tweak and you are good to go. I honestly didn’t even have many issues with the seal around the nose compared to the Amara View which was constantly needing tweaking, I could just throw on the Dreamwear and fall asleep with no leaks.

I haven’t tried them, but I’ve seen a number of strap covers and cushions on Amazon.

Here’s one:
CPAP Neck Pads Headgear Strap Covers for Resmed Airfit Airtouch f20 p10 headgear fit most full face & nasal mask comfortbale breathable

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TWTMHM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SlwBDbET3221Z

This is my solution:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0182J3LW4/

Works very well. I use it as a live backup: CPAP to battery, battery to A/C. If the power goes out the CPAP keeps working.

I can get two full nights before needing to recharge without humidifier. With humidifier, it depends on the tube heat and humidifier settings. In the event of an extended outage I would most likely remove the humidifier.

I was incorrect it was $280 which was hundreds cheaper than a travel cpap.

CPAP Battery - Philips Respironics - Remstar, System One - New Longest Life Battery! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182J3LW4/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_xDIiybQAB6QB6

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)

https://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-Pilot-Pro-32000mAh-Multi-Voltage/dp/B00DN0KBXU

Battery.

12-24v step up converter

https://www.amazon.com/Converter-ResMed-AirSense-Battery-Included/dp/B00UW34KR4
Edit: This is one is wrong. It's specific to the BPS system note the angled connector.

I have this one
http://www.cpap.com/productpage/c-100-airsense-aircurve-10-24v-dc-power-converter.html which seems to be out of stock.

A quick google found me this one though.

http://www.patientsleepsupplies.com/ResMed-AirSense-10-Converter-for-C-100-CPAP-Battery.html

2 nights of blower only. No humidifier no heated tubes. 2 nights is pretty much 100% of the juice. I try and charge it a little each day in a car or solar.

Sometimes I need to plug in the device for a second. Leave it plugged in. Then quickly unplug, reset the battery and plug it back in.

I think there is a start up draw which is more than the battery can handle. But if you pre-charge the capacitors it works ok.

I've been using this setup over a year now. I do alot of weekend trips. I will eventually step up to a car battery sized device so i can use humidifier. But this set up weighs about 10lb. It's heavy as hell but if you realllllly wanted to backpack. You could.

Edit: oops this was for someone else but I'll leave it here for OP

All of the at-home auto-cleaners are a fraud.

If cleaning the tubing is awkward, maybe it's better to just replace the tubing?

...especially if it's the non-heated type that's $5 on Amazon.

I use this to run my cpap and charge my phone and watch. I’ve only done 2 nights at a time, but I come back with well over 50%. It’s pretty small too.

Battery:
ACOPOWER 150Wh/40,800mAh Portable Generator Power Supply Solar Energy Storage Lithium ion Battery with AC Power Inverters 110V/60Hz, USB Ports 5V/3A, DC Ports 9~12.6V/15A, Charged by AC/Solar Panels

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9FWFXD?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Adapter for my cpap:
Respironics Shielded DC Cord for System One 60 Series CPAP BIPAP AUTO Car Truck Auto RV by Philips Respironics

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5UVH0M?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Is this what you are talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Respironics-Shielded-System-BIPAP-Philips/dp/B00K5UVH0M

?

Hm, I tried use these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H31XFFG/
and store it in these airtight jars https://www.amazon.com/Bormioli-Rocco-Colours-Capacity-Italian/dp/B01D8P94KK
but not in the freezer.
After 4 days I opened it, it was disgusting :(
Maybe freezer will do the magic...

Well, not related to sleep, but a softer seat will sometimes cause you to be more sore. This is why car seats are often very firm.

> Interesting that the CPAP reports my average sleep hours as closer to 7 hours, which is likely accurate.

My CPAP reports 8.5 to 9.5 hours per night. Is there any way you can get to bed earlier? I had to suck it up and start going to bed at 9:30 every night, instead of 10 or 10:30, and it made a big difference for me.

Your AHI looks pretty good.

Pressure is set by your doctor.

The rest you can find by Googling.

The large leak is actually about the same as mine. However, if you wake up and it's leaking, then yes - tighten it. If you continue to have problems with your mask, I found these two products to help a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-JB5651-Holder/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409922978&sr=8-1&keywords=cpap+hose+holder

http://www.amazon.com/Resmed-Tubing-33963-Standard-Supply/dp/B006N8MBHI/ref=pd_sim_hpc_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0C9JR4SJ000QZ6SBDFEX

The hose holder allows me to position the hose so that it hangs just over my head, with no force pulling the mask off. The hose cover adds a little weight and width to the hose and it allows me to position the hose in the holder more precisely in the hanger.

Anyway, try changing the Humidity setting (or reviewing what you have changed) and see if the AHI changes. Both my wife and I found drastic differences. We live in a humid area (east coast) and found high humidity made our AHI soar, so now we have it set on 0 or 1. I would presume in an dry environment, it might help to have it on more ... perhaps? Just try it, then read the data.

Hurricane Drier (no referral link) is $152 cheaper, does not emit smog, doesn't require consumable "charcoal filters" and is 100% effective at eliminating moisture in hose and reservoir. And it only takes a couple of minutes to run a full program.

This ? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LX3BGG