I've been on CPAP for about 2 years, 9 months. I use a Resperonics System One with a Resmed F20 full-face mask. Up until now, I've gotten the equipment from my doctor (not counting trial masks, that's 2 masks, 1 machine and a handful of filters) but now I have to get any more through a DME company. I've gotten so I can get about 6-8 hours of sleep (according to my FitBit) with 10-12 hours in bed with CPAP and waking up reasonably alert. I'm not real pleased with that but it's been a lot worse in the past. Over those 2+ years my compliance has been pretty good; less than 10 days missed in over 2 years, and 5 of those were during the initial mask-fitting trials. This includes bringing the CPAP machine to the hospital for unrelated surgery.
The first time I tried a nasal mask during a sleep study, I fell asleep in about 15 minutes, my efforts to breathe went WAY up, my oxygen went down, and one of the techs started putting a full-face mask on me. I might be able to handle a nasal mask awake, but apparently not asleep. Suddenly I could breathe, and I hyperventilated and passed out. The tech did something odd like putting a pillow over my face and pressing down, which helped get my CO2 levels under control (as opposed to killing me). In a few minutes I woke up. sleepy but OK. I really didn't remember much of this except what the tech told me afterwards. I have gotten used to convincing people I really want a full-face mask by closing my mouth, breathing deeply, and letting them listen to all the noises coming from my sinuses or whatever.
Things were going well, then the mask tore. It held no pressure at all. I'm not quite sure how that happened, but I was probably trying to adjust it. I had been using this one about 3 months. I contacted my doctor who said I had to go through this DME company. So I contacted them and ordered a replacement mask cushion, gave them my insurance info, etc. They let my order sit for 3 weeks because they forgot to ask me some questions intended to ensure that I DO NOT have a "spare mask". (without trying to call me). It is now 7 weeks and counting, and they haven't shipped anything yet. From the number of times they've lost parts of the order several times during the same phone conversation, I have little confidence I'm getting a mask this year.
I got about 3 weeks of use out of that mask with a very crude patch with plastic tape, glue, and smearing Vaseline on my face in an attempt to seal leaks. Anyone know a GOOD way to do this? It failed because the glue is too stiff and caused more tears. Does Vaseline ("petroleum jelly") damage the mask material? If not, it may have more use at stopping leaks with the cost of some cleaning.
I went back to the previous mask, which had been in use for over 2 years and leaked a lot. It turns out that the "arms" which hold the straps to the mask had been torn about 80% through. Crude attempts to patch that lasted about 2 weeks.
I now have no usable mask, and I've discovered that without CPAP, I can get about 4 hours of sleep by spending 16 hours in bed. I really shouldn't be allowed out of bed without more sleep. I think this qualifies as "addicted to CPAP". If they declare me cured and try to take away the machine, I'll be in a world of hurt.
The doctor won't write a prescription for another mask until I can convince him that the mask which may never arrive has worn out.
I'm leaving instructions to bury me in a CPAP mask, because it won't be long before I wake up.
