Ruby

Thanks to both of you! My main issue is a flight from Hamburg to Oslo, Norway that says no carry on bags. All checked bags are $50 apiece. Not only do I NOT want to pay $50 for my CPAP but I don't want it thrown in with all the other luggage. In the US you have to have your machine in it's approved bag so I doubt I could put it in my backpack. I'll have to check out the correct adapter for where we will be going.

Has anyone traveled outside of US (or anywhere actually) and either didn't take/use their CPAP or used another option? We may travel to Germany in September and there are so many baggage costs and restrictions that I would love to leave my machine behind. The travel machines are out of my price range and I'm not sure how well they work anyway. Any creditable suggestions?

Each person is so different that experiences can vary widely. Did your doctor tell you to try CPAP treatment? With all the other issues you have it sounds like it is something to seriously consider. Will it your other issues? Probably not but it could help them. I also have restless legs and I can't say using CPAP has helped but then it might be worse if I didn't. When your sleep quality deteriorates, it is natural that anxiety comes into play.

I do hope others chime in on this with their experiences. Good luck.

Usually all headgear comes in different sizes--I don't know of any that comes as a one-size fits all. Finding the correct size would be better than trying to fix it yourself however, you do what you think best.

I don't think there is an answer for this. Every person is different especially in facial structure. That's one of the worst parts of CPAP use, finding the mask that works best for you. Often insurance companies limit the number they let you try and it gets expensive paying out of pocket. I started out with nasal pillows, went to nasal mask and now have a full-face mask but went through several before finding the one I like best.

The more we know and learn the less we know and achieve sometimes.

The older a mask gets, the more likely it is that you will have leaks. Mask material breaks down, stretches and won't hold a seal. I agree that it is a pain to get a new mask. The cost alone is prohibitive. I have not tried taping my mouth but even when I used a chin strap I would wake up with air rushing out of my mouth. Another thing to think about--is your mask size the correct one for your face? Just something to think about.

Same here. Did you ask your CPAP supplier?

I sent you an email one other time but can't find the address now. I would really like to talk to you more about this--about the why and how of your comments. What could be done to get it to where it would be the most beneficial.

I guess I take the middle road here. The software is useful in checking to see what is going on. But I have an issue with changing things without talking to a sleep doctor or whoever got you on the machine itself. I fully understand that seeing a doctor is not easy for many. It just seems that changing things on your own is just one step away from setting it all up on your own to begin with. Is it the right thing for you? Guess you would be the only one it hurts.