Picking up machine next week, Advice?

Picking up my first cpap machine next week from the medical supply store. Any advice for a first time user? Do I have a choice of machines? Choice in mask, can I get more than 1 mask? Questions I should be asking?

I am a mouth breather because of very narrow and stuffy nasal passages. I also like to sleep on my side or stomach with I found d difficult during my in lab overnight study

The 2 times I've received my machine I did not get a choice. They were the only ones issued through the office I used. They did have a decent number of masks to choose from and I was able to try a few on to check the fit. I went home with one and later they wanted me to try a full face (didn't work out because I'm also a side/stomach sleeper and really could only sleep on my back with a full face). I was told they could replace the mask once without costing me extra. But that was a few years ago and different companies may handle it differently.

As a mouth breather they had suggested the full face, but I just couldn't sleep comfortably with it on. Even with a nasal mask I had to learn to position myself differently to avoid leaks. You'll probably have to do the same. There is no stomach sleeping anymore, but I can sleep on my side and twist my lower half occasionally to get a sort of half stomach sleeping effect. It took a little getting used to and bothered my neck for a couple weeks but it's not an issue anymore.

If you don't do a full face mask you may want to consider asking for a chin strap. I was told I'd probably get used to keeping my mouth closed once I was using the CPAP regularly but that didn't happen. A chin strap is a must for me.

Good luck! It takes a little getting used to, but if you put some effort into it and tweak little issues that may come up it really is worth it.

The range of machines and masks you have to choose from depends very much on the facility you go to. I can tell you that all modern CPAP machines are basically the same. They all quiet, roughly the same size (with the possible exception of a Fisher & Paykel being smaller if you use a humidifier) and all have the same range of functions.

The most important thing is to ask lots of questions and make sure that you get all the support you need. Support is often crucial for first time CPAP users, so ask all the questions you want and get the best setup for you.

You will likely get whichever machine they carry that they can set up to fill your pressure(s) prescription. The mask you receive will depend on the experience and professionalism of the tech who fits you. If your machine is set to higher pressures, nasal pillows or a nasal mask may not be an option. If you are given a full face mask, I like the Amara View that is one of the least obtrusive. You will soon forget ever sleeping on your stomach as that may not be an option with a mask. Side sleeping with the Amara View is very possible. If you are a larger person, an inexperienced tech will try and get you into a larger sized mask cushion. I received a large initially and had to buy smaller ones to experiment as I have a thin nose that is often stuffy and full face, like the Simplus I received initially even with the correctly size cushion, is hard to keep from leaking and impossible to sleep on your side as it bumps a little and leaks. You will get one mask and perhaps two cushions and if that is the case, try the one suggested and get the second in one size smaller if they are willing in the event you need to experiment regardless of mask model. After your initial fitting and receiving your CPAP, your compliance will be monitored and you will likely be able to get regular supplies which include masks, hoses, filters, etc. on a periodic basis depending on your insurance situation.