Newbie with all sorts of ?!

Hi everyone, First of all, I'm so glad this forum exists - not many people in my everyday life that I can go to with questions about this! I have been cleaning my water thingy, the hose and mask religiously every day, but it takes a lot of time - CPAP and having a 2 year old don't go well together. Any tips or hints on cleaning quicker, or if I'm overdoing it on the frequency? I understand the need for these things to be scrupulously clean - they are pushing air into your lungs, after all - but this seems crazy. Also, is it normal for there to be air leakage where the hose and mask attach? I know I have to get the technician who brought me the machine to come back out, but just thought I'd see if I could get an answer here first. How do you go about trying out the different types of masks/nasal pillows to find one that's comfortable for you? I was told insurance will only pay for one new mask per 6 month period, so do I self-pay till I find the right one? How expensive are they? Hope all these questions aren't too annoying, but I don't have anywhere else to turn. It could take a couple of weeks to get the tech to come back out here. Thanks!! Beth

Hey I have been on CPAP for 8 Years. Cleaning is an issue all right. I clean the water resevoir every morning and let it dry. Keep it nice and clean. If you don't do this it gets GROSS fast. The hose I clean every three nights. Fill the sink with warm soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes then rinse it out. No big deal. You should not have any leakage at the connections. Good Luck. Warren

i've seen some masks that don't have an exhalation port and the coupler between the mask and the hose acts as one. mine for instance has a little rubber peice around it that has several tiny holes in it and you feel air leaking through them, but it's supposed to be that way, it's the exhalation port. What kind of mask are you using? I clean my tubing once a week. The mask needs to be cleaned more often, it's not only for hygiene but will also help extend the life of the mask. I have the same problem you do with the insurance but some DMS companies have worked with me and helped me find one that works. I'm a side sleeper so it was really difficult for me.