Sim, Thanks for the info, i am going to give that a try for sure. I'm still having problems with leaking masks. I've got 2 different full face masks and now they gave me the one that fits over the nose to try as well. I tried that one during my initial sleep study and could not stand it at all. You don't start off on your highest level all the time now do you? You just did that to adjust the tightness? It takes my breath away when my machine first turns on at 12, i hit that ramp button really quick to get it down to 4 but just that second or 2 at 12 really takes the breath away. I tried tightening my straps so much that it left marks on my face as well and i still had leaks. I was told that if you have it to tight, the mask's seal can't expand to fill in the areas around your face that it's designed to fill in to prevent leaks...but as you know too, if it's to loose, it leaks even more...it's a no win situation in my book. I sleep slightly elevated too, i always use 2 pillows. But i turn over alot, back to side to stomach to side to back lol i make complete circles at night. They told me at the sleep center yesterday that there is a pillow made for "side and stomach" sleepers now. It's called the "Pap Pillow" just for CPAP users. They showed me one, it's kinda neat looking...i'm going to see if my home care people carry it yet. Might be worth checking into even if i have to pay for it. Well, best of luck to us both in our never ending endeavors with the cpap machines lol Take care! Robin

Hi everyone. Do any of you know where I could find a very inexpensive replacement mask for my CPAP? I haven't been using my machine much at all. The mask won't stay on my head. I called my DME & they said I couldn't get a new one until April unless I wanted to pay over 100.00 for it. I can't afford that much right now. Well, I had been on a site where you can discuss machines, masks, etc... with other CPAPers & several people had altered their mask to stay on their head using knee high pantyhose. As weird as that may sound, I figured I had nothing to lose and I really do want to comply with wearing the mask. So I did what the instructions said to do. It works better but it still isn't to a point where it is working for me. I gave up on trying to wear it. My bypass is on 3/20, Tuesday and my surgeon wants me to bring my machine. I told him I am not using it at home but I didn't tell him the whole mask altering story. I can't take a mask in with pantyhose on it for headgear and look like a fool if you know what I mean. Where can I buy a mask cheap or even a slightly used one that I could sanitize? It is basically as a just in case. If I bring the machine & not the mask would the hospital have a mask there I could use??? What do I do? Please help me if you can. Jenifer

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I suggest that you call your local hospital to see if they can help you. I know in our labs we will take payments for the test. The issue you will run into is finding a provider to help you get your equipment. Talk to your physician. Your doc probably has access to the resources you need to get the problem taken care of. Dont give up. You can also contact the National Sleep Foundation www.sleepfoundation.org/ I'm sure they can help you as well. E.Frost, RRT isnsleep.com

I think i have sleep apnea bad, i fall asleep at work,at the wheel, dinner,clubs, everywhere. I have gained about 30 lbs, short term memory loss, very cranky,depressed, hurt all the time and on top of it all i have no insurance and keep running in to dead ends when it comes to help, i can pay for very little but dont mind paying no matter how long it takes. I have been told over the years i scare people when i sleep, but i had no idea, until some ladies i was taking a class with overnite at girl scout function told me i have sleep apnea and they were very scared and worried i needed help, well it was bad then , but now that i fall a sleep every where i know its a problem. iam worring everybody around but ive tried to get help if anybody knows anything else i can do i would greatly appricate it I'AM AT WITS END AND SCARED I KNOW IT VERY BAD.