Has anyone found a way of using specs with a mask?

[retsyo]

This question may have been raised before.

I like to read before falling asleep but now cannot see the flipping page nor the LCD on the machine. My loaned Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit II arrived yesterday. I tried straightening the sides of some specs to lengthen them but it is not very satisfactory as they are at the wrong height and are very insecure.

Sadly using the Resmed Mirage Swift II pillow mask did not work for me. It is unbalanced with the tube coming from one side and easily dislodged by the weight of the main hose. As a new user I am trying several masks and may have to resort to a full facial as I tend to open my mouth during the night.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

[SteveP]

You may want to look at the ResMed Mirage Liberty. It's a full face in the sense it covers the mouth and has nasal pillows. Nothing above the tip of the nose. Very good for reading...

I tried it and found it very comfortable. However, I had a serious leak problem on both sides of my mouth, so it is a no-go form me.

I am now trialing a Respironics Comfort Lite2. It is just nasal however. But you can wear your spectacles with it... Really comfortable. And because it attaches from the forehead up, it doesn't move at all however much you tilt you head, or turn it. Great for side sleepers. Not sure if it would be useable with a chin strap. Someone else might know.

I hope you find a good mask soon.

Good luck,

SteveP

[retsyo]

Thanks for tips. Have a Resmed Qattro to try but will persevere with the Activa for a couple more days

The other masks you recommend are just not suitable for my facial measurements. I have been using www.cpap.com for looking up suitable masks that will fit.

Has anyone any experience using the Respironics ComfortCurve as that apparently would be suitable? I really would like to wear specs to read.

In New Zealand I am 4 + hours from my clinic so everything is done over the phone and equipment couriered to me. The service is really quite excellent but I am having to pay for it. Currently have two machines and 4 masks to play around with.

Have thought of presenting an optician with a mask to ask for their suggestions.

[puffin]

Yes, I used to read a lot in bed. Then I got a cpap!

Its just occured to me, why do we need to put the mask on right away when we go to bed? Why not read with glasses, put the book down, then put the mask on?

[retsyo]

I would have woken up by the time I had the mask on. Like to read until I drop off, sometimes with glasses still on!!!

[Gaspin]

I'm using a Respironics OptiLife nasal pillows mask, and I'm really getting on well with it!
I too like to read in bed, and spex are not a problem with the OptiLife

[Joe McManus]

Or try audiobooks on CD or on your iPod via Apple iTunes. No need to read, just lay back and listen! Almost all popular books are available.

[acebass]

why do we need to put the mask on right away when we go to bed? Why not read with glasses, put the book down, then put the mask on?

I agree with puffin on this one, takes a few seconds to put the book down get the mask on and hit the start button. I read for at least half an hour most nights, as much as 3 hours if i'm not sleepy (funny statement for a CPAP User I know, but sometimes I just don't feel tired enough to sleep).

[retsyo]

I'm using a Respironics OptiLife nasal pillows mask, and I'm really getting on well with it!
I too like to read in bed, and spex are not a problem with the OptiLife

Hi Gaspin
Did you try any other nasal pillows before choosing the Optilife?
Retsyo

[retsyo]

Or try audiobooks on CD or on your iPod via Apple iTunes. No need to read, just lay back and listen! Almost all popular books are available.

Hi Joe

Had forgotten all about my audiobooks. Will try them.
Retsyo

[Gaspin]

Hi retsyo

No, I've only been on CPAP 3 weeks, and Papworth gave me a Comfort Gel.
I saw the OptiLife on the web and bought it then and there. I've been using it for 2 weeks now and hardly notice I'm wearing it, now I've got the strap tension just right.

[acebass]

Gaspin

Where did you see the mask? Can you provide a link?


Thanks

[Joe McManus]

Peter,

See http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread....light=optilife

He got it from an American website though it's just come available on CPAP Europe too.

[retsyo]

Hi guys - guess what - woke up with my glasses on this morning.

Had a pretty good sleep last night apart from a couple of arousals using my Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit II with H3i Plus humidifer and Resmed Mirage Swift II mask.

Will continue with this and let you know how I get on.

[retsyo]

Hi retsyo

No, I've only been on CPAP 3 weeks, and Papworth gave me a Comfort Gel.
I saw the OptiLife on the web and bought it then and there. I've been using it for 2 weeks now and hardly notice I'm wearing it, now I've got the strap tension just right.

Hi Gaspin

Which site did you use to buy your Optilife. Have you used www.CPAP.com in the States? Here in New Zealand everything is rather expensive. The masks cost around £140-150 and the Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit II with the humidifier is going to cost me around £1,000. I see things are much cheaper in the States.