Reddit mentions: The best respiratory aids & accessories

I am a fellow mild Apena kind of guy. I got my cpap about 2 months ago, and hated it -- I had an over the nose mask, and being a side sleeper it was the worst. Finally I got fed up and swapped to a Swift FX nose pillow.

I have used the machine every night for about 12 days. I can already tell a difference in my sleep. I don't wake up near as much. I can tell I am feeling better during the day already.

I actually got the machine because in the winter my nose dries out and I snore and sleep much worse. So noticing a benefit now while it's still fairly nice outside makes me happy.

Keys for me getting used to the machine.

1. flexible nasal pillows so I can sleep on my side. The ResMed swift FX is a fantastic mask. Light and pretty comfy.
   
   
2. Raising the hose above my head so I can turn over without fussing with the hose. I was using velcro on my bed frame, but found this hose holder on Amazon for like $12
   http://smile.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-JB5651-Holder/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413053679&sr=8-1&keywords=CPAP+HOse+holder
   
   
3. I bought an aroma therapy kit by Pur Sleep when I got the Swift FX. I am not sure if it's mental or not, but I feel like they help me sleep better by not having to smell all the plastic.
   
   I have a feeling if you spend the time and effort to get used to the mask, it will be a great burden off your SO. My Fiance is pretty happy I haven't been snoring (even though I am not a huge snorer till the dry winter). And you will feel better as well.

> phone anxiety

Ah yes, this is tumblr.

> The knob fell off and if I want to make any adjustments I have to use pliers

No you don't. The shaft sticks out a little. I also have a PRS1 machine, happened to me too. Also, it's cheap

> “The ResMed Astral.”

That's a full blown ventilator...

> I was really hoping it still had a sexy knob.

No, but it has a fancy touchscreen xD

> I ask about the ResMed Astral and Jamie says that it can act as a CPAP

That's true haha.

I dunno, I would have kept the Astral for home use (and camping! It has 16 hours autonomy!)

> “True. But it weighs 23 pounds. I don’t want a 23 pound machine to help me sleep. My current one weighs 3!”

That's a legitimate concern.

> It doesn’t have pressure relief for easier exhales.

Use the BiPAP mode then, ugh.

> Just as an aside, Medicare approved this for me

A 7 to 8 kilodollar machine, yes, that's puzzling.

> “Give him The CPAP of the Living Dead!”

Hey, that's very insensitive to the many young people who happily use this kind of equipment. I thought this was tumblr?

This model comes with the humidifier standard. I use mine are different settings depending on a season and my congestion. I don't travel without the humidifier chamber, but you can to reduce the machine size. The heating plate is built into the machine Mine came with the humidifier chamber.

There is an heated tubing option called ClimLine that works with this model. I think it's supposed to keep the air warm and humid all the way to the mask. I didn't like it. The warm air wasn't comfortable and the hose was heavy and didn't move well. It's heavy due to the metal coil.

My face mask is the Quattro Air full face mask size large. I have a big face. I like it a lot. Very comfortable mask and I can sleep on my back or side with it.

I tried the nasal pillows, but hated them. I felt like I was suffocating.

Finally, I use the ResMed SlimLine tubing and Love it. It is small, light weight and moves well with me all night. I tried a generic hose to save money, but it smelled weird after washing and I couldn't get the air pressure right. It felt too high then at the right setting. Very uncomfortable. I highly recommend the SlimLine tubing!

I got a legitimate version on Amazon for cheap. Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Resmed-Slimline-CPAP-Tubing-Hose/dp/B017Q6KNDE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541037153&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=resmed+SlimLine&dpPl=1&dpID=514y0m%2Bro0L&ref=plSrch

Edit: Also me sure to get a Snuggle Hose to prevent the humidity from condensing in the tube and spraying your face. A generic one works, but the ResMed one works better for me. You can probably find a better price if you shop around https://www.cpapxchange.com/33963-blue-tubingwrap-cpap-hose-cover.html.

Well I just read right over the noise issue you spoke of in your original post. I’ll brush up on my reading comprehension. Lol.

If it helps any, both the dreamwear nasal and full mask both slightly separate from my face also when I roll to either side, causing the noisy air leak. The only time I’ve been able to prohibit separation is by (over)tightening the straps which, of course, wakes me up due to discomfort on my face.

I’ve seen the pillows that have “cutouts” (one of many examples that might help but I feel like the tube compression is the origin of the problem and these pillows wouldn’t help.

I do like your idea of wrapping the tube(s) with something to strengthen it. Find it funny that I’ll go to a hardware store to find a fix my CPAP.

Sorry for the ramble. Don’t get to discuss CPAP with many of my friends as they’ve chosen other more popular ailments to deal with.

Cheers

> How can I get on top of it while backpack?

It's going to be a lot of kit: the machine, a battery, and a means of recharging.

The "travel" machines are smaller and lighter, but aren't as substantial or comfortable and most people would consider them only as a second machine. Plus, they're expensive. There are a couple of machines that are small and have an integrated battery like the Z1, but they are even more expensive.
Perhaps the most economical solution might be to get a good quality home unit that's also light enough to carry like the Dreamstation for $370. This is a top-of-the-line APAP. It comes with the humidifier, but you wouldn't necessarily need to take that with you when backpacking. (Note: The ResMed machines are good for home use, but they require a separate, rather heavy, DC-DC adapter. Also, their latest one, the Air Mini looks awesome, but there's no battery for it yet.)

For the battery, this one is frequently used and is relatively inexpensive. This may even last a few days (depending on your pressure and machine):
https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-CPAP-Battery-Standard-Kit/dp/B01H637L82/

For the solar panel, I don't know. Most likely you'll want something foldable. Perhaps someone else here can chime in.

Just to add to the people making suggestions about masks, I thought I'd chime in too. When I first got my machine, I took to it without problems. For several months, I slept so well. Then, inexplicably, I started taking my mask off in my sleep. Could not for the life of me figure out what was up. It was still worth using as I could feel a difference between going to bed with it on and not, but it was super frustrating as I continued to get more and more tired as I was only on it for like 1.5-2 hours most nights. Tried changing my sleeping positions, changing humidifier levels, tried not using the humidifier, tried adjusting my mask, all sorts of stuff. Tried changing to Auto-PAP for a while, and that improved things but wasn't enough. Eventually changed masks and also turned up the pressure, and now I wake up most mornings still wearing my mask. The thing is, my previous mask (an over the nose type) was perfectly comfortable to me, and as I said I took to it immediately. Now I've got the Dreamwear "full face" (not quite the same as the full face my dad wears with his Bi-PAP which also covers his nose, but that's what they call it). At first I was still taking it off, but then we increased pressure and I had to cinch it down more firmly to minimize the leaks I was getting, and I wake up pretty much every morning with it still on.

Point is, even if you sleep easily with it and have no comfort issues, you might still need to change up your setup. And it might be a combination of things, not just one or the other.

Rainout occurs when warm humid air inside the tube makes contact with the cooler tube wall and forms condensation. As ambient conditions in your bedroom change, as a result of winter versus summer change, it can change when rainout occurs, so it is best to address physical aspects that cause rainout rather than humidity settings. Even if you manage to find a humidity setting that prevents rainout today, you might have to adjust it come fall when bedroom ambient temperatures start to drop.

Position both the cpap machine to be below the level of your bed, and the hose such that the majority of it is also below the level of your head. That way when rainout occurs, it simply runs downhill into the reservoir. A hose holder can be useful to make sure the majority of the hose runs downhill from your head.

You can help prevent rainout by increasing the inside surface temperature of the hose itself by using a heated tube, or increasing the ambient room temperature. Some people like me find that uncomfortable, I like it cold in my bedroom while I sleep and don't like the extra warm air a heated tube can use. Alternatively you can help normalize the temperature of the tube by insulating it with a hose snuggy, or covering it with a blanket.

Lastly different masks seem to be more susceptible to rainout than others. I found that the Dreamwear style masks worked better than others camping (where it tends to be really cold compared to my bedroom so rainout is more likely to occur) because the frame mounted against your head helps heat that portion of the tube.

To piggy back off others:

1. lose weight is option 1. You didn't mention if you're overweight or healthy so this generic statement is being mentioned. If you're overweight and losing weight can help and/or cure your apnea, well that's just about the biggest motivation in the world to start a weight loss journey.
   
   
2. I tried 5 masks before I found one I can sleep all night with. Yes, FIVE masks. I was fortunate that my insurance was covering all of this, but the fifth mask finally worked. Every other mask I would take off in the middle of the night. The Dreamwear mask is the one that worked the best. But I was still taking the mask off at first. I then switched to the medium nasal part instead of the small. I've been golden ever since.
   
   If you're skinny and have already tried a dozen different masks, then this advice will not help you in any way. From what I've researched, you need to explore the MMA surgury if you've truly tried a dozen masks and are skinny.
   
   Best of luck!

I agree with this sentiment... speed will come with time! Although, there are a few things you can do to help move the process along..

First: this may sound obvious, but it never really occurred to me until well into my running endeavors... that said, I started using nasal strips about a year or two ago (the kind that reduce snoring), and it's made all the difference in the world. For obvious reasons, I only use them while at home alone on the treadmill, but there's also nasal dilators specifically for runners, which are slightly less obvious. Not sure if this is an issue for you, but it certainly affected my endurance & speed.

Aside from that, there are tons of videos on YouTube that offer tips for increased endurance and stamina.. most important for me were those related to breathing techniques, pre & post-run stretches, selecting proper running shoes for your specific foot type, etc.


In any case, I don't know if this helps, but I figured I'd share because these are all things that have helped me along the way.

Best of luck with your training!

Edit: Adding links for those who asked for them...

How to Stretch Before Running

Post-run stretch

Pronation Explained: Choosing the Correct Running Shoe

Proper Breathing While Running

How to Run Longer Without Getting So Tired

Breathe Right Nasal Strips.. you can also buy the drug store generic version, but IMO, these work better

Rhinomed Turbine Nasal Dilator for Athletic Breathing... full disclosure: i haven't tried these, but i understand they achieve the same effect as nasal strips, and are less obvious

A few things:

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• You have one of the best machines (Airsense 10 Autoset) on the market. You should hear almost no noise from it.
  
• Your mask (Dreamwear full face) is a great mask and also shouldn't be making much noise. There are two "exhalation ports" on that mask - near your mouth, and at the top of your head where the hose connects. Make sure neither of them are blowing air at your pillow, headboard, etc as that will cause noise.
  
• Check your machine settings. Is auto-ramp on? CPAP will be louder at higher pressures, so lower pressure during ramp as you fall asleep will help keep noise down. Also, you may want to increase the minimum pressure (even during ramp) to 6 or 7 - many of us find we feel like we aren't getting enough air to breathe at a pressure of 4.
  
• Try running a fan or noise generator for background noise if you're still bothered
  
• Mask fit is very personal - even the "best" mask on the market may be terrible for you. Try a few out. You can find masks online pretty easily, often without a prescription and for much less than a DME would charge. Here's a Nuance Pro nasal pillow mask on Amazon for $40.
  
• Note that you can use most of your existing mask with a nasal cushion or pillows - the Dreamwear system is very interchangeable. You will need the different headgear and the cushion or pillow (note both come in Small, Medium, or Large - try Medium if you're unsure). Maybe this will work better for you, and the cost is minimal compared to another mask.
  
• You mentioned you're worried about paying for the machine if you don't meet compliance criteria. You mentioned the DME would charge $8000. That's nuts. You can have your doctor give you your prescription (they are legally required if you ask) and buy it from one of the online vendors for about $850. Just return the machine and buy your own if that becomes a problem.
  
• You mentioned your sinuses are messed up - definitely speak to an ENT specialist if you feel this is hurting your ability to use CPAP.
  
• Blood ox at 70% is very dangerous. Keep it up, it gets easier. Good luck!

I’ve had Sleep apnea for 30 years and you most likely have sleep apnea. See below on how to tell if you have apnea. I have a solution that might work for you. Most cases of sleep apnea are from your tongue blocking your airway. See image See this image. https://ibb.co/KFZTynh

There is a new product that just came out recently that costs almost nothing. $1.50 shipped free from China or $8-10 in the USA. No joke. In most cases of Snoring and Sleep apnea (Central Apnea) your tongue seals off the back of your throat. The trick is get your tongue from collapsing your airway. There are numerous ways to correct this (CPAP or Bi-pap machines, reversing overbite with a mouthpiece, chin straps, surgery, head position etc,.. the list goes on.

There's a new device called a Tongue Tube, Tongue sleeve or Tongue Retainer. It's silicone and weights almost nothing. All it does is creates a suction so your tongue is pulled forward as you sleep. It's like $1.20 to $1.70 on Ebay and $10-$16 bucks on Amazon. Here is broad ebay search https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Tongue+apnea&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=15&_fspt=1&LH_BIN=1&_stpos=92673&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2

The problem with the China $1.50 ebay item is it take so month to arrive. You can sort US only on Ebay and it's about $4-5. Don't buy this one but read the 377 Amazon Reviews. https://www.amazon.com/Snoring-Tongue-Device-Transparent-Silicone/dp/B07MZ6TY9M

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Here's basically the same thing for $8.99 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WK1ZJ12 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WK1ZJ12

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Here is a broad Amazon Search https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Silicone+Tongue+Tube&i=hpc&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

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One important thing that you should probably also have is a chin strap along with the tongue sleeve. The silicone pulls your tongue forward and the chin strap https://www.amazon.com/The-Aftermarket-Group-ResMed-Strap/dp/B00N44IL1O that closes your month so the silicone Tongue sleeve does not fall out and your jaw stays closed. This keeps you breathing via your nose, not your throat. I'm not saying it will work but it does for many people. You still need to monitor yourself to see if its working.

If don't have the money for a Sleep study to see if you have apnea I know a foolproof way. One is a free software called for iPhones and Android called Snorelab. This will record your snoring and sleep patterns and let you know if the Tongue sleeve works. The other is $100 and it's pretty much a must to know your apnea is corrected. It's a Contec MP50 Ambulatory oximeter & blood pressure monitor. It records your heart rate, Blood oxygen and even your blood pressure all night 48 hours max. It also allows you to do advanced graphs of your entire night sleep on your computer and software it comes with. It has alarms to wake you up if you stop breathing. It will show when you stop breathing and your SP02 crashes, your heart rate and blood pressure the entire night. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=contec+pm50&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=12

I know many people have SPO2 finger pulse-oximeter but getting one that records all night without the batteries dying, can upload to a PC and is rugged and under $100 is hard to find. I'm owned most of them. Finger oxymeters are great when your awake. Contec MP50 is used in Hospitals. Don't accidentally order the Contec APM50 that's only a Blood pressure recorder for the same price and is missing the oximeter that you need to see apnea events.

The machine amazing! I’ve been using it for over a year now and love every night of great sleep. It can take a few nights to get used to it. I also have found this hose holder helpful. Enjoy!

Hm. I used to be a very restless sleeper, but once I got my CPAP I started waking up in the same position I fell asleep in. You might still have untreated sleep issues.

As far as getting tangled up in the mask/hose, do you have a hose support? I have an arm that holds the hose up above my head so that when I do turn over (I might wake up once in the night to turn from one side to the other) I'm not having to adjust the hose. This is an example of what I'm talking about, although you might be able to come up with some similar you make yourself.

I don't know what type of mask you're wearing; I couldn't tolerate the face masks because of the silicone so I changed to nasal prongs which are much lighter and don't require the heavy straps the masks do.

Keep at it, there's a fair amount of adjustment and figuring out what works for you, but once you do, your body and brain will thank you!

Good luck to you!

I've used them for the past couple of years and find they help a lot. I don't think the cost is unreasonable vs the cost of the machine and the value of a good night's sleep (priceless in my view!)

$10 on Amazon, great for travel (I have two, one for home and one for travel): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N6RKIL0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$12 on Amazon (I used this for years, replaced with the one above) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CHMRU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$8 on Amazon, Minimalist one I haven't tried yet, could work well with a loop of cord over a headboard or lamp
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5PTIG8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The frame is used for all three mask types. For both the nasal cushion and nasal pillows you use this headgear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYJRVWV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HBIxDbFQRCM10

For the full face you need: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHDCQTX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IFIxDbE6KAY9Z

Then you can use any of the masks: pillows, cushion, or full face. They just kind of clip into the frame.

I have never tried the pillows, but the cushion just sits under your nose and is held in place by the frame and headgear. The full face sits under the nose just like the cushion but also covers your mouth. The seal was excellent on the full face, I could actually open and close my mouth without the seal breaking which I could not do with the Amara View. The headgear for the full mask has straps to hold the bottom of the mask in place. As long as everything is adjusted right for you the masks seal is created just by the air pressure in the mask and stays put very well. The only issue you might have to deal with is the seal around your nose but it usually is just a quick tweak and you are good to go. I honestly didn’t even have many issues with the seal around the nose compared to the Amara View which was constantly needing tweaking, I could just throw on the Dreamwear and fall asleep with no leaks.

A Wisp nasal mask works great for a side sleeper.
Due to it's smaller size than a FFM, it shifts much less while turning side to side during the night. One feature of the Wisp that I love is the tether at the top to anchor the hose so when you move the hose just goes with you. Here is a photo of it https://7thstreettavern.com/wisp-mask/


If you are using a FFM, I suggest a CPAP pillow. I like this one the best when using a FFM https://www.amazon.com/CPAP-Pillow-Pressure-Supplies-Sleepers/dp/B01IJ87MZK

This is the pillow I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IJ87MZK/

I love love LOVE it.

Awesome; I think I can wire in a $20/20K resistor! ;-)

Thanks!

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SO, my final cost will be:

US $2.35 https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Tip-7-4x5-0mm-Power-Plug-Socket-Connector-with-Cord-Cable-for-HP-Dell-Laptop/232768410175 . Even has a molded-in ferrite.

$0.00 : old lighter cable & plug from my junk box

$0.00 : 20K ohm resistor

$0.00 : solder & shrinkwrap

______

$2.35 !

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Versus the alternative:

$ 38: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Cord-Philips-respironics-DreamStation/dp/B01FT8QUNI/ref=sr_1_10?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1539715232&sr=1-10&keywords=Dreamstation

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I have something called a CPAP Pillow from amazon (link below) and i use a resmed airfit f20 full face mask, i am 5 foot 11 215lbs and fairly broad shouldered (nothing crazy though) and i have to put a thin pillow below this to raise it a bit but i can comfortably sleep on my side this way with my mask resting on the corner indentation, happy to take pictures or assist further over PMs if you need it as i appreciate it is a far from cheap purchase! Without it i had terrible neck pain so its a must have for me personally.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CPAP-Pillow-Contour-Pressure-Sleepers/dp/B01IJ87MZK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=cpap+pillow&qid=1568895857&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUkhWWUJMUFZBM1ZBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjAxMzMzVkdKT1FORTJKSEZDJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NjkzOTcxNkg0MzZGSUxWVENQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Yeah, seems to be anywhere from $200-300. That said, I think it might power other things, not just CPAP machines from the description I'm looking at.

My father has a Battery Power Solutions one; I included a photo of the back of his machine. Not sure how much he paid for it, but I think now they've upgraded to the Freedom CPaP Battery Kit, same thing by the same company, which is $269 on Amazon.

Hope that helps.

I use a FFM mask. It's fine. I've tried the Resmed Airfit F20, and a Phillips Dreamwear, but wound up using the one my sleep study gave me because it seals around my nose better and stays on better. It's a Fisher and Paykel Simplus. The top nose piece is tad uncomfortable, but it's no big deal, I sleep better is all that matters with this mask over the other two I have.

Okay, I am sadly a mouth breather as well and a chin strap would just cause me to slowly suffocate throughout the night so I feel your pain and even tried the dreamwear mask for awhile but couldn't handle the nose slit. But just fyi, there is this really cool thing I found on amazon that brings the hose behind your head no matter what mask your wearing and seriously so much frustration saved. Secondly, have you thought about increasing the humidity slowly? Like one notch every couple of days just as you get used to it? See if that works? And thirdly, maybe increase your daily water intake as well just in general and see if that helps? I know on nights where my water intake hasn't been good that's usually when I have the worst dry mouth.

I love sleeping in a cold room, while breathing warm, humid air. I bought one of these and that solved the issue for me.

I have this one. .

It's not 100% my favorite but it's still better than any other pillow I've found so far. The cutouts help me sleep on my side with my mask. I wouldn't get it though unless you have a full face mask and are a side sleeper.

I've got this and have been VERY happy with the way it works. It just goes between my mattress and box spring:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0034CHMRU/

It's a simple thing really, but it helps immensely for me.

Well, not related to sleep, but a softer seat will sometimes cause you to be more sore. This is why car seats are often very firm.

> Interesting that the CPAP reports my average sleep hours as closer to 7 hours, which is likely accurate.

My CPAP reports 8.5 to 9.5 hours per night. Is there any way you can get to bed earlier? I had to suck it up and start going to bed at 9:30 every night, instead of 10 or 10:30, and it made a big difference for me.

Your AHI looks pretty good.

Pressure is set by your doctor.

The rest you can find by Googling.

The large leak is actually about the same as mine. However, if you wake up and it's leaking, then yes - tighten it. If you continue to have problems with your mask, I found these two products to help a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-JB5651-Holder/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409922978&sr=8-1&keywords=cpap+hose+holder

http://www.amazon.com/Resmed-Tubing-33963-Standard-Supply/dp/B006N8MBHI/ref=pd_sim_hpc_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0C9JR4SJ000QZ6SBDFEX

The hose holder allows me to position the hose so that it hangs just over my head, with no force pulling the mask off. The hose cover adds a little weight and width to the hose and it allows me to position the hose in the holder more precisely in the hanger.

Anyway, try changing the Humidity setting (or reviewing what you have changed) and see if the AHI changes. Both my wife and I found drastic differences. We live in a humid area (east coast) and found high humidity made our AHI soar, so now we have it set on 0 or 1. I would presume in an dry environment, it might help to have it on more ... perhaps? Just try it, then read the data.

Why not use a small battery back up ?

You’ll regret not bringing it.

Something like this is light weight.

Freedom CPAP Battery Standard Kit - Number 1 Most Advanced, Longest Lasting CPAP Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H637L82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E.9JBb9M89A2V

And if you plan to go backpacking a lot you could invest in the resmed mini.

https://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/products/devices/airmini.html

I picked up one of these medical device luggage tags. It helps to very clearly mark why you have the extra bag.

I also eventually just picked up a Z1 travel CPAP machine. I have an oversized laptop backpack that barely fits under the seats. Now I just put the medical tag on that bag and keep my cpap in there instead.

ammonia packets, something like this. They aren't snorting them, just smelling it.

I've used them before for really heavy lifts, it just wakes you up and makes your whole body feel energized for a few seconds. I think it's mainly only supposed to be used medically, to wake up unconscious people or something.

you can buy the cushion to interchange with the frame.

you’ll also need the full face adjustable straps to securely wear the full face cushion

only those two you’ll need! the rest is the same - whatever size your nasal cushion is now (probably small or medium) is the size full face you’ll buy. The sizing is only measuring how far your nose comes out under your nostrils length wise

I have a hanger that raises the tube up so it doesn't get wrapped around. I'm an active sleeper.

edit
Like this item.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HQ9RF5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XPxKBb456ZWM4

Oh this is good, thanks.

There's a much cheaper version as well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UAHWOE/ref=psdc_8627104011_t2_B00866NTJY

Each airline has their own guidelines, so you'll have to check to be sure. But in general, it's considered a medical device, which is indeed exempt. It does not count as a carry on or a personal item. I fly with mine quite a bit. When I first got it, I was stowing my bags on a Southwest flight when an attendant questioned me about having 3 bags. I explained it was a CPAP and she backed off right away. So just like CainerWolf suggested, I ordered a medical equipment tag that night. Haven't had a problem since.

ninja edit: that being said, I try to only have one carry on with me, and if for some reason I have two, I'll always put one of them under the seat in front of me just so I'm not taking up half the damn overhead all by myself. ;-)

yep, i bought both pieces on amazon for about $40 total. nice to have the option if needed, and keep the hose connection at the top of my head

it helps with congestion, but i didn't get a good seal with it. perhaps because of my beard. after my congestion cleared up i switched back to the nasal mask

mask (med size, but get whatever equivalent is to your nasal)

headgear

It's concentrated ammonia. You can buy them on Amazon :) BOOM

I just recently bought this one on Amazon, so if you end up wanting to trying, there's an easy to get it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G0NXCWS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mask Liners made a HUGE difference for me. If you haven't tried them, please give them a shot.

https://amzn.com/B00AC4GDH8

If they improve for you, then you may experiment with lower cost solutions like a cutup T-Shirt or something.

The condensation is something I've not experienced, but have you tried insulation around the hose? https://amzn.com/B006N8MBHI I know you said you tried everything, but wanted to ask.

>Price: $18.00 + $8.04 Shipping & Import Fees Deposit to Canada Details

Water Tank on amazon.com

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still cheaper :)

You're welcome:
https://www.amazon.com/Eliminate-Tangles-CPAP-Hose-Holder/dp/B003UAHWOE/ref=nav_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1481353195&sr=8-2&keywords=cpap+hose+stand&

I bought a hose holder for next to my bed. It’s a nice thing to have. $15.
North American Healthcare JB5651 Cpap Hose Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034CHMRU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i0vlDb767GZPX

You can buy hose covers that help with the condensation.

I think it depends on the user, but I've tried two. This one worked ok, but was a hassle and left impressions on my cheeks when I woke up. The one I use now, is this one, which is much simpler and works great.

It doesn't take a lot of pressure to hold your chin up and keep your mouth sealed - much less than I was trying to achieve with that first strap. I'm bald, so I was worried about it slipping off without extra straps to hold it, but I have had no problem with it staying in place.

FWIW, this is the pillow I got — made all the difference in the world. I like it because it’s got two different firmnesses; you flip the pillow 180 degrees for each.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IJ87MZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q990Bb0J5JZGM

I got one of these to eliminate hose snags. Cheap enough, and works well.

Yo, they make masks now with the hose on top of your head. This never happens to me any more since I switched. I use https://www.amazon.com/Respironics-Dreamwear-Nasal-Medium-Softwraps/dp/B01G0NXCWS.

You need a hose buddy.

This is the one that I use, it's cheap on Amazon.

It folds up so you can also use it for travel. I have two, one stays at home and one goes with me on the road.

If you’re paying cash get it on amazon. It will be far cheaper. Under 20 dollars. It includes the gasket.

https://www.amazon.com/ResMed-Standard-AirSense-AirCurve-Humidifier/dp/B00T57ANDS

I got mine from amazon.

Shacke Medical Equipment Luggage Tag for Respiratory Devices (White / Vertical) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010OFVBLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YZ2OAb23253FE

As others mentioned you need a different headgear. I have both, never had a problem with either.

CPAP hose holder

https://www.amazon.com/BodyHealt-CPAP-Hose-Holder/dp/B078HQ9RF5/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=cpap+tube+holder&qid=1564153068&s=gateway&sprefix=cpap+tube+hold&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTDRWMENMTzVWOFdEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzYyNjk3MTVCVjBWOVJQMEg5SyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODM1MTQ0MjFRMFBLUk5aV1dPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[Stash a bunch of these around your battlestation] (https://www.amazon.com/Ammonia-Inhalant-33-10-box/dp/B00096ZO2E)

This is what I use... I don't like it that much, but it works, and it's still more comfy than a full face mask.

ResMed CPAP Chin Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N44IL1O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_52fjzbTG84VGX

Or ya know you could pay $12

Here is a battery pack specifically designed for CPAPs:

https://www.amazon.com/CPAP-Battery-Philips-Respironics-Remstar/dp/B01H637L82

As for fuel-powered generators, that may be difficult living in a condo, but if you have a balcony you can set one out there with an extension chord running inside. Here's a really small one that runs on propane:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-900-Starting-Watt-Propane-Powered-Inverter-Generator-RYi911LP/302703564