THe Mask

A few years ago, Jim Carrey starred in a movie called "The Mask". Whenever he put on this green mask, he was transformed into this wild and crazy character.
Today I feel a little like Jim Carrey in that movie.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I have been having a difficult time with my sleep mask. The one I was using gave me a terrible pressure wound on my nose and I had to discontinue using it, which means I also could not use my sleep machine. Although a new mask had been ordered several times, for over two weeks I could not use my machine. This means I was not sleeping well. This also means I was in a life threatening situation, as I stop breathing too often when I sleep, and my brain does not get the oxygen it needs.
Yesterday I got help. A friend, who also has severe sleep apnea, as well as deals with insurance companies as part of her job, called offering not only advice, but real help. She put me in contact with her medical supplier.
After speaking with him, he took over. He made all of the phone calls, got the prescription from the doctor, filed all of the paperwork with the insurance. By 3:00 I was on my way to picking up my new sleep mask. He fitted me for the mask and adjusted it while I was wearing it.
IN the process, he asked about what machine I was using. I told him about my "new" machine I got in March - how I was the first client of the other company to get the machine and they had only been trained to use it the day before it was delivered to me.
He questioned me further about what did it look like. I was shocked to find out what I have is an "old" model of the machine. He showed me the new model (which he uses). It is so much better - lighter weight, better humidifier set up, a panel covers the lighted display. He did not pressure me at all, but explained that these machines are rented from the supply company and that if I wanted to I could return the "old" machine and get the new one from his company. Believe me, I want to do that. He certainly came through for me when I needed it. The way the other company has deceived me and give me such terrible service, I certainly have no reason to stay with them.
My only decision is when to make the switch. I will see the new sleep doctor at the end of April. I am thinking I should wait until I find out what his treatment plan is, before making a switch. I am just not sure yet.
When I got home from picking up the mask, I had a message from the other company wanting to set up an appointment to bring me the mask. Hubby returned the call, leaving a message that the order was cancelled. She called back with a message saying she needed to speak with us as she had no cancellation order. Yeah, now they can be in constant contact. But when I needed them they were nowhere to be found.
At bedtime last night, I was not sure how I would adjust to the new mask. My other two masks were over the nose, full face masks. This one has nasal pillows that fit into my nose holes and then a mouth piece. I figured I had not slept well in so long, I could probably tolerate just about anything in order to sleep.
I was right. The mask fit well, not too tight. The nose pillows were not uncomfortable. With a few minor adjustments of the straps, the mask kept the seal all night. It took a while to get used to breathing with the new mask - but it was gentle and quiet. I actually slept until 6 am when I had to get up for a pit stop (usually I am up 2 or 3 times during the night). I know it will take a while to actually get over the tiredness, but I feel so much better today.
Here is me with the new mask: