I brought the loaner unit back to Kaiser this morning as required. Next step is for them to analyze the data chip from the loaner unit, along with my diagnostic results, and issue a 'prescription' for my permanent unit. It's a bit confusing from here on out - they said it could take 4-6 weeks for "final results" to be complete, but we may get our CPAP unit drop-shipped earlier. I said to the receptionist, "So we get to find out what good sleep is, and then have to go back to lousy sleep?" She said yes, but it shouldn't take very long to get the drop-ship. At the class last week, we were told it could be as few as 2-5 days. So we shall see.
I have to admit I'm looking forward to sleeping without the infernal mask....I don't like it. But I'm not looking forward to the apnea and feeling lousy again. :(
I hung in there for the past six days with the mask, even though it bugged me like crazy. This morning I took it off at 6:30 a.m. so I'd have a half -hour catnap without it. Night before last, I woke up in the middle of the night; I was so tempted to take it off and keep it off, but I resisted the temptation and put it back on after visiting the bathroom. I'm glad I did because it really makes such a difference in my alertness level and well-being while awake.
I saw an advertisement for a soft mask that works like a balloon. But it's very expensive, $170. I'm sure the DME from Kaiser will only have a few choices and a soft mask (in leopard print!) won't be among them.
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