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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> What Kind of O2 Mask?
        
(Message started by: starlight on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 11:57am)

Title: What Kind of O2 Mask?
Post by starlight on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 11:57am

Hi All...

Gotta quick question...I had oxygen delivered on Fri. Here is my question--what kind of O2 mask should I have???
My doctor prescribed "a full-face mask W/NO BAG". Over the years I have used the O2 with a mask without bag as well as one time with a bag (after my neighbor suggested that I do so). Which one is the right way??? I am seriously confused here b/c the doctor specifically wrote full-face mask with no bag. Hence that is all they gave me. Is this right or wrong? Thanks guys. Hope you are all PF today.
Starlight

Title: Re: What Kind of O2 Mask?
Post by Gator on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 4:22pm

According to leading doctors in the treatment of CH (Kudrow, Rozen, ect.), a Non-Rebreathing Mask (one with the bag on it) is recommended. I think you'll get the same opinion from everyone here who has successfully tried oxygen. The trick is to breath 100% pure oxygen. Other masks and the canula allow outside air in diluting the oxygen and the abortive effect.

One of the best masks I have found in the clustermasx. It's design allows for a tight seal and the different size bags allow you to use a bag big enough for you to take full deep breaths instead of huffing short breaths like when you use the cheapie NRB masks.

Edited to add: You should also have a regulator that goes up to 15lpm. If the doctor scoffs at any of this, show him this:

http://www.chhelp.org/mhni.html

Title: Re: What Kind of O2 Mask?
Post by starlight on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 10:30pm

Gator,

Thanks a lot for the info and the link! Previously that was the impression that I was under--that I needed the nonrebreathing mask (had it last time and only last time) until this doc told me that I did not! Well, now I will try to get ahold of one--I have O2 10L but it is good to know that if that stops working I should go up to 15L. I have had problems before with massive freaking headaches breaking through the oxygen and maybe it has something to do with having the wrong amount. God why are doctors so confused? I don't get it. I guess we could try to figure that out all day along with trying to unravel the mystery of the pyramids. Thank you so much for the information!
Starlight