...I asked for a non-rebreathing mask, and they said the one they gave us was one, but it doesn't have the bag. Does that mean it's not a non-rebreathing mask? Or are there different kinds? Are we screwed without the bag?

As far as I know if it dont have a bag its not a non re-breather.

Go to a medical supply store and get one....About $6.

or you can order one from Lifegas.  (link to your left)

For tonight, run the tube from your regulator into a one gallon plastic freezer type bag, by cutting a small hole in the bottom of the bag, tape it up air tight. Make a tight seal at the top by holding it with your hand......instant non re breather mask. Suck outta the top of the bag, close it with your hand while it refills, blow out the 02, suck another pure breath of 02 outta the bag.

Nothing really hard, just remember you want only 02 in the lungs, no outside air, no exhaled air. Wishing you luck!

Joe

If it doesn't have a bag it is NOT a non-rebreather. Many O2 suppliers are not stocking NRB's these days for some reason. Check with your supplier to see if they have them or can get them or what is the problem.

Joe's suggestion with the freezer bag will work until you can get one. I personally use the O2PTIMASK from Lifegas and it is the best available. Cost is $25+ shipping, but this mask is made just for Cluster Headaches.

See the link on the left of this screen "lifegas O2".

The main thing is get on the O2 as soon as you feel the begining of the pain. Take deep breaths and exhale completely. Hyperventalating the O2 helps also.

Good Luck,  Don

So even though it's an actual mask, and not just the nose tubes, it's not a rebreathing mask? Grr.

What about sucking/breathing straight from the tube? If the idea is to only breathe in the oxygen and no room air, then wouldn't that work?

Guess I'm not clear on the point of the bag. Sorry for being dense.

The reason for the bag is it gives you more volume of O2. You can tape off the vents on the side of the mask and use it, and just lift it to exhale. You will get more O2 with Joes freezer bag idea.

I know how confusing it can be, hang in there.

Don

Ahhh, okay, I understand that. So, now, a question about the lifegas O₂PTImask. Do you have to lift that one off your face or do the whole cover-the-vent-holes thing? Or can you just slap it on and breathe?

alisonjmorrow wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 10:37am:

Ahhh, okay, I understand that. So, now, a question about the lifegas O2PTImask. Do you have to lift that one off your face or do the whole cover-the-vent-holes thing? Or can you just slap it on and breathe?

the O2ptimask needs to be lifted to exhale each time, BUT, it also comes with a mouthpiece that you can use instead of the mask.

Sorry to correct you Melissa, but you do NOT need to lift the O2PTI mask to exhale, it is designed to let out your exhaled breath without lifting. I use this mask in just this way and it works.

The modern design of the O2PTIMASK does away with the old concerns of leaking valves and taping them off. That's why it's the best available.

Don

Skyhawk5 wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 11:47pm:

Sorry to correct you Melissa, but you do NOT need to lift the O2PTI mask to exhale, it is designed to let out your exhaled breath without lifting. I use this mask in just this way and it works. The modern design of the O2PTIMASK does away with the old concerns of leaking valves and taping them off. That's why it's the best available. Don

I stand corrected then.