New CPAP user

[Graceryan06]

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea,with an AHI of 13.4, I believe. So it's not really horrible. I have only tried sleeping with the mask for 2 nights, but it is extremely hard to get used to. I have a full face mask because I sleep with my mouth open. So if anyone has any suggestions as to how to adjust to the mask, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Julie]

What mask do you have - name & model? There are very many masks out there!

And what machine, full name & model #?

[Graceryan06]

Ok. I updated my profile with the machine and mask information.

[tortoisegirl]

If you could tell us specifically what mask issues you are having, if any, that would be helpful. Or is it just more of an in general difficulty adjusting to it? That is quite common.

I just started wearing the Airfit F10 (switched from the Quattro FX, which is quite similar). Mask liners can help with comfort for some folks (search for RemZZZs and Padacheek). I find they made the mask feel too tight in the nose area though. I'm finding it likes to slide around on my face, even with my low pressure, so I've tightened the lower straps quite a bit but kept the top ones quite loose. I'm also struggling with it causing sores on my nose, but I had to get my nose adjusted to my old mask too. I use Lanolin ointment and tape during that time.

Yes it does take quite some time to get used to the mask. Wearing it during the day watching tv or reading or whatever could help. Mostly though, its just time (and persistence). Are you able to get through the night with it yet? Good luck! Best wishes.

[Graceryan06]

I think the main problem I'm having is just getting used to wearing it. I only wore it for 4 hours the first night and 3 the second night. I adjusted the humidifier to a different level and that has seemed to help with the dry mouth. I guess it's just something to get used to.

[grayghost4]

the F10 mask is one of the new ones that uses an air seal .... might help to read through this , it is a similar mask :

http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... ge-quattro

stick with it ... it will get better

[Sheriff Buford]

Getting used to wearing the mask all night is normal for a newbie. Try putting on the mask in the evening or during the day when watching tv, reading, or whatever you like to do. In your home of course... This will speed up the process of getting used to the mask. Keep going... you'll get used to it in no time.

Sheriff

[Pugsy]

You might try wearing the mask and using the machine while awake...like watching TV or reading.
It helps if the body can get used to having the alien on its face so that a person isn't quite so hyper sensitive to the mask and/or therapy.
Eventually it becomes second nature as long as you aren't having issues with leaks or comfort and the brain will no longer be so hyper vigilant and wake you just so you know the mask is on your face.

[Graceryan06]

I ended up swapping out the full face mask for the nasal pillows. I am doing a lot better on those so far because I don't feel as claustrophobic with just the nasal pillows in. My only problem is that last night, I noticed the sound of bubbles around the pillows. Has anyone on here ever used the covers that go on the hose and do they work?

[Julie]

Others will tell you about the hose covers and Climateline, but just wanted to mention that the machine/humidifier should be no more than level (pref. lower) than your head, to keep the water from running down to the mask.

[Pugsy]

Yes, the hose covers help and are enough for some people.
Probably you had a little rain out in the nasal pillows from the moisture in your own breathe mixing in with the humidified air.
You have several options and to save my finger typing you might read this
viewtopic/t94035/Pugsys-Pointers-3Deali ... -road.html
Second post in that thread. I think I covered all the options.

If you don't have a heated hose...that might be something to look at too.

[Graceryan06]

Ok, it's been a week of using the nasal pillows. I was sleeping with them fine for the first couple of days, but now I have a horrible sinus infection. I am staying congested in my nose, even after using a nasal spray at night and taking sinus medicine. I have the humidifier turned up to 8. I go to sleep fine, but I wake up in the middle of the night and take off the pillows because I can't breathe. Can anyone help with this or tell me what I'm doing wrong? Or something else to try? Thanks!

[BlackSpinner]

Switch to a full face mask for the duration of your sinus problems.

[Graceryan06]

I had a full face mask to start with, but I was very claustrophobic with it. I couldn't sleep at all with the mask on.

[Hawthorne]

I don't know anything about that new Resmed machine, which you have, but I have been on cpap for 12+ years. I get very congested with much humidity. I use passive humidity (water in the chamber but no heat) most of the year. On colder winter nights (I live in Southwestern Ontario in Canada) I usually only need a setting of 1.

You probably have a heated hose - about which I know nothing. I just know that I get very congested with very much heated humidity.

Out situations may be way different but just sharing my experience.