I just got the Breeze out of the box, put it together and tried it (yes, it's the middle of the day and I really don't feel the need for a nap-yea!). Anyway, is it possible not to feel ANY LEAKS at all coming from this mask? Is this too good to be true or is this just a great mask? Will I be in for a disappointment tonight once I start moving around or is this the way it is: If it fits, it fits? I have everything set up, as per RestedGal's suggestions, to have the hose elevated and stationary behind my head and have her suggestion as to what to do with their straps, if necessary, across the hose, low down on the gear. So what is going to go wrong tonight? Give me some possibilities just so I'm ready for them. Oh, yes. I already bought my Ayr gel and am going to use it as I know the talk of soreness until you get used to wearing nasal pillows. And I was amazed at how much stronger my 10 setting seemed to be on exhalation with a nasal pillow, so I probably will be using my ramp setting for the first time ever tonight.
Okay, guys. Burst my bubble...
Quick Breeze Comment
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Sleepless on LI
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Quick Breeze Comment
L o R i
Like all masks this one takes some tweaking here and there but as you've noticed its pretty good right out of the box. Make sure you make the adjustment of the nasal pillows shell with the wing knob (manual pg 6, item 6) to prevent pressure on the area just under your nose. For the straps you'll need to experiment with tightness preferences or if needed later on go to Rested Gal's method. I wear them kinda loose and let it flex around somewhat with my movements And yes the pressure does feel "more" with the pillows vs. regular mask but you'll get used to it pretty quickly.
Otherwise just relax, grin and enjoy it...
Jim
Otherwise just relax, grin and enjoy it...
Jim
9-11 cm Remstar Auto w/C-Flex off,
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Otherwise just relax, grin and enjoy it...
Jim, could it be? I had to try it on again. I find the headgear wobbly a bit, so the RestedGal method is definitely going to come into play here. I even went down a pillow size to see if that might work, too, and it did. I know there's something hiding for me later. I guess I'll have to wait and see. But in the meanwhile, I am grinning!
L o R i
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
As long as you don't try to sleep on your back, the bubble ain't gonna burst.
The Breeze/nasal pillows really is an amazing mask. No wonder it's been so popular for so many years. Can put it on and take it off in about one second flat, without undoing anything. Can handle very high pressures without leaking.
The competitors scoffed at the Breeze for a long time. Except for the Breeze, the Adams Circuit (different headgear, using same nasal pillows as Breeze uses) and the Nasal Aire (actually a "prongs" interface worn more up inside the nostrils rather than "pillows") were about the only alternatives to "nasal masks" (cover the nose) for a long, long time.
Eventually other manufacturers listened to what actual cpap users were saying, and finally came out with their own "pillows" interfaces (Swift is good and the Aura is wonderful.) Breeze still pleases many, many side sleepers...as it always will, imho.
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.
The Breeze/nasal pillows really is an amazing mask. No wonder it's been so popular for so many years. Can put it on and take it off in about one second flat, without undoing anything. Can handle very high pressures without leaking.
The competitors scoffed at the Breeze for a long time. Except for the Breeze, the Adams Circuit (different headgear, using same nasal pillows as Breeze uses) and the Nasal Aire (actually a "prongs" interface worn more up inside the nostrils rather than "pillows") were about the only alternatives to "nasal masks" (cover the nose) for a long, long time.
Eventually other manufacturers listened to what actual cpap users were saying, and finally came out with their own "pillows" interfaces (Swift is good and the Aura is wonderful.) Breeze still pleases many, many side sleepers...as it always will, imho.
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.
Rested Gal
I don't sleep alot on my back but have no problems with it even then...must be my hard head isn't bothered by the plastic headpiece support. One of these days I'm going to try your method.
Jim
I don't sleep alot on my back but have no problems with it even then...must be my hard head isn't bothered by the plastic headpiece support. One of these days I'm going to try your method.
Jim
9-11 cm Remstar Auto w/C-Flex off,
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
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Sleepless on LI
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
RestedGal,
You know I totally trust your "humble opinion"!!! You don't have to be so humble, if you ask me. With all your knowledge, humility could go out the window. But that is part of your charm.
So that trick with the strap across the hose tonight will keep it from falling off my head, right? That is the only thing I've noticed that could be a problem. The headgear doesn't seem to be too stable, but you've seen to fixing that for us all, as usual. And no chance of my sleeping on my back. The only position I can ever sleep in is on my sides. I guess that's the reason a device like this is so much better for someone like me. One of the reasons, too, I decided Breeze over Swift, aside from the noise element, also.
Thanks for the comment. I always love to hear from you.
You know I totally trust your "humble opinion"!!! You don't have to be so humble, if you ask me. With all your knowledge, humility could go out the window. But that is part of your charm.
So that trick with the strap across the hose tonight will keep it from falling off my head, right? That is the only thing I've noticed that could be a problem. The headgear doesn't seem to be too stable, but you've seen to fixing that for us all, as usual. And no chance of my sleeping on my back. The only position I can ever sleep in is on my sides. I guess that's the reason a device like this is so much better for someone like me. One of the reasons, too, I decided Breeze over Swift, aside from the noise element, also.
Thanks for the comment. I always love to hear from you.
L o R i
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
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heheh, Jim, are you sure you weren't the lab rat they used when they first designed the Breeze ever? Sounds like it was custom made for you!
Actually, it isn't the plastic pad behind the head that bothers me if I turn onto my back, although I've read some who said it did bother them. For some reason, the Breeze shifts backward, tugging upward on my nostrils if I get on my back. Since I'm almost 100% a side sleeper, turning from side to side several times during the night, it suits me very well.
LI, yes, the side straps down low do keep everything in place so well. You might not need them as low as I put mine. Best spot to put them will vary from person to person, and some don't need them at all.
Before the "improved" Breeze came on the scene, some people (women in particular) were using a stretchy headband over the front of the hose up at forehead level to keep the headgear from shifting or sliding. Took years of people adding that "fix" themselves before PB took notice. Better late than never, I suppose!
Cute cat in your avatar pic, btw.
Actually, it isn't the plastic pad behind the head that bothers me if I turn onto my back, although I've read some who said it did bother them. For some reason, the Breeze shifts backward, tugging upward on my nostrils if I get on my back. Since I'm almost 100% a side sleeper, turning from side to side several times during the night, it suits me very well.
LI, yes, the side straps down low do keep everything in place so well. You might not need them as low as I put mine. Best spot to put them will vary from person to person, and some don't need them at all.
Before the "improved" Breeze came on the scene, some people (women in particular) were using a stretchy headband over the front of the hose up at forehead level to keep the headgear from shifting or sliding. Took years of people adding that "fix" themselves before PB took notice. Better late than never, I suppose!
Cute cat in your avatar pic, btw.
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Sleepless on LI
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
RG,
How on earth can people use the Breeze without using straps? Doesn't it fall off? I haven't even used it yet, except for my trial this afternoon just to see how it felt, and I noticed that feeling right away. Are they back sleepers maybe or something other than side sleepers? Am I doing something totally wrong if I feel it less than secure already? I am definitely going to use those straps they include across the hose. I found it felt more secure at about a little above the eyebrow level. But as this night goes on, who knows where they will end up ?
The funniest thing, too, happened. After almost seven weeks on CPAP therapy, I finally, and I repeat finally, slept through the night last night with my Activa mask on. This is probably the first time in years that I can make that statement. I might have adjusted it half-awake for a second or two, once or maybe twice, but never consciously aware of what time it was, or looked at the clock or any of those things when you know you've been up. Just figures I'd sleep through the night the night before I get the Breeze delivered. But that's okay. One night in seven weeks on therapy is not a great track record, although I am feeling 10 thousand percent better even with the nightly awakenings for adjustments. Hopefully tonight will be the start of something better. But like I said the first night of therapy, it's something new that might take some getting used to and I won't expect a miracle on the first try.
BTW, thanks for the mention of Buster, my kitty. He is our love. He has no trouble sleeping at all, so I decided to post his photo. He will be seven this November.
Have a great weekend.
How on earth can people use the Breeze without using straps? Doesn't it fall off? I haven't even used it yet, except for my trial this afternoon just to see how it felt, and I noticed that feeling right away. Are they back sleepers maybe or something other than side sleepers? Am I doing something totally wrong if I feel it less than secure already? I am definitely going to use those straps they include across the hose. I found it felt more secure at about a little above the eyebrow level. But as this night goes on, who knows where they will end up ?
The funniest thing, too, happened. After almost seven weeks on CPAP therapy, I finally, and I repeat finally, slept through the night last night with my Activa mask on. This is probably the first time in years that I can make that statement. I might have adjusted it half-awake for a second or two, once or maybe twice, but never consciously aware of what time it was, or looked at the clock or any of those things when you know you've been up. Just figures I'd sleep through the night the night before I get the Breeze delivered. But that's okay. One night in seven weeks on therapy is not a great track record, although I am feeling 10 thousand percent better even with the nightly awakenings for adjustments. Hopefully tonight will be the start of something better. But like I said the first night of therapy, it's something new that might take some getting used to and I won't expect a miracle on the first try.
BTW, thanks for the mention of Buster, my kitty. He is our love. He has no trouble sleeping at all, so I decided to post his photo. He will be seven this November.
Have a great weekend.
L o R i
Rested Gal
Thanks. I too have the slight "tugging" if I'm on my back too long...probably moving around too much but its not that bothersome and rare since I prefer side sleeping.
Restless
Almost time Ready, set, go to sleep.....Good Luck
Jim
Thanks. I too have the slight "tugging" if I'm on my back too long...probably moving around too much but its not that bothersome and rare since I prefer side sleeping.
Restless
Almost time Ready, set, go to sleep.....Good Luck
Jim
9-11 cm Remstar Auto w/C-Flex off,
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements
I'm with Sleepless - I don't know how anyone could use the Breeze without the side straps. Even with them the plastic head gear slides around. Guess I gotta take a page from rested gal's book and lower the straps a bit.
I think it should be made like a girl's plastic headband - with a little tension in the plastic.
I wonder if I'll live long enough to sleep through the night two nights in a row...
I think it should be made like a girl's plastic headband - with a little tension in the plastic.
I wonder if I'll live long enough to sleep through the night two nights in a row...
One soft, sweet song's just enough to clear my head...
I've had my breeze for about 3 weeks or so and the love affair is still on! I love it so much. Nothing yet has burst my bubble! I adjusted the straps at advice of RG, use Ayr Gel nightly and am in cpap heaven!
For the first many nights, I kept checking to make sure it wasnt leaking.. I thought it HAD to be leaking SOME! But it wasn't, and never has so far!
Its a bit noisy where the air rushes out the little hole - if my face is close to the pillow or my arm, the noise wakes me up. I suspect I'll get used to it.
I need to figure out a better way to attach the straps around the front; my rigging is not the best - it gets twisted when i try to get the velcro lined up; I'm thinking of just buying a soft headband.
The only "problem" I've had so far is that, one morning I woke up and sat up to pet my dog who had climbed up in bed with me, and he took one look at me and tried to get away fast! Guess i looked like an alien!
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): breeze, CPAP
For the first many nights, I kept checking to make sure it wasnt leaking.. I thought it HAD to be leaking SOME! But it wasn't, and never has so far!
Its a bit noisy where the air rushes out the little hole - if my face is close to the pillow or my arm, the noise wakes me up. I suspect I'll get used to it.
I need to figure out a better way to attach the straps around the front; my rigging is not the best - it gets twisted when i try to get the velcro lined up; I'm thinking of just buying a soft headband.
The only "problem" I've had so far is that, one morning I woke up and sat up to pet my dog who had climbed up in bed with me, and he took one look at me and tried to get away fast! Guess i looked like an alien!
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): breeze, CPAP
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
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viewtopic.php?t=3492&highlight=breeze
I don't know if you saw the photo RestedGal included in one of her threads, but it shows how she rigged the straps to make the headgear work. I tried to put the link in above. I hope it works. If not, just copy and paste it in your browser. I am giving that a try tonight with the straps place somewhat higher, but in the method she uses.
I also read from another person that they use a nylon stocking over the entire headgear. That's a thought. He called himself a "hosehead." Good choice of words, no?
So from what you're saying, too, the bubble won't burst after tonight. I am almost looking forward to going to sleep, which is not something I usually do. I really hope I'm not putting too much hope into this. I think I'll kick it down one notch and not expect too much. That way I can't be too disappointed.
Let me know how you make out with your headband, or whatever you find that gives you good results. I'm always open to new ideas.
I don't know if you saw the photo RestedGal included in one of her threads, but it shows how she rigged the straps to make the headgear work. I tried to put the link in above. I hope it works. If not, just copy and paste it in your browser. I am giving that a try tonight with the straps place somewhat higher, but in the method she uses.
I also read from another person that they use a nylon stocking over the entire headgear. That's a thought. He called himself a "hosehead." Good choice of words, no?
So from what you're saying, too, the bubble won't burst after tonight. I am almost looking forward to going to sleep, which is not something I usually do. I really hope I'm not putting too much hope into this. I think I'll kick it down one notch and not expect too much. That way I can't be too disappointed.
Let me know how you make out with your headband, or whatever you find that gives you good results. I'm always open to new ideas.
L o R i
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Sleepless on LI
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First Night-Ow!
Okay, bubble is leaking a bit, not entirely burst. OUCH!!! My nares and bottom of my nose are in such pain, even with the use of the Ayr gel and my heated humidification last night. I woke up quite a bit from the burning sensation throughout the night (but kept it on anyway) and the fact that the headgear would move when I'd turn over which caused the pillows to come down a bit, and some air started to escape.
Now, does this mean the pillows aren't large enough if you need to pull the unit back so that it pulls the bottom of your nose back/upward (kind of scrunching it up) to keep the seal? I don't know if I have it on too tight to make it work or if it's on right and I just have to get used to it. It was a bit of a hassle and painful, but I realize it's the first night. I may need to get even larger pillows. I have longer oval shaped nares that might require a larger size. I just don't know if I'm using the unit incorrectly or it just takes to to get used to it and that's all it is. I need one of your experienced Breeze wearer's input, please...
Now, does this mean the pillows aren't large enough if you need to pull the unit back so that it pulls the bottom of your nose back/upward (kind of scrunching it up) to keep the seal? I don't know if I have it on too tight to make it work or if it's on right and I just have to get used to it. It was a bit of a hassle and painful, but I realize it's the first night. I may need to get even larger pillows. I have longer oval shaped nares that might require a larger size. I just don't know if I'm using the unit incorrectly or it just takes to to get used to it and that's all it is. I need one of your experienced Breeze wearer's input, please...
L o R i
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Janelle
I used the Breeze for the first 5 weeks of CPAP therapy and hated every night and nap. The head gear wobbled, no matter how I adjusted it. The pressure on my upper lip was irritating, if I happened to lay on my back the head rest in back pushed up which meant the whole headgear moved forward and caused leaks. I twiddled and adjusted every single night and finally ordered a Swift which I've used for the last 6 months.
Now, fastforward to present day and a confession to Rested Gal. I tried the Breeze again the other day for a nap. Put the straps down low which as far as I could tell made no difference from the regular position for headgear stability but did significantly increase the pressure of the shell on my nose. I was finally able to get the shell adjusted where it didn't press on my upper lip very much but the headgear still wobbled all over the place. I think this is what caused the hair breakage I had the first five weeks and what others have experienced as well. Even with the large pillows I still had occasional leaks, and the headgear wobble every time I moved kept waking me up.
Sorry, the Breeze is just not for me.
Now, fastforward to present day and a confession to Rested Gal. I tried the Breeze again the other day for a nap. Put the straps down low which as far as I could tell made no difference from the regular position for headgear stability but did significantly increase the pressure of the shell on my nose. I was finally able to get the shell adjusted where it didn't press on my upper lip very much but the headgear still wobbled all over the place. I think this is what caused the hair breakage I had the first five weeks and what others have experienced as well. Even with the large pillows I still had occasional leaks, and the headgear wobble every time I moved kept waking me up.
Sorry, the Breeze is just not for me.
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Sleepless on LI
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- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
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Oh, Janelle, don't tell me this! Oops, too late. Well, we all know all too well that what works for one person doesn't always work for someone else. I experienced a lot of the same problems last night, minus the sore lip. My nose is very sore today at the bottom from the pressure of the unit pulling it up to keep the seal. But when I turned over, like you said, the headgear shifted forward and I lost the seal. I don't know if that means larger pillows are necessary or what? I can't give up after one night, so I will fididdle around and see what I can figure out over the next few nights. At these prices, I can't buy a mask, use it for one night and put it in the "masks that didn't work" drawer. I'd have to get a second job, or remortgage the house.
Swift sounded like a possibility until I read about the noise and the fact that I side sleep and it really didn't look that conducive to side sleeping. I just wish I knew if the pillows have to be even larger to accomodate for the shifting forward of the headgear during the night. Maybe I can rig something up to keep the headgear from shifting forward???
Swift sounded like a possibility until I read about the noise and the fact that I side sleep and it really didn't look that conducive to side sleeping. I just wish I knew if the pillows have to be even larger to accomodate for the shifting forward of the headgear during the night. Maybe I can rig something up to keep the headgear from shifting forward???
L o R i