New to CPAP

I was recently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and have been on a machine for just over a week now. Still very new, but could feel the difference after the 1st night. The 2nd night was even better, but it has been a struggle ever since. I still feel much better, but fight with my Amara View (M) nightly. Just can't seem to get a good seal. I do have a goatee, so assume that isn't helping. I have searched on this site as well as others and try different things nightly. I seem to get a seal, but within 10 seconds start to get a small leak and then it just increases. I move the mask around, tighten/loosen straps and just can't make it seal. So, I sleep better when asleep as my study showed I averaged 83 apneas per hour and now am down to an average around 6, but the leaks wake me up now instead. I seem to do best when I lay on my side and use the pillow to help hold the mask in place, but that only lasts so long. Twice in the past week, I fought to get to the 4-hour mark with the mask on, but averaging around 6 hours nightly with 3 nights getting to the 8-hour mark.

Pressure is set at 13 and most nights I ramp up from 5, but the thing I find is that exhaling is difficult. Difficult to the point I can feel the mask lift a little off my face when I exhale. Thus causing leaks. The unit was originally programmed with a Flex of 2 and I have tried 3 but doesn't seem to help at all. I also have an issue with what I believe is called 'chipmunk face' as I set the mask with no air in my mouth, but fall asleep and then my jaw relaxes enough to allow air in and then it puffs up, breaking the seal and then waking me up.

I purchased the Respironics DreamWear nasal pillow and determined that my mouth is an issue as it relaxes and air starts pouring out waking me and my wife up. My AHI went from an average of 6 to 23 the night that I tried the pillow which can't be good. I have just ordered a chin strap and will be picking up some tape tonight to see if that helps at all.

Don't have any specific questions at this time, but wanted to use this as more of an introduction. I have the link to SleepyHead but have not installed or analyzed anything yet as I'm not sure what to even look for. If anyone has any recommendations that they want to share please feel free.

Just hope to be able to find a mask that will allow me to get a more through nights sleep.


- Scott

I am new here as well, one month of cpap and what a life changer it has been! I am by no means an expert, but wanted to try to add what I can..

You say your machine is set at 13 and you ramp up from 5.. I never even tried the ramp feature on the dreamstation, I just set the low to 5 and the high to 12 and let the auto do the adjusting. flex is at 3 ( which is as high as it goes) I can exhale very easily,of course when the machine starts it tends to push back a little more, but when I wake up in the morning I swear the machine isnt even running.

As far as the amara view, some swear by them.. I too tried one several times and could not get a good seal to stay, plus the air coming from the mask vent blows so close to your eyes that it was very disturbing.

anyways, there are lots of great people here who will help you out whichever way they can!

good luck and welcome

It sounds like you need a full face mask. I have used the F & P Symplus, Philips Amara View and the Resmed F20 full face mask. They all have their good points and bad points. Go to Cpap.com and look at the full face masks. You can also find reviews of the masks.

Your machine should have a feature to lessen exhale pressure - called either EPR or A flex, and you can set it where it's most comfortable, e.g. 3 is high, 1 low, so do some experimenting. You may also find that your AHI goes up by 1-2 cms on EPR (or flex) but you can find a balance that works for you.

I went through 5 masks before I found one that fit right, and milage may vary depending on the person. Some people just have unique face shapes that lend to leaking more. My final mask is Nasal pillows from Resmed, they work like a charm. I do have to wear a chin strap (actually I use a normal strechy head band because I find the official apnea chin straps to be horrible.)

Mask liners are very helpful stopping leaks.... padacheek.com

You will probably need a FFM Full Face mask and PadACheek liner. I have a beard and use a Mirage Quattro. My pressure is 18-20 and it works. You have to tighten a little more than normal with a beard or goatee. I have had both. Full beard right now. But not too tight that is is uncomfortable or leaves marks. The PadACheek liner is a must. You will probably get used to exhaling after a while. In the beginning it bothered be and now I dont even notice with pressure at least 18. I occasionally have to check the exhaust to see if it is on. You get used to things.

A big thank you to those that responded.

Last night was a good night with the Amara View. I tightened down the straps more than ever before and it was a huge help. Thought I might have an issue with how tight it was when I first settled in, but not a problem. No soreness or tenderness this morning and only the slightest of marks that were gone quickly. Breathing (exhaling) was much easier, the mask didn't rise anymore and leaks were very minimal. Only had them a few times when turning onto my side and the pillow would push against the mask. Granted this would wake me up, but I was able to adjust and go back to sleep rather quickly instead of fighting to get a seal again.

I actually turned the alarm off this morning instead of waiting for it to go off.

Here's to sleeping better.

Thanks

Hi, glad you feel you had good sleep, but I must tell you it may not last if you're overtightening the mask. The silicone (thin strip that touches you on the mask) must inflate to do its job properly and can't do so if the mask's too tight. There are subtle ways to adjust it when it's on, either very slightly tugging it down or to 1 side or the other, etc... playing with how tight or loose individual straps are in which position, or even getting a different mask (we all go through many when starting out) but just cranking it tighter is not the answer.

When I used the amara view mask, I always had to keep the straps very snug. If I didn't, it would start leaking once I fell asleep and the muscles in my face relaxed. I have to do the same thing with the Resmed F20 mask.

Thanks, Julie - That makes sense and I don't think this is over and easy sailing from here, but it is nice to know that it looks like I am able to work with this mask.

I'm sure will be making adjustments for some time.