Can't sleep with Dreamstation / Nuance Mask

Hi!

My first post. I was diagnosed with apnea a few months ago - I had a really hard time sleeping with the full mask (felt like I couldn't breathe), so my Dr suggested the Dream Station with the Nuance Mask With Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow.

With the exception of 1-2 times, I have been unable to keep the mask on for over an hour. Either the nasal pillows irritate my nose (I've tried different sizes), or the air feels too warm / dry and I have trouble breathing. I can sometimes force myself to fall back asleep after the first hour, but I wake up about 30 minutes later and have to take the mask off in order to fall asleep.

I have the air pressure at the lowest setting (4.0), I'm using the humidifier function, I go to sleep with a clean face / mask, and I've tried all different sleep positions (side, on my back, etc). Does anyone have any advice? I am ALWAYS tired.

Thank you!

The humidifer is a comfort/convenience feature, not therapy in itself, so you can play with settings etc. and/or not use it at all, so if e.g. you have the heat on, turn it off, or don't use the humidifier at all. Your local climate will tell you when it's needed, that and/or e.g. central htg in winter that dries the air more than in summer.

But the most important thing is that with the pressure at the machine's default low of 4, 99% of everyone can't inhale at that setting and most bump it up to at least 6 or 7 (and possibly more over time). No wonder you take off the mask - you need more air!

The dryness may also be due to your opening mouth when asleep, losing Cpap air and drying you out. Have you considered trying a full face mask instead - it's meant to let you breathe with your mouth somewhat open at times but not lose therapy air that way.

If you're anything like me you'll go through several masks and wont like any. Its difficult. But worth sticking with it till you find a mask that is tolerable.

a mess wrote:If you're anything like me you'll go through several masks and wont like any. Its difficult. But worth sticking with it till you find a mask that is tolerable.

How would you know that????

Thanks for the feedback!

Per Julie's suggestion, I modified the Dreamstation to go up to 4.5. For the first time I was able to keep it on for 6 hours. But I woke up about every 20 minutes with the feeling of it chafing my nose pretty badly (this is the mask with the nasal pillow) and I kept having to readjust -- any suggestion? I tried the mouth / nose mask, but I had a lot of trouble with that.

Thanks!

mm724 wrote:Thanks for the feedback!

Per Julie's suggestion, I modified the Dreamstation to go up to 4.5. For the first time I was able to keep it on for 6 hours. But I woke up about every 20 minutes with the feeling of it chafing my nose pretty badly (this is the mask with the nasal pillow) and I kept having to readjust -- any suggestion? I tried the mouth / nose mask, but I had a lot of trouble with that.

Thanks!

4.5 is still quite low - go with Julie's suggestion.

As for chafing, many folks here recommend a SMALL amount of lanolin.

a mess wrote:If you're anything like me you'll go through several masks and wont like any. Its difficult. But worth sticking with it till you find a mask that is tolerable.

No wonder you can't find a mask - there's no such thing as a CPAP mask that anyone LIKES.

I am able to sleep with the Dreamwear mask and it doesn't tend to leak, but I don't like it. I don't like having to use CPAP at all, but the alternative isn't too likeable either.

I use the Dream Station/Nuance mask combo and I am very happy with it. Not everyone likes the same mask. It could be settings that are making you uncomfortable, so it's going to be some trial and error at first. I know it is VERY frustrating to get things in order so that you can SLEEP!

I do use the humidifier with a heated hose and a "hose cozy" because I find the heated air quite comforting--but it's not for everyone. I don't have a problem with the nasal pillows chafing me, but others have suggested some lanolin, so that is probably worth looking into.

I hope you can find the perfect combo for yourself, because when the magic does happen--it's a HUGE difference!

There are loads of diff. masks and lots of those are 'fuil face' (the kind that also cover your mouth but not actually your whole face) and you need to try them on - while lying down as your face changes a lot then vs sitting. Look at Cpap.com for ideas, pix, reviews, etc. And 4.5 isn't a real change - you're not going to e.g. get 'centrals' or something from a tiny bump at the bottom of the scale.

My Dr. Said I should start at 4, as I had a lot of trouble with the diagnostic test in that I felt like I couldn't breathe at higher settings. I had a lot of trouble with the full face mask as well.

I needed to go into provider mode to change it. I'll try 6 tonight. Any other tips for comfort regarding the nose chafing?

mm724 wrote:My Dr. Said I should start at 4, as I had a lot of trouble with the diagnostic test in that I felt like I couldn't breathe at higher settings. I had a lot of trouble with the full face mask as well.

I needed to go into provider mode to change it. I'll try 6 tonight. Any other tips for comfort regarding the nose chafing?

I'm newly diagnosed and have been using the Dreamstation Auto/Nuance Pro combo also. I had some soreness/chafing the first couple nights, but I haven't had any issues since then. Mine was caused by tightening the mask too much. You might want to try loosening it slightly and see how it does. You want it tight enough that it's going to stay on and not leak, but not tight enough that it's going to cause the chafing and discomfort.