New theory - thoughts appreciated

I've had my CPAP machine for several weeks now I to be honest it's just NOT going well. I've got the Resmed S8 Vantage with humidaire (that I've tried at alll levels) and am using the Swift Nasal pillows. I find that the back of my throat gets so dry that I start to cough which causes the pressure to go crazy, which causes me to cough more - to the point of throwing up! This usually occurs after about an hour. I've tested it by staying awake - and yes I get these results while awake - so I KNOW it's not that I am opening my mouth.

I used a nasal mask at the titration study - and got more than 5 hours of sleep before they woke me up to send me home. So my new theory is that the nasal pillows are just too direct - the air is going straight up my nose to the back of my throat. I'm thinking that perhaps a nasal mask may give me better results since it is more diffused.

I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on this - and advice on which mask to try.

Many thanks

Since the word "theory" is in your subject line, there is a theory on this site, and it is perhaps more than that but, that what works for one person may not work for another. We're talking masks, etc. I agree that a nasal pillow type of interface definitely delivers the air more directly since it's "injecting" the air directly into the nasal passages, as opposed to with a full or nasal mask where you breathe in the air that is pumped into the mask. I can see why you feel that perhaps the type of delivery this gives you might just not work for you. And you can only turn up the humidifier so high.

I think your experiment was a very savvy one, staying awake so you know it happens even with your mouth closed. That was my first reaction, that you were mouth breathing. You eliminated any question as to that.

Are you able to get another mask? It's always good to have a back-up, especially something other than the type you are now using (unless you love it so much, you don't want to change-but that's not what you're saying). Why not give some thought at to which mask you would like to try, such as the Activa nasal mask or a full face mask of some type? I never owned a ff mask, but a lot of members keep one on hand for when they have colds or bad allergies and can't breathe through their noses.

Good luck. Hope you solve your dilemma. Everyone goes through finding the best equipment that works for them, so don't feel you're alone in this one. It's just the problems aren't always the same. Hang in there.

I have only been on CPAP since October and I started with the Swift due to the raves it got on this site. It took a little getting use to but I loved it once I got comfortable with it. I figured that this would be my 'main' mask. I wanted a back-up mask to try and I chose to try the Activa for the same good reviews. It is a GREAT mask in my opinion and the seal is excellent as well. It is fairly large but I really don't care because I am asleep anyway! I toss and turn frequently and I have yet to have a problem with it breaking the seal. Back, sides, stomach.....no problems.

My only problem now is since I like the Activa so well I am having serious problems switching back to the Swift!!

My suggestion is to give the Activa a try.

MARK

The pressure of the air when using the Swift may be more noticeable, but it is actually the same pressure you will be inhaling using a nasal mask. Pressure is pressure and it has to be a certain pressure to keep your airway open. Plain and simple.

I agree that the Mirage Activa would be a good alternative. This mask is unbelievably quiet if you are not claustrophobic.

It could also be that your pressure is simply too high is you are using a CPAP, or you might need to have a longer/lower ramp time.