Newbie - Headgear straps hurting my ears??

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
HooverBookworm22
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:17 pm
Location: Alabama

Newbie - Headgear straps hurting my ears??

Post by HooverBookworm22 » Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:49 pm

First my question -- I've been using the CPAP for two weeks and LOVE it! However, I'm noticing that the headgear straps are rubbing or pressing my ears, which is making them hurt. It sounds so silly, but it's starting to get rather painful. What is going on? Is my headgear not fitting properly? Can I do anything to correct this? After the first few nights I started putting my hair in pig-tails to fit between the straps better, if that matters.

Secondly, I've found this forum to be very helpful in the two weeks I've been on the CPAP. Thanks for having such a great site! Apparently I'm in the minority, as I immediately slept well with the mask and machine, and I LOVE how I breathe with it. I'd wear it all day if I could!

Thanks again. Any help with the ear discomfort is appreciated.

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Pugsy
Posts: 63942
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Newbie - Headgear straps hurting my ears??

Post by Pugsy » Fri Jul 25, 2014 5:48 am

Welcome to the forum.

Can you please confirm which machine you have chosen in your equipment profile?
The PR System One Plus CPAP with CFlex is model 250 and has been discontinued for some time. You can find the 3 digit model number on the bottom of the blower unit. I hope you don't have the 250 or newer model 260 because those models don't collect any useful data on that SD card. All they collect is hours of use.
Tell us the model number.

Regarding the Wisp straps. I did try this mask and didn't have any issues with my ears. The headgear is a bit more "there" than other masks though. Did you watch the fitting videos to see how it is supposed to be worn? It if is worn correctly and it's bothering the ears, you might try adding some padding where the straps are touching the ears. Something like Padacheek's strap covers.
http://www.padacheek.com/
or if you like the style of the Wisp cushion but it's just the straps that are the issue you might look at the ResMed Swift FX Nano cushion as it is similar in style to the Wisp but the headgear is less on the head and it might work better.

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Sheriff Buford
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Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
Location: Kingwood, Texas

Re: Newbie - Headgear straps hurting my ears??

Post by Sheriff Buford » Fri Jul 25, 2014 5:29 pm

My old mask used to slip down towards my ears... and when it did this on a regular basis, the ears would get sore. I bought some strap covers from padacheek (dot com) and have not had any more strap problems. I was also getting some sores on my neck and the strap covers eliminated them. They are made of fleece... so they are real comfy.

Sheriff