Newbie Questions and Fears

Hi. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea about a month ago. I found out I was having an average of 92 events an hour with some lasting 15 to 32 seconds. As you can imagine, I was quite freaked out and have been very eager to use my machine as much as possible. During my sleep study, they got it down to 1 event an hour with a bpap machine set to 7 on exhale and 12 on inhale which is what its set at at home too.

It's been a few weeks now, and despite being afraid not to use it, I'm having troubles.

For example, I can get the full face mask on and settle down in bed but it still takes me an hour regularly to fall asleep. Then, I wake up in the night because the mask is making little popping air bubbles on the side of my face. I'm guessing I've moved in my sleep but I'm usually still on my back when this starts happening. Then it takes several attempts at moving the mask about to get it to stop. Tightening the mask straps helps, but then the bridge of my nose is sore for days. I still have a small pink knot on my nose that is sensitive.

I'm also still waking up after about 6 hours with a desperate need to sleep on my side (and a super dry mouth), which I had attributed in the past to be where I slept best. I guess the events were less common on my side so I slept marginally better. So I'm not sure if I'm maybe having the events still and that's why I'm waking up.

And... it's been 3 weeks and I'm still terribly tired during the day. I am lucky though that I don't have issues falling asleep during activities in the day.

I've been poking around this board for a week reading randomly and I've got to say I think I'm more confused. Some of the things make it seem like maybe my pressure is too high. Others sound a bit like its too low. And from what I've read, the longer sleep apnea was untreated the longer it takes before you start to feel better.

What I don't know, is if the things happening to me are somewhat normal or not. The company that gave me the machine is in another town so it's not really convenient to stop by and ask questions. And my sleep doctor doesn't currently plan to see me again for a whole month more. I'd love to hear what anyone here might think.

for the mask 'farts'... look for 'mask liners' in the forum search.

library lady will likely be along and offer suggestions, she's a big proponent of them (as am I for full face masks especially... the masks will still leak, but much quieter )

I'm sure I have a solution for you; I had the same problem with my mask when I started cpap 6 months ago. The mask is leaking, doesn't keep its seal. If the straps are too tight or too loose you will have more trouble with leaking, you will have to play around with those straps until they are comfortable, for starters. You want to be able to get your finger between the mask and your head without extra room. If too loose, you will have more leaks. You also want to be sure you are washing your face really well before you mask up at night. Your natural facial oils and any moisturizers or other creams you add before bed will inhibit the seal, so wash it all off.

What you can also try is mask liners. They help with the leaks,and also protect your face from irritation. Karen at Pad-A-Cheek makes nice ones that a lot of the forum members here like, go here: http://www.padacheek.com. You might also try RemZzz liners, available from many DMEs, also available online at https://www.cpap.com, the sponsors of our forum. I have used both, and find the RemZzzs most to my liking. Many people here like the RemZzzs.

I struggled mightily, just like you are now, until I learned about the liners; it's a combination of the strap adjustment and liners that made the difference. Once I started using them, they were a game changer for me and I was able to sleep through the night! Good Luck, and Welcome to the forum. We are here to help you with your difficulties as you navigate the course of this journey called cpap. Come back as often as you need to!

Please fill out your profile with all of your equipment and settings.
We've all been in your position. We were all new users at one time. So, your experience isn't new. It's what you do about it that will make a difference. This is "baby steps" and having a positive attitude is important going into it.

It sounds like your mask is too tight, the wrong size or the wrong type for you. Bed pillows can also make a big difference in mask leakage.
The proper amount of humidity (machine setting) is also important.

So, more information would be helpful.

Welcome to the forum.

Den

.

What drove you to choose a full face mask and did you previously sleep on your back or your side?