New to CPAP

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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clstewart
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Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2014 10:11 pm

New to CPAP

Post by clstewart » Sun Nov 16, 2014 10:17 pm

Hello all!
I just finished my second sleep study (with CPAP so they could adjust what I needed for sleep) and I am getting my machine tomorrow. I look forward to reading all the information provided and talking with others. I am new to all of this and was floored to know most of my health issues were caused by OSA.
I also have pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, stiff person syndrome, and vertigo. I noticed a huge difference in quality of life on the very first day post-second sleep study with cpap! The tech told me I would have to be patient; that I would begin to notice a difference in a few weeks or so. I know for sure I did the very first night on the machine. She told me she had to adjust me at 10 (started at 8, but once I flip onto my back, it's all over with for me!).
Going to browse around now! Great forum!

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Julie
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Re: New to CPAP

Post by Julie » Mon Nov 17, 2014 2:14 am

Hi, you should do whatever you can to keep off your back - there are ways from attaching a ball of some kind to the back of your PJ's to putting pillows or foam wedges (you can buy them) behind you - so you get fewer apneas.

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clstewart
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Re: New to CPAP

Post by clstewart » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:09 pm

Oh wow, I didn't know! Thanks for that. I'm having horrible blistering on the bridge of my nose and on the sides near cheeks. Very painful. I am going to cover them tonight but not sure how long I can wear this type of nasal mask.

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Julie
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Re: New to CPAP

Post by Julie » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:48 pm

There are many masks you could try and you shouldn't have trouble finding something that fits better - make sure you try them when lying down, make sure they're your size and that you have no trouble breathing. Don't overtighten them to stop leaks - either a mask is wrong for you, or the size, etc. if you have leaks, or not, but wearing them too tight can actually create new ones plus cause other problems. Short term you can try using Lansinoh (ask your pharmacist for it) cream, but better would be Pad-a-Cheek.com liners that help with leaks and strap marks.

jweeks
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Re: New to CPAP

Post by jweeks » Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:42 pm

clstewart wrote:I'm having horrible blistering on the bridge of my nose and on the sides near cheeks. Very painful. I am going to cover them tonight but not sure how long I can wear this type of nasal mask.
Hi,

I had a similar issue. I just couldn't get a full face mask to seal both on the top and bottom without really tightening it down, and then I got blisters and red lines on my face. I stuck with it for about 6 months until I discovered nasal pillow masks. They are worth checking out to see if you can make one work for you. If the full face or nose mask works for you other than the blisters, then there are tricks that other folks here have found to deal with them, such as mask liners.

-john-

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OkyDoky
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Re: New to CPAP

Post by OkyDoky » Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:20 am

When I first started my nasal mask N10 caused blisters on both sides of my nose. I had forgotten to wash it before use. I'm not sure if that was the cause or my skin was just protesting. I applied zinc oxide (diaper rash) cream in the morning and put bandaids over them at night. They healed but the bandaids didn't help when trying to get a good seal so I used Remzzz liners which was much more comfortable but moved on to the PadACheek since it stays on the mask and you don't have to apply it every night. I also have now moved on to the pillows P-10 and they are the best for me at this time. Sometimes the P-10 will make my nares sore and I give them a break by going back to the nasal mask. I am glad I didn't totally give up on my nasal mask N-10 because it is comfortable now with the liner even though it leaves strap marks that last several hours. The minimal headgear is why the P-10 is my first choice.

The mask choice can sometimes be a hit or miss but the right one that will work with your face can be found even if it needs a little adjustment. Don't give up.
ResMed Aircurve 10 VAUTO EPAP 11 IPAP 15 / P10 pillows mask / Sleepyhead Software / Back up & travel machine Respironics 760