Lowered expectations for success

I have tried the nasal only mask and am now on my third full face mask (F&P Simplus). I think I've finally gotten a good fit but I'm realizing there are limitations to the process, in general. For years I've been sleeping on my side to reduce snoring (prior to using CPAP) and was soooo hoping to now be able to sleep on my back and let my frame open up. What I've found is that no matter how well the mask fits or how tight I make it, if I'm on my back the pressure ramps up so high to compensate for my sagging anatomy / obstructed airway that the mask flaps open enough to fill the room and my stomach with air. Aside from noise like Darth Vader and the obnoxious bloat, I have failed to open my airway during sleep. I'm not sure there is a solution to this but would be happy to hear any suggestions.

Probably not, have you tried a body pillow?

that the mask flaps open

What do you mean by that?

You might try a wedge pillow that lifts your head and upper body a bit to make it easier to breath.

ChicagoGranny wrote:

that the mask flaps open

What do you mean by that?

As the pressure increased suddenly, much air was force from the perimeter of the mask, despite my efforts to tightened to a rather uncomfortable level.

Krelvin wrote:You might try a wedge pillow that lifts your head and upper body a bit to make it easier to breath.

I should've included that I am fairly "propped up" with a series of pillows; carefully perched in fact. Thats why it was so shocking that I thought I was all set with a good tight fit on the mask and in an advantageous position. Perhaps I need to give up on the idea of sleeping on my back and look at some thing to make side sleeping more comfortable.

If you like sleeping on your side, you might want to check into a different bed pillow. If you're using a standard fiberfill pillow, they can be too soft and allow the head to sink too deeply into the pillow and push it out of alignment.
Many of us use bed pillows that were designed for or work better with this therapy so we can sleep in our preferred positions.

Personally, I use the Chiroflow water-based pillow (also known as the Mediflow). Been using it for well over a decade and some years before I started on this therapy (9+ years). The height and firmness can be adjusted by the amount of water in it.


Den

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