Newbie with questions about nasal pillows

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
MariaPB
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:00 pm

Newbie with questions about nasal pillows

Post by MariaPB » Fri Jul 03, 2015 12:53 am

I am so happy to have found this forum and thank you to everyone who has made this such a great source of information. I received my CPAP yesterday and was very eager to get started. I had a sleep study six years ago that diagnosed mild to moderate sleep apnea. At that time, I opted to get a Pillar Procedure, where plastic pieces were inserted into my palate to stabilize it and prevent snoring. It worked at first, but stopped working after a couple of years. I had a second study done this year and I had graduated to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It was a split study and a CPAP with a mask with nasal pillows was used. I fell asleep about 40 minutes after the mask was put on and was told that with the CPAP, I was doing much better.

Last night was my first night at home with my own machine which was chosen by my doctor and insurance company, I presume. Unfortunately, this was all done before I found you folks. I spent almost an hour and a half trying to decide if the mask was leaking too much. I understand that some leakage from the bottom is normal but I kept moving the nasal pillows trying to prevent leakage at the top. I had two periods of decent sleep totaling about 5 hours. Definitely not enough, but a start.

Tonight, I fiddled with the mask for 1 1/2 hours. I had some phlegm in my throat and kept feeling that I needed to swallow or cough. My throat felt fine the night before, making me think perhaps it was a result of the therapy. I took off the mask but found I was having the same uncomfortable issues without the mask. So, I tried again for another 1 1/2 hours and then just got up and got online here.

Is this need to swallow feeling something that will subside when I become more familiar with the machine? Should I be so worried about some slight leakage at the top of the nasal pillow mask? I like the mask otherwise - no chafing, it's comfortable.

Thanks in advance for any response. I read the responses to the Newbie who asked for success stories and they were very helpful.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: Not sure why my machine isn't displaying. Using REMstar Pro with C-Flex.

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MarylandCPAPer
Posts: 438
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:15 pm

Re: Newbie with questions about nasal pillows

Post by MarylandCPAPer » Fri Jul 03, 2015 1:40 am

I have not experienced the problem you have, except when I was coming down with a cold or flu. It may be your reaction to using the mask or you may be coming down with something.

I would not be overly concerned about air leakage at first. Initially, you need to get used to using a mask and CPAP machine. You will not likely have perfect results at first and adjustments are often needed to fine-tune the pressure and other settings that are right for you.

It would be helpful if you filled in the equipment (mask, CPAP machine model, etc.) on your profile. The more information you provide, the more likely it is that someone will be able to help you. Be gentle with yourself. You've made a good start.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Have also used Opus 360, Swift LT for Her, Optilife, and Breeze Nasal Pillows masks.
Started CPAP 12/18/09 Pressure 13. Changed to APAP 1/18/10, Pressure 10-16. 4/2014:Switched to AirFit P10 mask. PR System One REMstar Auto Series 550 with A-Flex for 5.5 years. 7/2015 to present: AirSense 10 AutoSet FOR HER. Range: 10-20

MariaPB
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:00 pm

Re: Newbie with questions about nasal pillows

Post by MariaPB » Thu Jul 16, 2015 1:29 pm

Hi, Maryland CPAPer-

I'm sorry I did not see this reply sooner. I'm still getting acclimated to the forum. I wasn't sure how to reply and make sure that you saw it. Do I just hit reply on the post at top and let the post show up where it may? Just wanted to say that I appreciate you taking the time to answer me and you were right. It must have been a little congestion I experienced and it's gone now.

As I am learning more, I wanted to get a machine that would give me more info and I saw that many people recommended the machine you currently use. I was given the PR Remstar SE. It didn't give me any option to get data. So, I called my DME and they said that my doctor did not write the prescription for an Auto machine. He recommended the Remstar Pro C-Flex + and dropped it off today.

If you have any experience about dealing with these DME companies, I would appreciate it.

Thanks again, for taking the time to respond.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: Not sure why my machine isn't displaying. Using REMstar Pro with C-Flex.