Eleven years ago

Eleven years ago today I started cpap. I remember being horrified just looking at that machine and mask on the bedside table. The memory of those first newbie months came back a few nights ago. My mask squeaked and leaked, hissed and slipped, and generally kept me from sleeping. Usually I never have mask problems but what a misery it can be when the whole cpap thing doesn't work. I wonder how I managed to keep trying to get cpap to work for me.

The head gear of my current mask, the Airfit P10 (I think that is the name) stretches after a few weeks and cannot be adjusted to fit correctly. The only remedy I know would be to put that elastic strap in almost boiling water to shrink it, but it has to dry completely before you wear it again or you really have trouble. The next morning I put a new strap on the back and had a darn good sleep that night. I had forgotten how different it feels to have bad and good cpap therapy.

A reminder like that bad experience made me appreciate the difference in before and after cpap.

Sleep well, everyone!

Catnapper - Joanie

Assuming you are using the For Her P10 headgear (it's a little smaller than the regular so less chance of stretching out to unusable lengths) they now have some little clips included in the packaging to help take up the tension when the stretching becomes a problem and hot water shrinking no longer helps.
Do you have any of those clips? If not I think I might have one (they are available online at ridiculous prices) that I can send you if you want one.

Since I made the switch to the for Her P10 headgear I haven't had to do the hot water trick to shrink it back.
Let me know if you want the clip and I will go see if I have one. I seem to recall one being included in the package but I can't swear to it.
My memory sucks sometimes.

Congrats on the anniversary...mine was 8 years the last of May. Time sure flies when we are having fun doesn't it?

Where does the time go? Had a similar experience recently when trying a different mask and it nearly made me crazy. Was spoiled by years at a time of no mask issues. I was reminded why people say to newbies that mask fit is priority. Happy anniversary!

Last night, my p10 stayed in place---perfectly! [[[First time ever]]]
I put my hair into two ponytails--one above where I like the top strap and the other, right below it.
I placed the bottom strap below both ponytails and the upper strap between the ponytails.
I pulled the bands off my ponytails, and pulled the two tails into one.
Thus trapped, my upper strap could not wander over my head as it usually does.
I plan to keep doing this.

Pugsy wrote:Assuming you are using the For Her P10 headgear (it's a little smaller than the regular so less chance of stretching out to unusable lengths) they now have some little clips included in the packaging to help take up the tension when the stretching becomes a problem and hot water shrinking no longer helps.

Since I made the switch to the for Her P10 headgear I haven't had to do the hot water trick to shrink it back.

I just snipped about an inch off of one end, stapled it shut, and punched a new hole in it. Works like new.

Congrats on the anniversary Catnapper.

Thanks Pugsy. I will be in touch if I need the clip. A call from the local DME said I can get my new mask and with luck it will have the clip. I didn't know such a thing existed. You always have good ideas and good ways to fix things.

It never occurred to me to cut off the end and staple it. If "rested gal" still posted she would give you a lab rat award. Check out some of her posts. Thanks for the idea, scOtt!

Without cpaptalk, I never would have made it so far with cpap. With good humor and excellent advice, the forum kept me going. I doubt that I have paid back my debt here, but I do feel ever thankful for the friends and help. It took 7 months and 13 masks before I finally got it.

The small reminder I had let me remember what newbies suffer, and even experienced cpap users go through from time to time to get it right. I believe I would have died long ago without my cpap therapy. Since my newbie days, I have helped family members and friends get adjusted. Maybe the thread at the top of the page has helped a few too.

Yes, time does fly, kteague! Did we have fun? Maybe I missed that part! Who knew chunky frogs had ponytails?!

Thanks for the congrats. Eleven years seems like a lot.

Catnapper - Joanie

chunkyfrog wrote:Last night, my p10 stayed in place---perfectly! [[[First time ever]]]
I put my hair into two ponytails--one above where I like the top strap and the other, right below it.
I placed the bottom strap below both ponytails and the upper strap between the ponytails.
I pulled the bands off my ponytails, and pulled the two tails into one.
Thus trapped, my upper strap could not wander over my head as it usually does.
I plan to keep doing this.

Hmm, I don't know if I have enough hair, but I am going to give this a try