Good Night!

By way of introduction I hope to tap into the experiences of members of this forum to get a good night.
I've been a CPAP user for approximately 2 months. The first month with a trial machine and a basic mask was successful in that I thought I gained many of the benefits advertised with use of the machines. I felt more rested, more alert, didn't doze off while reading and quit snoring much to my wife's delight.
The second month has been with my own machine which I purchased, a Respironics Remstar Plus with a Respironics Gel Mask. I'm not entirely happy with my second month. I seem to be regressing to my old dozing off habits despite the fact that I'm getting about the same amount of sleep that I normally get. I also find that I am experiencing nasal congestion which makes it difficult to breath. It became so bad last night (30 Oct) that I actually removed the mask in the middle of the night. I have never done this before.
I've also finally got the mask to fit comfortably without leaving a great honking red mark on the bridge of my nose. It's been a trial getting the mask comfortable so much so that I hope it lasts a long time because I don't want to go through this adjustment phase with a new mask too often.
I'm hoping this web site will provide me with the lessons learned from more experienced CPAP users and make this machine a positive addition to my sleeping life.
Till the next time
Phil (aka Boxtop51)

Greetings Boxtop,

Thank youf or posting your introduction and giving all of us insight into your situation.

Are you using a heated humidifier? It has been my experience that using a good heated humdifier makes all the difference in the world as far as congestion.

There is a great nasal mask on the market that you don't need to tighten down very much to get a great seal. It is called the Resmed Mirage Activa. It was designed for people who move around while they sleep. I have not heard any complaints about this mask. I have used it myself and it does get a remarkable seal.

Welcome to cpaptalk.com.

Regards,

Titrator

I sure second the recommendation of the Activa as the most comfortable nasal mask out there. You can wear the straps soooo loose with the Activa. That and the Breeze with nasal pillows are my two favorites. Lately I've been trying a Swift (another nasal pillows mask) and liking it very well....it's particulary good if you sleep on your back much or want to wear glasses to read with it on.

Anyway, what I really wanted to mention is that if you'll post your excellent introduction message over on the main apnea forum of this site, more people will see it and can help you with more suggestions.

To post on the main board, click the words cpaptalk.com Forum Index (up above) then click "CPAP and Sleep Apnea". A lot of people could really benefit from reading your comments about what the gel mask is doing to your nose. Seems that kind of mask is what so many health care providers stick new users with. It's a shame when there are much more comfortable masks available.

Good luck!

Welcome Boxtop,

Definately try the mirage activa.

Sometimes when I wake up it feels as though it's not even on.

It relies on a bellows effect to keep a seal on your face so there is no strap pressure holding it. It actually works better if it is a little loose.

If you like to sleep on your side it does a wonderful job of maintaining a seal. The "gel" type masks I've tried hang and lose their seal when I switch to my side.

There is nothing more irritating than having to fiddle with your mask in the middle of the night.

Hope you can find a way back to the early success you had.