Will data show if mask isn't fitting well?

I am in a really cranky mood this morning after another lousy night. I spent the whole time trying to get my mask to fit right though it probably is impossible because I think it just doesn't fit my face.

I got this mask because it was only the second one the sleep lab tried on me. The first was a nasal pillow which made me crazy because he cranked up the air pressure all the way, had no exhalation relief (which I have now) so the few seconds I experienced the big blast of air directly up my nose was really uncomfortable so I said no. Second mask was a nasal mask. Seemed better so I said okay because I was so tired I could barely stay awake another minute. Whatever. Then my DME just "issued" me the same one rather than having me try on anything different. I wasn't ever offered a choice.

Now that I've had over a week under my belt and a little more information, I can tell how badly my mask fits me. I have air leaks blowing into my eyes all night which is causing considerable eye problems (I have had numerous eye surgeries so this is a huge problem.) I also feel like I am not getting the air pressure actually in my nose at times. I can feel the air pressure in the mask if I take it off, but when it is on sometimes, it seems to be blocked somehow and it doesn't feel any different than usual room air pressure. I have to deeply inhale to get any air at all - which doesn't seem like it should be the case with my pressure at 8. So, all night long I am struggling with these things and generally not sleeping well at all.

BUT - my numbers on SleepyHead don't look as bad as I actually feel. My AHIs have been low - but I think a lot of it is because I am not sleeping well so I am not getting to deeper sleep where I would have them. Also, it only shows my set pressure blowing from the machine, not the actual pressure that is getting into my nose. So, my question is this: is there anyway for them to tell if you are actually INHALING the right pressure? There are a few times when I felt I was and it felt really great. There was a big difference and I could feel the pressure changes when I exhaled, etc so I DO know what that feels like. But there are also lots of times I don't seem to be getting that pressure at all. So - just wondering if anyone else has had the same experiences and what you did about them.

I am really frustrated that it is a weekend now and I don't have any chance of getting this fixed for a few more days. I called at 8 AM yesterday (Friday) but no one bothered to call me back. Last night I ended up taking off my mask for half the night because I actually could breath better without it because I wasn't having to "suck air".

Sounds like you need a mask that fits. If the mask fits, the prescribed pressure of eight is what you are getting through your nose. Eight is low enough that I quickly became acclimated to it and could no longer feel the pressure. Many of us have to try several masks to find one that is comfortable and fits. It's trial and error and can take considerable time and energy. If you had been given a choice what mask would you have chosen? Also, even though your numbers are good it can take time to feel better. The only way you truly know your levels of sleep attained is through a sleep test and perhaps a Zeo. How are your leak numbers?

There are a number of accessories that may help your mask fit better, mask liners and the nose pad.
Good luck.

Thanks Mary! I was able to get someone at my DME to meet me up at their place today and let me try a nasal pillow. I could tell immediately the difference. I was getting much more air pressure with it going directly in my nose. With the C Flex+ on, it wasn't uncomfortable exhaling at all. And it feels so much better on my face - no more digging into my cheeks, rubbing against my forehead or blasting my eyes with air. I can't wait to try it tonight!

One thing the guy mentioned is that sometimes the machines just plain malfunction. They might SAY they are putting out X amount of pressure but actually might not be. So he said if I still feel like there are some nights when I am not getting enough, then they can test the machine and calibrate it. He said I should never have to feel like I am sucking air! It was nice to hear that I might not be crazy after all.

Good for you!
The DME is there to help you; and many do.
One more thing: If you start to wake up with a dry mouth, you could be mouth breathing.
I didn't at first--or didn't know I did.
There is much information on how to deal with that here.
Edit: Data will tell you of leaks in the event you can sleep through your face farts.

Even if the pressure feels like a hurricane at first, you may get used to it and not feel it at all after a week or two. I sometimes have to lift the edge of the mask up to convince myself the machine is blowing.

You can also put your hand in the stream of air coming out of the exhaust vent and get used to what that feels like on your hand.

The leak graph on SleepyHead will usually show leaks very clearly because there are spikes in the leak rate.