really twisted

I have been on plain old CPAP for 6 years for very severe apnea (AHI 110). As I am aging, I am having increased problems with scoliosis in my lower back and pelvis--to the point that my right leg is now 1.5 inches shorter than the left. Needless to say, I have a bit of a sciatica problem and difficulties sleeping. I cannot lay on my back (makes my left leg tingle and fall asleep), nor can I lay directly on my side (will cause the back to sway too much). Instead, I have to lay in a "three-quarters down" position--a cross between on your side and face down; the back leg is kept straight and the upper leg is slightly bent (to keep you from rolling onto your face). Needless to say, this makes wearing a mask pretty hard as it more or less forces your nose into the pillow.

I've used the Simplicity for years, as it is one that holds up pretty well to this face down position. Problem is, it leaks a bit. The Swift seems great--but the direct air right up my nostrils makes my nose run like crazy despite Nasonex (also, my pressure runs to 12, which makes for discomfort with the Swift). I have an Activa, which is tops in sealing, but it doesn't accommodate my position. I now have a ComfortCurve which I have modified extensively and it seems to work pretty well for me. I removed completely the curved bar that holds the cheek pads. I use the Swift headgear; a short string is strung through the headgear plastic mounts and tied to keep the mounts from from sliding off the mask's elbows and potentially kinking the small hoses. I use 2 hook-and-loop rings on the hose--one holding the 2 smaller tubes together, and one farther down on the single hose to prevent the hose from pulling the mask from my face. Then I put my (homemade) chin strap on over the top. I have used this for 2 days now and it has worked quite well for me.

I can't be the only person with back or arthritis problems limiting how I sleep. I'd like to hear from others with the same troubles, and what you do to accommodate your physical limitations.

I know others have been quite negative about the tweaking necessary to make the ComfortCurve work--me, I'm just happy it is assembled in ways that I can modify to suit me--sure as heck can't do anything with an Activa except slap it on your face.

Hi BDTD,

It's hard enough trying to come across a mask that accomodates the sleeping positions each of us finds most comfortable -- even more so in your case, as you're limited to not just a preferred position, but a position that's even endurable at all.

I'm guilty of having poked a lot of fun at the Comfort Curve. I do admire you and others for taking a knife to it (figuratively speaking... and maybe literally, in some cases!) modifying it to make it work for you. As an inveterate tweaker/chopper/strap-add'er-on'er I really am fascinated with the accounts of modifications people make to many different interfaces.

The ingenuity of lab rats working our way through a maze riddled with false starts, U turns and deadends is amazing to watch. What works for one often helps others, or at least gives a clue for heading off toward another slightly different fix.

Some of our modifications may sound or look crazy (Aura with headgear removed) but customizing our masks is often the only way to change a potential $100+ loss into the best thing since sliced bread.

Aside from money issues, the reward of effective, comfortable treatment is worth the extra thought and effort.

Like you, I'm just glad the particular masks we were tearing apart (you, the Comfort Curve; me, the Aura) were transformable - one way or another.

BTDT,

Do you have a heated hose?

My suggestion is to use the aura nasal pillow interface. It will allow you to use your preferred sleeping position and not interfere with the interface at all. The exhaust ports are at about eye level and exhaust straight up, so that would also not be a problem in that sleep position. As far as the problem of direct air up your nostrils with a pillow interface, I have found that high humidity really helps to soften the harshness of the direct air. I use a heated hose and my humidifier set at 4 to make mine more comfortable.

Another option is Fisher & Paykel is coming out with a new cpap soon that incorporates a heated hose. http://www.fphcare.com/osa/cpaps.asp

I wish you good luck!

BTDT wrote:I know others have been quite negative about the tweaking necessary to make the ComfortCurve work--me, I'm just happy it is assembled in ways that I can modify to suit me--sure as heck can't do anything with an Activa except slap it on your face.

I agree with you BTDT. At least we were able to modify the CC to suit our sleeping needs. Most other masks are not designed for this. I am just glad we did not have to put this with our "can't tolerate at all, never to be used again" pile of masks. Way to go . I am happy with my CC now and it is most comfortable for sleeping for me.