Therapy-Effectiveness Drop after switching masks

[Darkshader]

Throwing it out there to see if anyone has any ideas here, though I definitely intend to have my sleep-physician look at my CPAP data within the month to get his opinion on this as well.

So, first month with CPAP. As far as masks go, I started with the Resmed Swift FX pillows. Sleep quality was on average far better than I'd ever had without CPAP. Though I was experiencing clogging and leaking frequently when I'd shift positions from side to side, putting pressure of my actual pillow against my nose and the nasal pillows. ALso the non-adjustability of the straps frustrated me. So watching the videos here I tried my first nasal mask, the Resmed Mirage (FX?).

My first impressions were great. It's adjustable, I can make it nice and tight, and it's quite comfortable to wear, and the coverage plus the swivel on the mask make shifting positions on my sides very comfortable, and I don't feel like it's clogging or leaking when I do.

The odd thing is, ever since I started using it, with my first day being Monday, my sleep quality seems to have reduced considerably. I don't recall waking, nor being uncomfortable, but I wake up way more tired than I was when I was using the sleep pillows. As if the CPAP wasn't working correctly. Very similar to how I felt pre-therapy actually. Instantly needing coffee and dragging me feet around when I get up.

The airflow seems to be working with the nasal mask, but I do feel like the pressure going in is not as strong as I would prefer it to be. Wondering if somehow the change of mask might be fooling the machine into sending out too little air or something like that? I'm debating going another night with it to get a full week of data, and switching back over to the pillows just to get a quality nights sleep.

Not sure if this is coincidental, but I'm confused, tired, and annoyed. I was hoping not to have days like these after getting on CPAP. And the comfort and flexibility of the nasal mask seems to me like I should be getting at least the same if not better sleep...

Any thoughts?

[Julie]

Why not download SleepyHead free here and see what's going on? Whether a leak situation or something else.

[ChicagoGranny]

Julie is right. The first step is to start tracking your data. Without it, we would just be guessing.

[Cardsfan]

I don't know about your machine, but on my machine I have to change the settings for what mask type I am using. My machine has settings for different mask types- when I switched from nasal mask to pillows I had to adjust the settings on the machine.

[Darkshader]

Good feedback, thank you! I'll download that application and try and do some analysis of my own tonight to get some more concrete information.

I wondered if it might be a setting, as I know this machine has a function for that, but it's based on a number system that only Philips other products have, this being a Resmed mask, no such luck. I've also heard with this machine, that others say the settings make a virtually undetectable difference... Either way, I'm noticing something going on, so I'll do some research.

Thanks!

[valsedai]

I want to let you know that I get it. I haven't changed masks in months, yet I am noticing those same symptoms while using my System One machine.

I have called for a doctor 's appointment due to the lack of effective therapy - I have no leaks in my hose either. The earliset one is mid-June. I do hope we both figure out our problems.

[palerider]

I have called for a doctor 's appointment due to the lack of effective therapy - I have no leaks in my hose either. The earliset one is mid-June. I do hope we both figure out our problems.

if your signature is correct and you have a plus machine, there's no data to tell you what's going wrong.

I hope you've got that entered wrong. what's the REF number on the bottom of the blower?

[valsedai]

I think you are right, Palerider. That doesn't make sense to have a data capable machine and antenna and not be on a non-data machine.

Darkshader, after seeing your post, I am going to be taking my machine in to see if it is malfunctioning and needs repairs. This has been a lousy sleep type of week and I am ready to go back to bed, and that's not like me at all.

[palerider]

I think you are right, Palerider. That doesn't make sense to have a data capable machine and antenna and not be on a non-data machine.

well, the antenna is for a cell modem that's used to transmit usage data back, that's all the insurance company, and many doctors care about, whether you're "compliant" (I hate that term) not whether or not it actually WORKS.

[Julie]

'Plus' models only give compliance data, not data you (or your MD) can use to see what's actually going on at night.

[ChicagoGranny]

whether you're "complaint"

Or compliant.

Or merely pliant.

[valsedai]

I went back to my DME -and the guy that "helped" me last time with a mask I had a hose to the mask that had holes at the bottom and near the mask.

I think some of the DME folks have no idea what they are doing, just trying to sell a mask.