adjusting the mask tips

[tiredandscared]

So for several days I've been using my cpap daily. Both day and night to try to adjust to it. But no dice. The only time it almost worked was when I had a bit of day time sleepiness(I generally have a slight issue with, the times i do have it, I fall asleep if I lay down).

Any other advice? How long can it take to get adjusted? Do I need a new mask? I've tried a cloth mask, it's generally uncomfortable. I've tried the dreamwear. It's comfortable but I can't tolerate the smell or the itch that I get from wearing it. Any further advice? I feel if I can solve this final issue of having problems falling asleep. I'll be able to successfully comply.

Things I've tried:

Masks:
Innova airgel full facial mask: works OK buy tends to chafe against the nasal bridge. Remzz helps somewhat.

Sleep weaver cloth mask: some issues with itching. But more comfortable than the gel full facial mask.

Dreamwear: Comfortable, expect that the silicone is not well tolerated and makes me itch.


Mask accesories:
Remzz: works to eliminate mask issues.
Gecko gel pad: tried. Did not help because of having a chemical smell.

[ChicagoGranny]

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.

Note: Links to just about all of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

[mouthbreather72]

So for several days I've been using my cap daily. Both day and night to try to adjust to it. But no dice. The only time it almost worked was when I had a bit of day time sleepiness(I generally have a slight issue, but could probably fall asleep if I lay down).

Any other advice? How long can it take to get adjusted? Do I need a new mask? I've tried a cloth mask it's generally uncomfortable. I've tried the dreamwear. It's comfortable but I can't tolerate the smell or the itch that I get. Any further advice? I feel if I can solve this final issue of having problems falling asleep. I'll be able to successfully comply.

Things I've tried:

Masks:
Innova airgel full facial mask: works OK buy tends to chafe against the nasal bridge. Remzz helps somewhat.

Sleep weaver cloth mask: some issues with itching.

Dreamwear: comfortable expect that the silicone is not well tolerated and gives me itching


Mask accesories:
Remzz: works to eliminate mask issues.
Gecko gel pad: tried. Did not help because of having a chemical smell.

It took me about 4 months to really get used to the cpap masks. I would wake up with the machine blowing and the mask on the floor next to the bed. I kept ripping it off with no memory of doing so. Eventually that stopped.

Adjusting the mask depends on the mask. Generally speaking, don't overtighten the straps. If you machine is set to a particular pressure and has a ramp button, press the start button. It is blowing full blask. Tighten your mask so it doesn't leak at full pressure. Make sure you tighten each side evenly. Then hit the ramp button. Fall asleep.

If you have an AUTO adjusting machine, you still need to adjust the mask for the highest pressure it's going to kick in at when you stop breathing.

If you are getting sores, which thankfully I never did, I would suggest loosening it as much as you can without getting leaks. If that doesn't help, try a new mask.

YOUR SLEEPWEAVER CLOTH MASK - Please tell me more about it. I wanted to try this one for the comfort aspect, but many of the review said it leaks a lot. I have a round face, sort of flat, small nose - like an Asian person. Do you think it would work on me, or do you have to have a bigger nose to get a proper seal?

[tiredandscared]

YOUR SLEEPWEAVER CLOTH MASK - Please tell me more about it. I wanted to try this one for the comfort aspect, but many of the review said it leaks a lot. I have a round face, sort of flat, small nose - like an like an Asian person. Do you think it would work on me, or do you have to have a bigger nose to get a proper seal?

It's more comfortable than a regular composite Gel-silicone full facial mask, for sure. It doesn't press against your face as much, it isn't as clunky. But unfortunately, unless you elevate your hose with some form of stand or something else , it's basically useless for supine sleeping, since the hose collapses into the air-dependent seal. It does leak somewhat(for me it was the left section of the mask, it didn't seal well, which resulted in a torrent of air blowing into my eye) but with some medical tape, and strapping it properly, you can fix most of it. Honestly, if you can tolerate silicone, and don't have issues with chemical sensitivities I'd recommend the dreamwear. It's much more practical and easy to use, and makes much less contact with your face than any other mask I've tried. You could just combine the dreamwear with a chin-strap, if you have mouth breathing issues.

[Okie bipap]

When I first started treatment, I developed a sore on the bridge of my nose and used bandaids until it healed. After it healed, I used a piece of moleskin on my nose every night until I changed to the Amara View mask.

[bwexler]

I have been using the Sleepweaver masks on and off for about 4 years. I have used all of their models at one time or another.
My favorite is the Elan. But I have to use the featherweight hose that is designed to work with it. A standard hose will distort the the mask and insure leaks. Some sort of hose management is also very helpful.
I also snuggle the headgear into the pillow as a way to make the final adjustment on mask fit.
The Elan offers the 360' swivel elbow which also makes a dramatic difference in hose management.

[tiredandscared]

I have been using the Sleepweaver masks on and off for about 4 years. I have used all of their models at one time or another.
My favorite is the Elan. But I have to use the featherweight hose that is designed to work with it. A standard hose will distort the the mask and insure leaks. Some sort of hose management is also very helpful.
I also snuggle the headgear into the pillow as a way to make the final adjustment on mask fit.
The Elan offers the 360' swivel elbow which also makes a dramatic difference in hose management.

Could you give me your input on how to make the mask seal? It's almost as if it's impossible to not get a leak. Even when you get a relatively decent seal. Just moving your head will compromise it. It's difficult to get a good seal.


Which elan mask offers the best seal? What do you recommend?

[Danbeck]

Yes, I hope you find what works for you. I'm interested in trying the dream wear mask but concerned with your comment about smell. Have you been able to determine the odor cause. I wouldn't like that either. Wondering if others have observed this as well ? Thanks!

[Michelle-OH]

I don't have a dreamwear, but for the rubber/plastic smells from the tubing/mask, I put a little essential oil on a cotton ball and place it near the back of my machine...I guess where it takes in air? It just brings that pleasant smell thru to me. I use lavender and sweet orange because they are both good for sleep and calming, but you could use any scent you like. I find it very helpful.

[tiredandscared]

Yes, I hope you find what works for you. I'm interested in trying the dream wear mask but concerned with your comment about smell. Have you been able to determine the odor cause. I wouldn't like that either. Wondering if others have observed this as well ? Thanks!

It still smells, even after being soaked in vinegar and basically being off-gassed for a week. It definitely aggravates my asthma in comparison to the gel mask and the elan soft cloth mask. So if you do have chemical sensitivities. I'd avoid it. If you don't have such issues, I'd highly recommend it. Especially if you have issues with comfort with other masks.