Side Sleeper needs help

[amandah72]

Hi, I started using CPAP last Saturday. I'm still getting accustomed to all of it. Some nights are better than others. I'm sleeping on average between 6-7 hrs/night. I'm still having much of the same insomia that sent me to the doctor in the first place. My home sleep study confirmed sleep apnea with an AHI of 11.5. Dr said since its mild, it could take me a while to feel the effects. Anyway, I'm a side sleeper and my current bed pillow is not cutting it. I need to find a firm pillow now that doesn't puff up around my face when I'm laying on my side. Ive already tried 2 new ones that aren't working. I also feel like I can't get enough air when I first put the mask on. I keep feeling like I need to take deep breaths and it freaks me out a little. One last thing, I put water in the humidifer part and no water is used during the night. I mean, none. Is that normal? Thanks in advance for replies/help.

[Julie]

Google Pappillow.com...

And what is your low pressure setting? If it's too low you will have trouble breathing so it may need to be bumped up a bit.

[Guest]

I need to find a firm pillow now that doesn't puff up around my face when I'm laying on my side.

Find a knee pillow and give that a try. They are small usu. memory foam and easy for your mask to hang off the end.

I also feel like I can't get enough air when I first put the mask on.

What are your pressure settings and are you using ramp - if so turn it off. If your pressure is set too low like below 6 that could be the cause.

I put water in the humidifer part and no water is used during the night. I mean, none. Is that normal?

Depends on what heat setting you have it on and the ambient humidity where you are?

[bigdave36]

Hi, I am a fellow newbie and also a side sleeper. I purchased a cpap pillow from our sponsor and it really did the trick.
Good Luck

[LSAT]

The best CPAP pillow...Buckwheat hull pillow from... http://www.pur-sleep.com/

[Pugsy]

One last thing, I put water in the humidifier part and no water is used during the night.

Are you using the heated hose?
What is the ambient humidity in your bedroom?
What is the humidity setting on your machine?

Are you using the ramp..if so try not using it. The ramp lowers the pressure to 4 cm and for many people that simply isn't much air moving.
So if using the ramp...try not using it.
If the settings themselves start out low consider maybe starting higher. Sometimes DMEs dispense these auto machines set to 4 cm minimum and while we won't suffocate at such a low setting it can sure feel like it.

[LoBattery]

Mine was set at 4 and couldn't stand it with a ramp of 15 minutes. I changed that to 6 and ramp time of 5 and that works for me. Is the humidifier even turned on or set to low manual.

[lathnos46]

I use a very flat feather pillow and sleep on my side very well. My new mask, the ResMed N20 is also responsible for my being able to sleep well on my side. I also use a satin pillowcase. I bought the buckwheat pillow from Amazon and took a lot of the stuffing out of it and I still use it but I use it mostly as a pillow I hug. The best thing for me is to have a very flat, comfortable pillow that doesn't cause my neck to crick. I have been having great results. It has taken some tweaking so don't get frustrated. All the best.