Help! I wake up 6 to 7 times a night.

[texasgirl!]

I have been using cpap for approximately 8 months. It has been a struggle for most of those months. Currently I am wearing a full face mask Airfit F10 with a chin strap. Recently it has started leaking more and more which I think is waking me up more. I tighten the headgear which in turns hurts the back of my neck and is very uncomfortable. I have tried using a foam pad but that doesn't help. I bought a cover for the mask thinking that would help with the leaks. I know I need a full face mask but not sure what to try next. I am beyond exhausted and frustrated. Any ideas?

[zonker]

I have been using cpap for approximately 8 months. It has been a struggle for most of those months. Currently I am wearing a full face mask Airfit F10 with a chin strap. Recently it has started leaking more and more which I think is waking me up more. I tighten the headgear which in turns hurts the back of my neck and is very uncomfortable. I have tried using a foam pad but that doesn't help. I bought a cover for the mask thinking that would help with the leaks. I know I need a full face mask but not sure what to try next. I am beyond exhausted and frustrated. Any ideas?

welcome to the forum. getting that mask adjusted "just so" is one of the finickier bits of the journey to combat sleep apnea.

may i suggest you go to you tube and search for mask fitting tips for your particular mask?

it's also been mentioned here before that it's best to fit your mask while laying down.

others will no doubt be by with more suggestions.

good luck!

[Muse-Inc]

Too tight causes leaks. Most FFMs work by slightly inflating; if too tight, they cannot inflate and will leak.

[Sheriff Buford]

If you are using a full face mask, why are you wearing a chin strap? It's ok to breath thru your mouth with a full face mask. As was stated, you need to let the mask cushion fill with air before attaching the lower straps. The mask is suppose to "float" on your face. I put the mask on (the upper straps are already attached), hook up the hose and start the machine. The mask cushion fills with air, then I attach the lower straps.

Does this help, or am I way off base?

Sheriff

[purple22]

When was the last time you got a new cushion for the mask?

Do you put on any skin oil, or have a method of cleaning cushion that damages its flexibility.

I know that older head straps lose their elasticity, and make pain for me. Why it is an idiot idea for the control of product supplies be set by book keepers. We are all different in our type of skin, flexibility of skin, amount of pressure used. Some folks may go for years and not need replacements, but their experiences and opinions should not govern the replacement policies of insurance companies.

To restrict the movement of the mask as I wear it, I use a hose hanger system. One could possibly construct a simply one by just tying the hose to the head board. I think the hose hanger has helped in some ways, although it effectively makes the hose shorter, which makes it more difficult to turn over during the night and not catch on the hose.

Anyway, might be the problem is the replacement schedule of your insurance carrier.

I have had some positive benefit by using clean wash rags and putting them between the straps and my skin. By widening the area the pressure presses against, can lead to less pain.

[Snoregone Conclusion]

If you are using a full face mask, why are you wearing a chin strap? It's ok to breath thru your mouth with a full face mask. As was stated, you need to let the mask cushion fill with air before attaching the lower straps. The mask is suppose to "float" on your face. I put the mask on (the upper straps are already attached), hook up the hose and start the machine. The mask cushion fills with air, then I attach the lower straps.

Does this help, or am I way off base?

Sheriff

For pressure purposes it won't be a big deal to breathe through your mouth with a full face mask. Wearing a full face mask doesn't prevent you from ending up with a very dry mouth, regardless of what you set the humidity to, if you can set it high enough to prevent a dry mouth while not causing sinus issues. Not everyone has a naturally wet mouth. Allowing the mouth to be as dry as can readily happen with a full face mask even with humidity added when the mouth is open can cause major problems for dental health long-term, never mind the immediate discomfort.

[texasgirl!]

Thanks guys. Good news. Things have gotten better. I watched numerous You Tube videos and the most helpful was the one on the Resmed Cpap machine. I figured out how to get into the clinical settings and found most of my settings were just the factory settings. I adjusted the EPR which was almost a miracle cure, ramp time, and a few others. The adjustments allowed me to loosen the straps on my mask which gave me a better seal. Since making these adjustments, I've had 4 good nights sleep!

[chunkyfrog]

You can always count on the poorest/least information from your providers.
At least where cpap is concerned . . .

[nicholasjh1]

If you are using a full face mask, why are you wearing a chin strap? It's ok to breath thru your mouth with a full face mask. As was stated, you need to let the mask cushion fill with air before attaching the lower straps. The mask is suppose to "float" on your face. I put the mask on (the upper straps are already attached), hook up the hose and start the machine. The mask cushion fills with air, then I attach the lower straps.

Does this help, or am I way off base?

Sheriff

Didn't see them answer, but I can tell you I used to because of my big ass mouth, without a strap slightly lifting my chin my face would "deform" too much and cause leaks. I eventually went to taping and nasal pillows for this reason because I could never get a full face mask of any type to work very well for my mouth.