Hello all (newbie here)

Restless · Post by **Restless** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:33 am

Hi all,

Last night I had my second sleep over at the center. I had all the wires and monitoring equipment, as well as the CPAP mask. It was a very uncomfortable night and I did not fare well. This morning I was fitted with my take home equipment: ResMed S8 Escape, ResMed "Mirage Swift" nasal pillow system and the humidifier.

Although I desperately want this to work, I am very nervous. I am a stomach sleeper and a mouth breather. Neither of these are conducive to the CPAP machinery so I fear I am in for quite the adjustment period.

I am glad I found this forum. Any advice is helpful. Perhaps over time I'll be able to offer some of my own to help out.

Thanks,
Chris

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap mask, resmed, humidifier, nasal pillow, swift, CPAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap mask, resmed, humidifier, nasal pillow, swift, CPAP

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:39 am

Restless,

Welcome to our special little world!

I'm curious why they gave you the swift when you're a mouth breather. There is a lot of informatiojn on this subject in the forum.

I's possible you may train yourself to not mouth breathe. Let us know how your first night on your own goes.

Rick

Restless · Post by **Restless** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:50 am

Thanks Rabid1, I'm looking forward to learning all I can here. The respiratory specialist seemed to think that the swift would be easiest for me while sleeping on my stomach. I also have the mask and frame that goes over the nose (that's what I slept with last night). But not anything that goes over the mouth; I guess I need to be trained to not be a mouth breather.

I do have an option to change masks within 30 days (no charge).

I will report how tonight goes.

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:56 am

Just remember, for most of us, progress & adjustments come in baby-steps. But progress does come!

I've been on APAP for a month now, and I still fiddle with all that can be fiddled with

We're all in search of that perfect night's sleep. I actually enjoy the challenge.

russpat · Post by **russpat** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:15 pm

Chris, I am ahead of you by only a few days and I understand exactly how you feel. I too, had to return to the lab for a second not fun session, however, I didn't get my machine for another week. (Last Wednesday). I also am a stomach sleeper and I have found my first nights to be not good experiences. I have a conventional mask, and last night I slept with the tube up over my headboard. It was my first "almost" good nights sleep since I started this. It just felt so much less restrictive and I actually woke up on my stomach this morning for the first time since I started this. I suspect that I am also a mouth breather and I will probably have to address that as well. Do you suppose duct tape would help? Anyway, good luck. I've read that it gets better. Let's hope so.

Pat

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:21 pm

I am unable to keep my mouth closed. It opens as soon as I doze off.
So, I do the following:

1) With my nasal pillow mask I put on some Chapstik, then cover my mouth with a
5 inch long piece of 2 inch wide Durapore tape. Its no big deal really.

2) If I'm congested, or ready for a change I just use my full-face mask
(Hybrid).

A full-face mask seals both your mouth and nose. Most experienced
hoseheads have at least one FF mask.

Good Luck,

laurie2025 · Post by **laurie2025** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:47 pm

I was in the same place you are about a month or so ago. I could not use the Swift. It is a great mask for some, but I sleep on my side/face and I could not make it work for me.
I use the Invacare Twilight NP (used to be the Aura).
I can sleep on my side(s), face, whatever, and it stays in place. I use 1 leg from a pair of tights (or nylons) across the front of my hose around to the back of my head, to further stabilize the mask.
For my mouth breathing, I use the 2" durapore tape to tape my lips closed; about a 4" piece across my mouth after a light coat of chapstick.
I also have the tube from the mask going into the hose which feeds through a ponytail scrunchie which hangs off the wall above my head on a plant hanger. (Geez does that sound weird). It holds the weight of the hose up and off of the bed (and me), so it's out of the way and doesn't pull on the mask.
This all sounds like a big pain in the butt, but honestly once you get it set up it's no big deal, just tape, put on the mask, tie the 'nylon' around my head and I'm good to go.
By the way, most if not all of these ideas are from a great lady on this board named Rested Gal. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here, but she is a wonderful person and knows a LOT.
Anyway, if you are anything like me you will have a few bad nights, and a few nights where you just cannot stand the thought of going to bed, but once you get past those few days, you will adjust and things will be much better. I have 100 times the energy I had before, my blood pressure is down, and my head is clear.
Good luck to you, I wish you the best.

Restless · Post by **Restless** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:32 pm

Thank you, laurie2025, for the info and the words of encouragement. And thanks to all that posted. There is alot of good information here. Honestly, I am dreading going to bed tonight. But I will press on and hopefully be successful, eventually.

If this mask does not work for me I may need to look at a full face type. Stay tuned....

Chris

laurie2025 · Post by **laurie2025** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:18 pm

Chris,
Please do your research before you pick another mask. The jump from the Swift nasal pillow system to a full face mask is a very large one. I would not think it would be possible to sleep on your face with a full face mask. I hope you are able to try a few different types of masks before you have to decide.

ufo13 · Post by **ufo13** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:45 pm

Chris:

Everyone above has given you great advice. Dotto laurie2025's advice. Keep reading and trying different things until your therapy is a success! Your health and well being is worth all the trouble to get this therapy to work for you! I have been doing this cpap therapy for over 12 years and it made a great change in my life, but just as almost everyone here will tell you it ain't easy, especially when you first start out. It is much better now to get the answers you need and help and support here, there are so many GREAT people on this forum with so much KNOWLEDGE, make use of it and don't be afraid to ask anything that will help you succeed! And YOU will!

All the best to you,

Steve,
ufo13

Restless · Post by **Restless** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:41 am

Well, my first night at home with the new equipment was tough. I will say the swift nasal pillow system is NOT as uncomfortable as I anticipated. Also, I seemed to do ok breathing through my nose so maybe the tape will not be required. I did have a hard time getting comfortable and getting used to the noise from the machine and airflow (my setting is 10 cm). Twice I woke up with the mask/headgear laying by my side (not over my nose). At 3:45 am I gave up, disconnected the headgear and turned the machine off. I awoke at 6:30 am feeling pretty lousy. I am at work now and feel very tired.

I guess I need to just keep at it and hope for the best. I will say I am still motivated to press on with this. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement.

Chris

Jcastle · Post by **Jcastle** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:23 pm

I have been on the S8 Escape for about a month now. The machine has proven to be reliable, but I do have some issues. First, when I started my treatment I was expecting the humidifier to output warm air. This is not the case. The heater only warms the water to aid in the humidification process.

Secondly, there is no way to monitor your treatment. The machine will track hours used and other basic information, but not the statistics that you hear others talking about on this forum. There is a card on the back on the machine, but again I do not have a card reader or the software to get my results.

I have the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask and am a side sleeper. I do find the mask a little small even though it is the largest size available. Learning to sleep on my side without breaking the seal has been an experiene, but I learn things every night.

Keep reading and learning. This forum has been very educational and the members friendly and outgoing. Thanks all

Joe

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 1:14 pm

As Steve (ufo13) mentioned, its a rare event when the mask fits, feels good, and a person takes to the pressure right off. Use your machine features that relieve exhale pressure and that build up initial pressures. Wear the mask (loose) without the hose to get used to it. The comfort may take some work and the benefits may slow to start being evident.

Search here for Swift adjustment ideas and under the yellow light bulb icon for general information. Ask questions of your Dr., DME provider, and here. Don't stop asking until you have an answer you understand. Generally take charge of the whole thing and you'll feel better about it. Its like being in a new country, the more you know the better time you'll have.

Everybody gets down about this stuff from time to time, especially starting out. You are doing the right thing for yourself and for those who would like to have you healthy and around them for a long while.

Try to stay patient and good luck

Chris (sg)

demo21r · Post by **demo21r** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:53 pm

New guy here hope to get this stuff down soon I have a series M with humidifier respironics with a full face mask I sleep ok with it mask no problem pressure at 12 puffs up cheeks when exhale. The problem that I'm having is that sometimes I wakeup and and feel like I am have to suck air from the machine if I shut it off and turn it back on my pressure returns. I have had it for about a month DME says she can find no problems with it but says that 1 other person has said the same thing so were trying an older machine can you good people help me understand what is going on when I don't wakeup I'm not as tired

Thanks Demo21r

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:10 pm

demo21r wrote:New guy here hope to get this stuff down soon I have a series M with humidifier respironics with a full face mask I sleep ok with it mask no problem pressure at 12 puffs up cheeks when exhale. The problem that I'm having is that sometimes I wakeup and and feel like I am have to suck air from the machine if I shut it off and turn it back on my pressure returns. I have had it for about a month DME says she can find no problems with it but says that 1 other person has said the same thing so were trying an older machine can you good people help me understand what is going on when I don't wakeup I'm not as tired

Thanks Demo21r

What this probably means is that you're getting used to the pressure. It isn't decreasing and there's nothing wrong with your machine. ALL of us go through that experience at some point.
Your DME's remarks would make me suspicious of her knowledge (or lack thereof) about this therapy.

Best wishes,

Den

Mask

Additional Comments: Current flow rate is 8 cm

Hello all (newbie here)

Hello all (newbie here)

Good Advice!