Side sleep Mask leaks

OREO · Post by **OREO** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:12 pm

I have spent 8 weeks trying every mask DME and one of our largest hospital Sleep Labs have...10+ masks tested overnight. I keep coming back to the Ultra Mirage Full Face. It gives best results on software with ranges from occasional AHI 5.0 but more usually 10-30AHI; O.A. usually 10 to 30+. Have tried adjusting all masks, cpaptalk suggested lotions, band aids at nose bridge (some good readings but seldom). Biggest problem is deep gouges in nose or bridge which swell into large bumps once mask is off. Because of facial shape cannot wear nasal masks w/nose pillows (will not stay in on any mask); because of nose bridge cannot find a full face that will really work that well.
Last night, I finally rolled on my side for almost 2 hours with my Utra Mirage FF mask and readings showed 5.1O.AHI ;1.7-VSnore; 1.1-O.A. with Pressure at 5 for that two hour period of time. (my CPAP M c-flex machine is set to H=11;L=5; Titration is 9 as suggested by Sleep study.)
However, mask seemed to pull and created sore spot on jaw. Also, when used to side sleep before all this began I used to get pulled or "pinched nerves" in back under shoulder blades. Chiropractor says side sleeping is not best for muscles, nerves.
Do any of you that side sleep have any suggestions??? Any chance side sleeping on it's own reduces obstruction to airway?
Have any of you tried new Comfort curve?
Reaching a dead end here, pretty soon, if don't find some solution.
All comments appreciated...

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:32 pm

I use the Mirage Activa mask, and find it works very well for side sleeping. My leak rate is 0.38 L/s or lower, and my AHI has been no higher than 2. I have found that the key to being able to sleep on my side is the pillow and how I position it. Let's see if I can explain this.

I use a feather/down pillow, and I squish in the side so that my face is on the pillow, but the mask is kind of off the edge...not touching the pillow. From what I've seen of the Papillow, I think I've kind of recreated that effect for a lot less money.

Good luck to you!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:30 am

You say that you have tested 10+ mask overnight. That wasn't just one night for each mask was it? It can take a few nights to get a mask tweaked just right. I feel that you need to give a mask 1 - 2 weeks for a fair trial.
Have you tried mole skin? Place mole skin on the mask where it contacts the bridge of your nose. You can get moleskin in the foot care section of most pharmacies. You may also want to try loosening the top straps just a little.
If it were me, I would want the low pressure to be at least 7. I find that under 7 I feel like I'm not getting enough air.
There are nasal cushion masks, Like the Activa that darthlucy reccomended. If you mouth breathe or mouth leak you may have to try a chinstrap(doesn't work for most), or tape/poligrip your mouth shut.

Brenda

PS Are they fitting these masks for you or just giving them to you for you to figure out? If they haven't fitted you, ask if they will.

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:32 am

I will in the course of the night go from side to side, I find that my small pillow allows the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask to rest off of the side of the pillow and retain a seal without the headgear straps having to be so tight. A 10' hose has been a benefit as well. I have to clean my mask and face every day(oily skin) Regards

babydoss · Post by **babydoss** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:41 am

My hubby uses the Comfort Full 2 mask and has had good luck. He also uses a firm bed wedge so he can sleep somewhat upright. I got this as Bed Bath & Beyond.

OREO · Post by **OREO** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:23 pm

Slept on side last night with soft pillow and mask off edge. For first time I had very good readings for me. Slept 6 hrs (normal) and average apneas were 3.6 mins; average AHI 4.0. I did not have a chance to try all masks for more than a day except 2 or 3 but judging from last night I think this one will do if it wasn't just a "fluke." We shall see. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Will keep them all in mind.

jennmary · Post by **jennmary** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:34 pm

Sleeping on your back will bring on more apneas. Before I got my CPAP my dr told me to be sure to stay off my back and sleep on my side or stomach. When you are on your back your tongue falls more easily into your throat blocking off your airway. I have never been able to make myself sleep on my back.....and when I got my dx I realized why. I am at 42 AHI on my side.....it goes up almost double when I back sleep. My dr told me that even witht the CPAP she does not want me sleeping on my back.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:36 pm

if it were easy even a cave man could do it.

But when you think about it, they probably slept where ever they could sitting against a tree or inside a cave on a rock. They didn't have a chiropractor to tell them hey sleeping like that is probably not good for you.

Hey if you can sleep with a UMFF on your side go for it. If you want your AHI to be lower you need to raise the Minimum pressure by 1 or 2 cm. Probably a good idea to do that using that mask anyway.

Side sleep Mask leaks

Side sleep Mask leaks

Side sleeper