First Night with Opus, HELP!!!!!

grumpygirl · Post by **grumpygirl** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:30 am

I used the Opus for the first time last night. It is lightweight but I had an awful time with leaks and trying to keep the nasal pillows on. If I tried to sleep on my side the darn things just came out and I could hear the "wind whistling". Any suggestions on how to keep the pillows in my nose. I am using the small pillows and wondered if maybe trying the medium would help even though I have a small face and nose. HELP!! I'd really like to give this thing a good try because it is soooo light and it doesn't have straps that hit my neck in the place that is sensitive to causing my migranes. I did also have some irritation from the face straps-felt itchy.

momadams · Post by **momadams** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 9:16 am

Yes,try the larger size pillows!
And pad those itchy straps - just some light fabric underneath for now if you don't have time to sew something up.
I had both of those issues.
Shari

IndyJudy · Post by **IndyJudy** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:49 am

Hello. I am a new Cpaper and have used the opus for 1 week. I too have had leakage problems when I try to sleep on my side. I'll continue to watch this post for more advice. I am going to try the size M nasal pillow tonight, as suggested by momadams. Like you, I've been using the small size. You are right - the mask is SO much lighter on the face vs. the others I have tried.

I did order the padacheek product to help with strap comfort and strap indentations on my face. This product may help you with the itchy feeling.

I was able to use my cpap for 4 hours last night. It is my personal best for my first week of usage!

Best of Luck!
Judy

DanGr · Post by **DanGr** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:57 pm

Although for me the small pillows seemed to fit well (I don't have a big nose I think) they would leak a lot so I went with the medium for a tigher fit, had to get used to it for 2-3 nights, I always use some nose lubricant to help (Secaris or Rhinatis).

The first few nights the straps were way too tight, no leaks.... but ouch!

So I took time while watching TV to play with the straps until I got the right settings (you can almost change the strap angle depending on where you put the velcro). For me the Overhead strap right now is pretty much loose and not needed.

I also let the hose loose to move freely and if I turn or stay on my back it places itself automatically (I am a side sleeper).

And yes I can't wait to get my PAD-A-Cheek for the marks!

Regards,
Daniel

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:07 pm

It does take a bit of tweaking in the beginning with the Opus 360, but the lightweight nature of the mask and freedom of it is worth it to me. I've had problems with every other mask I've tried so far. As I stated before, to get used to the Opus, I would start out with it each night and wear as long as I could. If I wake up with irritation and can't seem to get things settled, I swap to my nasal mask for the remainder of the night. It has made the transition much easier.

As others have said above, the critical points are:

1. Correct nasal pillow size
2. Proper angle of pillows in relationship to nose
3. Proper adjustment of headgear without overtightening

As far as the strap irritation, padacheek strap covers would be the best, but until you get them you could try the fabric fix or the foam toe bandages that are like a tube and about 4 inches long. Cut them to fit and slide them over the straps until you can get the padacheeks. Hope you can get it worked out. Good luck.

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