It's me again...

daddyof7 · Post by **daddyof7** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:23 am

Still fighting the same problems. I have recently decided that since I can't sleep on my back, side or stomach, I would attempt to sleep sitting up. I figured that NOTHING could touch my mask and cause it to leak that way. Recently, while sleeping, I would wake up to the machine being shut down and the leak alarm buzzing, so I toss the mask aside and continue my sleep.

After trying to sleep in a sitting position, I have the same results with mask leakage. Here is what I have discovered.

When the machine reaches my setting of 14, it seems like the mask is trying to "float". On exhale, it is even worse. If I tighten it enough to where I don't have the "float" feeling, it is so tight that it is painful.

I still can't figure out why after 3 months I have not used this machine all night yet. I usually ONLY can sleep (or at least can only get to sleep) on my stomach. Masks were just not designed for this.

Thanks for all the help you offer to everyone and for your patience too!
DADDYOF7

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:51 pm

I would say you really need to try some other masks. Clearly this one isn't working for you.

Good luck,
Babs

daddyof7 · Post by **daddyof7** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:11 pm

I really have tried several masks. I have 7 different masks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:21 pm

Well, perhaps you need to try some different TYPES of masks. Sounds like you're using a typical nasal or FF. Have you tried pillows or prongs?

Sounds very much like you might prefer a prongs setup, since your main problem is leaking at higher pressure. The prongs being contained inside your nostrils have less likelihood of leakage, if you can find the optimum fit. That's not a universal - but it might be worth looking into.

I'd suggest you look into the Headrest or Nasal Aire II.

Many folks here have good results with the Swift II, as well.

Good luck!
B.

dieselgal · Post by **dieselgal** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:51 pm

Does your machine have EPR or relief on exhale? Also if you haven't tried the ResMed Activa you should definitely try it. That mask is the least likely to leak and one of the most comfortable as long as you get one to fit.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:52 pm

Seems to me that if you lowered your machine's pressure setting to maybe 10, you'd be able to cope with the pressure a little better. No, it 's not your prescribed pressure, but it's better than nothing (where have I heard that phrase before?).

Turn off that leak alarm, too. You need that thing blowing regardless of the leaks.

And, instead of tossing the mask aside and continuing to sleep.....put it back on.

There's lots of other stomach sleepers on the forum.....if you REALLY want to make it work, you'll find a way.

Den

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:40 pm

You have eight reasons to make treatment work, besides your better health. You can make this work, All you have to do is make up your mind it will, and keep after it. Jim

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:46 pm

Hey daddy,

Glad you're back though sorry to hear you're still having problems. Just want to add my "voice" ... try other kinds of masks and I like Den's suggestion of temporarily reducing your pressure until you can sleep comfortably.

I'm on mask #7 (comfortlite 2) and I can finally sleep on my side without knocking the mask way off. However, I did need to add a stabilizing strap (stretchy band).

I think that a good deal of the secret to success with masks is to be creative and/or search the forum to find out what others have done with specific masks. Some masks won't work for you at all, others may be workable with some tweaks.

Please don't give up!

Mindy

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:49 pm

Glad you are still hanging in there.

I would suggest that you try the NasalAire as well.

If you would list the masks that you have some of us might come up with a way to overcome some of your problems.

Suz-E-Q · Post by **Suz-E-Q** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:30 pm

What about BiPAP....have you tried that or asked your doc to prescribe that? I am at 14 and I have BiPAP so the exhale is 11.

It could be that your mask doesn't vent quick enough based on how quickly you exhale. I think BiPAP might be the step to try.

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:49 pm

It sounds like a bi-pap would be a "medical necessity" since the CPAP isn't working as prescribed. (to get a new one from your insurance the doc will have to come up with a "medical necessity".....I think you have one, but I'm not a doctor!!!)

I also like Den's suggestion of lowering the pressure. More is not necessarily better (see some of my posts about experimenting with pressures -- essentially I was at 10, moved to 11 figuring it would be better -- wrong!!). Lower pressure with the mask on, would be a whole lot better than no pressure with mask off....

Keep trying daddy -- you'll get it!!!!!!

Take care
cheers
goose

RAINSUX · Post by **RAINSUX** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:36 pm

Have you tried the Headrest? I've used one for the last couple of weeks. I'm a side sleeper, but I've tried laying on my stomach and it seemed like the headrest would work just fine for this. It's all in the center of your face, so turning your head to the side doesn't disturb it.

Sam

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:47 pm

I'm with RAINSUX -- I've been using the Headrest since the beginning of September and love it!!!
Just traded my medium pillows for some new large ones, and now that I've tried the new set, I think my old set is wearing out -- so keep that in mind. Masks do wear out in time....

Good luck
cheers
goose

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: RemStar Auto A-Flex System One Pressure Setting=17.5 cm