Off to a bad start....

[roboaug]

Titration study was Friday night. Because of my upper airway anatomy and chronic congestion the decision was made to go with a full face mask. Things started out ok, got the mask to fit without a leak and didn't have any problems with the air flow. Not sure how long it took to fall asleep if I even did. Had a leak as the air flow was increased which woke me from whatever form of sleep I was in. Not sure why but the tech did not come in to assist with the leak so I had to try and make adjustments myself. I got the leak to stop but paid for it in the morning. Tech said I got some REM sleep from 3 am 6 am but I woke up with a sore bridge of my nose. Not only does it hurt but it does not look very nice either. So, home I went with my new equipment, my air flow setting is 14. The ramp is set to start at 5.

Last night I don't think I got any sleep. Dealt with leaks all night long and the bridge of my nose is even more sore and red. So now I dread trying to work with this thing tonight. I am so tired and going to work with no sleep tomorrow worries me. I know it has only been two nights and it will take time to work the kinks out. I know I have to stay patient and keep trying, just frustrated. If I have leak problems tonight I will contact the sleep center, I am wondering if my mask is too big. We didn't try different sizes, started with a medium. The good news is that they called Saturday morning after my test and I found out that I can swap out masks until I find one that works without incurring any cost.

I look forward to the day when I can post success and encourage newbies. Until then, thanks for letting me vent and any encouragement would be appreciated.

[Hawthorne]

Glad to hear that you can change off masks. You mask size may well be wrong. I have found full face masks difficult to fit as well. Controlling leaks is harder with full face masks. My experience with them is limited but it seems, for me, smaller is better when it comes to full face. Fortunately I don't have to wear one all the time.

Come and ask anything you want and vent when things are rough. We've all been there!

Hope you get some refreshing sleep tonight!

I'm sure you will soon be posting success and encouraging newbies!

Good luck!

[Snoredog]

did the Gel mask come with instructions for boiling it for a custom fit?

Should be a process where you boil some water, dip the cushion of the mask in boiling water for like 1.5 minutes, then dip it in ice water
for like 10 seconds and hold it tightly to your face for 3-5 minutes until it cools.

This custom forms it to your face for a better fit.

It takes awhile to get used to therapy, keep using the ramp, if pressure ramps up before you are asleep hit the Ramp button again. It takes about 4-weeks to get used to wearing the gear where you can sleep.

[jules]

Before you boil the mask to fit, make sure it can be boiled.

I hear that the comfort gel FFM doesn't have that feature (like the nasal one does) but I could be mistaken on that.

[WearyOne]

Welcome, roboaug, from one Virginian to another!

If you need a full-face mask, and keep having trouble with the bridge of your nose, might I suggest either the Liberty or Hybrid? Those cover the mouth and have nasal pillows as well, rather than covering your entire nose. I see you have a setting of 14; not sure if that works well with Liberty and Hybrid or not. I use the Hybrid but only have a setting of 8.5. Someone else might be able to chime on that one.

Keep us posted on how you're doing, and ask about any problems or concerns you're having about treatment. There's a wealth of knowledge and experience here.

Pam

[OutaSync]

Try every mask that they will let you try. The mask fitting well is the key to success. Don't settle for one that leaks. Try it on lying down with full pressure and turn you head to both sides. Many of us have gone through more than 10 masks before we found one we could work with.

Good luck,

[boston]

Try every mask that they will let you try. The mask fitting well is the key to success. Don't settle for one that leaks. Try it on lying down with full pressure and turn you head to both sides. Many of us have gone through more than 10 masks before we found one we could work with.

Good luck,

Whe I was fitted at the DME they fitted me sitting up in an office chair. As soon as I laid down, the fit changed and the mask leaked horribly, make sure to see if you can try it laying down.

[roboaug]

I think I am going to have to stop therapy for the next week. Not very happy about this since last night (night 3) I think I had a good night. Sunday night I removed my mask at 3AM after 5 hours of use, just could not get back to sleep after a leak woke me up. But last night I made it through the whole night! I dont't feel particuarly rested today but I guess that will take time. But this sore on the bridge of my nose is getting worse and worse. The swelling is bad and an open sore is developing. I called my sleep center yesterday and they are happy to send someone out with additional masks and resize me but they can't get to me until next Tuesday night. I know I have been living with this for years untreated so what is another week but I am pretty motivated right now to settle in to this therapy and hope this setback won't throw me off track.

On another note, I have seen posting where people have listed there AHI and other stats from their machines. The LCD screen on my machine only seems to tell me how long the unit has run and how many hours of therapy I have had on both a 7 day and 30 day average. Do I need to purchase software and a card reader to get this additional therapy information? Like I said, I made it through the whole night last night but don't really have an idea if I had a successful night of sleep and this information might be useful.

Thanks for the continued support and advice!!

[bdp522]

The plus machine you have only has compliance data. If you want/need more data you need to get a different machine.

Brenda

[Hawthorne]

You need either an M Series PRO or an M Series AUTO machine along with Encore Viewer Software and a card reader to get detailed data.

You have not had your machine very long. Perhaps you can excahnge it for one of the ones I mentioned. You may have to call your doctor to write a new prescription for one of those. The AUTO is preferable because you can also run it in cpap mode if you find that better for you. The PRO, with the software and reader, will also give you that detailed data though.

Good luck!

[roboaug]

So far great marks for my Sleep Center! Just got off the phone and they will swap out my Plus machine with a Pro series when they come out next week to fit me with a new mask.

[Hawthorne]

That's great! Now you will have a data capable machine and you can buy the software and reader and start minitoring your own therapy! If you get that, you can post data on this forum and there are plenty of people willing and able to help you get the best therapy you can.

Odds are you will be better off costwise, ordering them online. Cpap.com has a reasonable package price for the 2. I don't think your Sleep Center will sell them too you. Most don't like patients to have this. If they have it and will sell it to you,compare the price with cpap.com.

Welcome and good luck!

[echo]

in the meantime you can try Dr Scholl's Moleskin as a barrier between your face and the mask - it will cushion the mask a bit and help with the sore. Just stick some to the mask seal.

Hope you find a better fitting mask!

p.s. (Just an idea) -- if it not too much trouble for you or for them , you could suggest visiting them instead of waiting for someone to swing by your house.

[neverbetter]

I personally do very well with the Hybrid.
The gel masks ( for me )seem to wear down in places after a week or two or just feel too hard after an hour.

[rested gal]

they will swap out my Plus machine with a Pro series when they come out next week to fit me with a new mask.

Excellent. Encore Viewer software (and the card reader) are what to get so you can see all the detailed data the Pro records.

Everyone who has mentioned trying out masks while lying down is giving you great advice. Don't settle for trying out a mask just sitting in a chair. Really give the mask a work out. Lie down in your favorite sleep positions, turn over. Again and again. Don't be rushed. Take plenty of time thoroughly trying out each mask they bring.

About masks -- here's a link that may be useful to you -- has plenty of ideas about tweaking masks for better fit, comfort, etc:
LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
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