MISERABLE in Montreal

[lindyjoy]

I have been using cpap machine for 1 year. In that time I have tried different masks, types and styles. I finally settled on using one just over my nose and then moved to one with nose pillows. I think it was a SWIFT (?) Because it has straps on the face I found that even with the felt covers on that I had to get up 2 hours early, just to give the marks time to disappear, before I could meet with clients. Moved on to the Breeze which, with some home fixins' is not too bad. Who am I kidding? What that means is that I am in denial, pretty much. It moves all over the place. Now my mouth is opening. I have a lot of air buildup in my chest which is painful and leads to very "unladylike" burping. I have developed awful sores in my nose and on my tongue. I think I am biting it or something. I wake up more now than I did without the machine. Only now I worry about dying in my sleep due to apneas. The doctor has said that I don't have many per hour but that I have dangerously low levels of O2 when I do have them, so now I am scared not to use the machine.I looked into chin straps but am afraid that I will be back to the "tread marks" as well as that trapped feeling. I feel damned if I do and damned if I don't. I am really worried, fed-up and don't know what to do next. I really need your help/advice/recommendations. Thanks.
Miserable in Montreal (as if the snow wasn't enough!)
lindyjoy

[NeurosurgeryNP]

HAve you tried the Mirage Activa - although it has straps across the face, the fit is very loose when the machine is off and when you trun the generator on, it inflates like a bellowes, creating a seal on your face. Therefore - no strap marks in my face (especially if you have it fit correctly). This was the mask I was given initially, and tried many others out ther at my own expense, but always went right back tot he Activa. I liked the looseness of the straps and the lasch of pressure on my face.

As for the mouth breathing, I use a chin strap. I wear it pretty tight on order to keep my mouth closed, and sometimes it does leave marks, but I would rather that, then be totally cranky at work becasue I didn't get the proper sleep the night before.

[lindyjoy]

will check it out. thanks so much for taking the time to respond
lindyjoy

[ozij]

The Headrest is also a great mask for not toucing your face.

O.

[gasp]

I've tried both the Headrest and the CL2. I settled on the CL2 because it is the most comfortable for me. However, the CL2 does have a piece on the headgear that covers quite a bit of the forehead. I use a CL2 Pad a Cheek cover so there are no marks and it is comfortable as long as I don't over tighten. The thing I like best about both the Headrest and the CL2, is that they don't cause as many facial lines in the morning from pushing my face in ways it wouldn't normally be pushed without a mask. I find full face and nasal masks push up into the eye area and leave small wrinkles under my eyes. I stopped using my favorite nasal mask pretty much for that reason.

I forgot to add, the Headrest is a lot noisier than the CL2. The only complaint with the exhaust of the CL2 is from my husband. It ports up and if my head is tucked down, it heads straight toward him. I try to sleep in a better position so that it doesn't hit him, and it's better for my airway anyway : )

Best wishes!

[sleepydoll]

`Hello! I found my third mask to be the best for us gals..the Headrest.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=1717&PAID=215

No marks on the face, fits on good, and lets you turn on your sides without any problems. The only minor problem is that it messes up my hair a bit..but I truly can live with that!!!
so...now I'm no more " miserable in Sept-Iles, PQ"
D.