Just Wanted to Say Hello

Sleep Pilgrim · Post by **Sleep Pilgrim** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:09 pm

Tonight is my first night on a cpap (at home anyway). I've been fiddling around with the Breeze nasal pillow setup. I'm hoping that sleeping on my back (I start on my side and wind up on my back) won't be too difficult. Seems that the spine part of the thing acts like a lever against my pillow and moves the nasal pillows away from my nose. I'm hoping I can adjust something to prevent this. Anyway, here's to a good night sleep!

Will

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:24 pm

Hi SP,

Welcome to the cpap world.

As much as I love the Breeze/nasal pillows it's one of my favorites) it's not the best interface for sleeping on one's back. I'm primarily a side sleeper. Breeze is better for that.

You described it perfectly...what the Breeze headgear seems to do when a person is sleeping on their back. Depending on just how the back-sleeper tilts his head, the whole headgear seems to shift forward or backward, resulting in leaks or tugging upward on the nostrils. It really is better for side-sleeping, not sleeping on one's back.

Two nasal pillows interfaces that are very good for back-sleepers, imho: the Swift and the Aura.

The Aura is my #1 favorite. Great for sleeping in any position -- side, back, tummy. I made some drastic modifications to my Aura because the headgear straps are too long for some women's heads.

The Activa nasal mask (not a nasal pillows mask) is also a remarkably comfortable mask for sleeping on back or sides. Straps are worn very loose.

Good luck!
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My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:07 am

Hi,

Welcome aboard - great crew here & if you have any aspirations to becoming knowledgeable on your CPAP therapy, you picked a good place to become so.

Lots of support, a good few laughs & great people

Cheers

DSM

Sleep Pilgrim · Post by **Sleep Pilgrim** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:44 am

Thanks!

Last night went very well. I probably adjusted the Breeze a few times during the night but it wasn't really a bother. Slept well (7 hours) with humidifier set to 2 (only used about 1/2 inch of water--is this usual?). Used Ayr for my nose--had slight soreness that mostly went away after about an hour. It's the upper lip soreness that bothered me the most.

I approached the whole thing like I've been doing it for years. Internally shrugged, turned off the critical part of my brain, and went to sleep. Of course having been in the military, I'm used to sleeping under less than ideal conditions.

I awoke feeling a bit tired but NOT bone-weary fatigued like usual. No brain fog. I actually found myself doing something I haven't done in many years--singing in the shower. I've also seen a reemergence of my sense of humor. It's almost like I've been an amnesiac and now I'm getting flashes of who I used to be. I saw this guy in the mirror and he was smiling. I remember him--I think. "Hey Will," he says. "Been a long time." I nod and tell him: "Yes, it has been. Welcome home old friend..."

A lot to experience after just one night, I know, but I intend to retake command of my life. Wearing a "thing" on my face? Discomfort? Life style changes? With what's at stake and what I can regain... it's a small price to pay. Atitude. Atitude. That's most of the battle.

Here's to the rest of my life...and being at its center instead of a groggy bystander.

Will

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:48 am

Hey Will, welcome, that's great news and congratulations on your first night. I'm sure your attitude will get you through any minor setbacks that may come along in future. Please keep us posted with your progress, good or bad, as I'm sure it will help someone else along the way.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:10 am

Sleep Pilgrim wrote:...I approached the whole thing like I've been doing it for years. Internally shrugged, turned off the critical part of my brain, and went to sleep. ...It's almost like I've been an amnesiac and now I'm getting flashes of who I used to be. ...A lot to experience after just one night, I know, but I intend to retake command of my life. Wearing a "thing" on my face? Discomfort? Life style changes? With what's at stake and what I can regain... it's a small price to pay. Atitude. Atitude. That's most of the battle.

Here's to the rest of my life...and being at its center instead of a groggy bystander.

I don't believe I've ever read such a well-written description. Wow! Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep Pilgrim · Post by **Sleep Pilgrim** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:32 am

Thank you!

-Will

JudyAnn · Post by **JudyAnn** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:02 pm

Will,

Ditto from me too. You said it perfectly and exactly how I feel about it. Have been a hosehead now for 1 year and 1 month.

This group is the best and ready, willing and able to help whenever we need some. That meant a lot to me when I was first diagnosed because I did not know anyone who had this disorder and I was kind of bummed out about it at first.

Keep us posted on your progress and WELCOME to being a "Hosehead".

Judy

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:43 pm

I agree absolutely with the Guest aka NEVERSLEEPS!!!!

I don't believe I've ever read such a well-written description. Wow! Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent attitude, Will. And excellent posts!

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:18 pm

rested gal wrote:I agree absolutely with the Guest aka NEVERSLEEPS!!!!

What??? gave me away this time??????? Excessive!!!! use of punctuation???????????????????????????????????????????????

JudyAnn · Post by **JudyAnn** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:31 pm

Boy RG you are GOOD!
Were you a detective in your previous life......a detective that did not have SA?

Judy

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:00 pm

And the quote.

O.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:57 pm

Way to go, WILL! How bout letting us know how the nights have gone for the last few nights???

Welcome to the board. It's a great place to get info, trade info, meet folks and vent if necessary. Sounds like you'll fit in well.

This therapy WORKS!!!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:06 pm

yep, ozij...the quote cinched it.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:04 am

And!!!!!! don't forget !!!!! about excessive use.....of punctuation!!!!!!! (that's okay, Neversleeps, I use a lot of it too for effect).

Hi, Will. Just wanted to say hello and welcome. You have a fabulous attitude and will be very successful, as your first night has already proven. Keep up the great work and keep us all updated. Good luck .

Machine	Mask

Just Wanted to Say Hello

Just Wanted to Say Hello

Welcome Will