Sensitive Sinuses

[bzerbe]

Hi everyone...I am new to the CPAP experience as well as new to this forum.

I have had my CPAP machine now for three days. I know patience is a virtue, but I cannot stand it. My first mask is a comfort gel full-face mask. Night one I tolerated it for four hours, night two - two hours, and last night, the third night I couldn't bring myself to wear it at all.

I fidget with it constantly. I can't stand the feel of it on my face. I have very sensitive sinuses that can give me very painful face headaches. Combine that sensitivity with the mask sitting on my face and nose and I just want to rip it off.

The sleep center suggested the full-face mask mainly because of my sinus problems, primarily because I do get congestion in my nose frequently. But if I cannot take the feeling of the mask, what is the use?

Any suggestions?

[TheDreamer]

Welcome.

Try a different mask....and it doesn't necessarily have to be a full-face mask.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest hassles of xPAP is finding the perfect mask.

I have sinus issues, and congestion....but I don't use a full-face mask (though I tried one for a couple of nights, it didn't agree with me either).

For congestion, sinus rinse has been helping. Along with nasal steroid spray -- currently a doctor sample of VeraMyst. Normally, I use either Flonase or Rhinocort (originally prescribed Rhinocort, but I tried Flonase because it was cheaper....so I have two bottles of each left over from last allergy season....wonder which I'll ask for this year).

The Dreamer.

[ozij]

There are two masks for people who may suffer from congestion, that will not touch your sinuses:

They both us the same principle: nasal pillows + a mouth breathing enclosure.

One is Innomed's Hybrid,




the other is Resmed's Liberty

[bzerbe]

Oh, okay. Thank you both. I see how all of those masks/nasal pillows would be good for sensitive sinuses.

I am completely clueless about the masks - I was given the full-face one and figured that was what I would have to get used to.

I will call the medical supply company tomorrow and see if they can hook me up with something different.

Thanks!

[brucelegs]

did you try the boil and cool adjusting? I'm going to do it tonight to my comfort gel nasal. instructions should have come with the mask

[bzerbe]

No, I haven't tried the boil method. I will have to re-read my manual - I don't remember reading that. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[TheDreamer]

According to cpap.com: "Unlike the ComfortGel Nasal CPAP mask, the ComfortGel Full gel cushion cannot be boiled for additional conformity."

The Dreamer.

[bzerbe]

Ah, thanks again....I guess that is why I don't remember reading that it could be boiled!

[brucelegs]

that's not too cool, I wonder what it is about the full mask that doesn't let you do the boil and cool custom fitting?

I guess I would suggest the Mack's silicone ear plug trick to make it more comfortable

[WearyOne]

My main mask is the Hybrid, but occasionally I'll want a change and go to my backup, Ultra Mirage Full Face. Most often, though, once I put the UMFF on, I remember why I don't wear it more---the pressure on my sinuses usually drives me crazy! Give the Hybrid or Liberty a try, as they are both full-face type masks, but don't put pressure on your sinus area at all.

Good luck!

Pam