nasal masks and tears

[inernest]

I know it's only been a couple of nights, but I'm having an awful time getting used to my nasal mask.

I go to bed with everything a-ok. No leaks, generally comfortable.

After just a couple of hours I wake up. My mask hurts, it leaks, and I can't get it back where it should be. After wrestling with it for nearly an hour and ending up just about in tears every night, I take it off and go back to sleep.

I know I'm supposed to be patient, but I'm sleeping worse now than I was before.

Should I try a nasal pillow instead?

[DreamDiver]

You could try a full face mask. Two of the most popular are the quattro and the ultra mirage full face. Most people's faces fit one or the other. You would still breathe predominantly through your nose. It just also covers your mouth. Why not give it a try?

[kopoloff]

Firstly, can I suggest that you fill in your profile so that we can see what sort of mask you are using.

There is a wealth of experience and knowledge here,and everyone will be looking to help you as best they can. Just about everyone has been through what you're experiencing. Its frustrating and can be demoralising. It can seem at times that you'd be better off leaving your machine and mask out on the freeway for a humane disposal by truck tyres. But, as will be testified by thousands of forum members here, you WILL eventually GET IT. You will get it sorted and begin to experience the benefits of uninterrupted sleep.

I'm sorry I can't help you with any specific suggestions, since I use nasal pillows (Oh boy was that a rocky road for a while, and just at the moment I'm having some problems with leakage, again) But I'm sure you'll get a flood of support and assistance once you post that profile.

Best wishes

K

[Kiralynx]

Adjusting can be tough!

You might fill out your profile to help us help you.

1. Look for the User Control Panel, just below the Search box, which is, in turn, just below the CPAPTALK.Com logo.

2. Click on the tab just below the black User Control which says, "Profile."

3. Look to the left, and click on the bar which says, "Edit Equipment."

4. Fill in your equipment, and select "Text" as the display method.

That will help people help you.

[inernest]

Thanks. I filled out my profile.

I'm a side sleeper, and after my titration night with a full mask I decided on a nasal mask. The full face mask got knocked sideways a few times, and I thought the nasal mask would be a bit better.

When the tech first put the nasal pillows on me before I did the titration study, I just couldn't handle the pressure directly in my sinuses. I think that with my c-flex machine though, that wouldn't be a problem.

Anyone find that nasal pillows are much easier for side sleeping?

[Lee Lee]

I couldn't handle the pillows, try as I might. And no, they were horrible for side sleeping. That was almost four years ago, and there are some better models out there. I couldn't deal with the direct pressure in my nose, and felt like I couldn't breathe over the air.
I now use a nasal mask, and it seals very well. On the down side, it's huge and bulky, but I've learned to sleep with it.
You should definitely try some other masks.
Mine is the Activa.
The Fisher and Paykel HC 407c was great for me at first, very comfortable and fabulous for side sleeping. Then my pressure needs changed and it leaked. I still like that mask, with it's foam cushion and special side sleeping feature. It's also not very expensive.(relatively speaking.)
Please just keep on trying! Don't give up. There are some good full face masks out there too!

[Kiralynx]

Thanks. I filled out my profile. <snip> Anyone find that nasal pillows are much easier for side sleeping?

I'm a serious side-sleeper, too! The mask I like is my Comfortlite 2. The headgear is a bit bulky, but this mask has the ability to let you switch between a nasal mask, pillows, and something they call a direct seal. So if you can get used to the headgear, you have three masks in one.

I found this particularly handy a few weeks ago when my Great Galoot (the 30 pound standard longhair dachshund) came bounding up on the bed and walloped my mask, sending the edge of one seal into my nose. (My fault: I should KNOW better than to be facing the door when I hear paws thundering down the hall!) My nose was WAY too sore to use the seals for about four nights, but that was okay! I just popped the seals off, put the simple seal (nasal mask) on, and kept sleeping just fine at night.

Adjustment to being a hosehead isn't easy, but just post any questions you have, and we'll surely try to answer them!

[tattooyu]

I use a Swift LT (nasal pillows) and am a side-sleeper. It rarely leaks when on my side. I can count on one hand the times it's done that.

I think you need to find the mask that best fits your sleep style and face shape.

[brucelegs]

Thanks. I filled out my profile.

I'm a side sleeper, and after my titration night with a full mask I decided on a nasal mask. The full face mask got knocked sideways a few times, and I thought the nasal mask would be a bit better.

When the tech first put the nasal pillows on me before I did the titration study, I just couldn't handle the pressure directly in my sinuses. I think that with my c-flex machine though, that wouldn't be a problem.

Anyone find that nasal pillows are much easier for side sleeping?

I'm am a side sleeper and I find the Swift LT just great. I use a bit of the lanolin cream on my nares and I'm good to go. I put my hair in a small ponytail and don't have a problem with any strap slippage. I move from side to side throughout the night with minimal issues. I also have a comfort gel nasal mask that I got at my sleep study, but I found it bulky for the side sleeping, but I keep it on hand anyway since you never know. I plan on using one of my mask replacments to get a full face mask for next winter when it's cold season. I've been lucky so far with allergies with my flonase and the humidifier. My titrated pressure is 10 and I don't even feel the pressure with the pillows - most of the time I'm not even aware that I am hooked up to a hose at all

[Mebake]

I went through 6 masks and hated just about all of them for one reason or another. Until I tried the Swift LT. I love it it never leaks, comfortable and never moves around on my face. My biggest problem was keeping my trap shut. I use a chin strap and life is good.

[Babette]

I hated that "nasal" mask at the titration. The tech clued me into the concept of pillows, and I demanded that from my DME. I ended up going through 8 different "pillows" masks before - out of desperation - I tried the Nasal Aire II "prongs" style mask.

I was sold. Haven't looked back since. Been wearing mine since May 2007 and am going strong. Okay, I've replaced it, I meant I've been wearing that STYLE.

I run a free test drive for folks to try this mask before buying it. PM me if you'd like to get on the test drive. There's more information below in the links in my signature block.

Good luck!!!!
B.

[inernest]

Thanks everyone. It's been encouraging to learn that this isn't a slam dunk for most people. I haven't yet had an uninterrupted night so far, but I do think I'm starting to feel a bit better. I actually had the energy today to go to the gym after a draining day at work.

Rather than deal with my DME who apparently has 4 options total, I'm going to order a swift LT with return insurance.