Starting to Believe

[jenngirl]

I have been having trouble with getting my mask adjusted right (comfort gel full face) and trouble getting used to sleeping positions with the mask on (I used to sleep on my face). Last night I couldn't make it work, and apparrently didn't have it on right most of the night. There must have been leaks, etc. I finally took it off around 5 am (don't get up til 6:30). I feel like ASS today. I had no idea it was really working since last night was only night 10 and I don't wake up feeling OMG FANTASTIC when I wear it. But today I feel slow, foggy, I have huge raccoon circles around my eyes, and a headache. I can't believe I was going through life like this, but according to the people I asked, this is how I always was before. Uggh. So I guess it is working, hooray! Now to actually get used to it.

[kteague]

Yeah, those little glimpses help us stay focused on making the treatment work. Glad you're seeing progress so soon.
Kathy

[Autopapdude]

Believe--it is the key to feeling better. Persistence and faith that it will eventually work does the trick.

[weebl]

I see that you have a ResMed machine. I don't know how different the controls are on the Elite as compared to the AutoSet that I use, but I image they would be similar.

First off, if the machine is the same, the "start/stop" button doubles up as the mask fit feature. Put your mask on, then press and hold that button for 3 seconds. The feature will start up, with the machine blowing at fairly full pressure, and will have an on screen display of how well your mask is fitting, on a star rating system out of 5. 3 is considered "good" on ResMed's scale, but you will definitely want a much better fit than that. I've slept a total of three nights on my machine, and leaks are something I am trying to get minimized. Not serious, but my first night, it was 0.30 L/s, and I had not used the mask fit feature. Second night, I used it before bed time to make adjustments to the mask straps. That night, it was 0.28 L/s. I used it before sleepint last night, and it is now down to 0.15 L/s. It will take a combination of using the feature, adjusting your mask and making a conscious effort to sleep in a position that minimizes the chances of the mask coming off and leaking.

I am also going to PM you with some other info that would be useful to you.

[BlackSpinner]

It is really amazing how your mind slowly wipes out all the pain and ugly feelings. If it didn't no woman would have more then one child.