Seeking tips/insight with the Oracle Mask

[barb_z]

I have been using the Oracle for 4 nights. Other than 60-90 minutes of pure chaos... the picture (lack of events) is almost perfect. Those minutes can ruin the AHI numbers. It happened early one night and I still got 5 hours of good sleep despite an AHI of 16+... I felt more awake the next morning than I had in over 20 years! The only thing I can think of... is I am normally a nose breather and at that time my body is trying its best to revert to the more familiar way of sleep. My AHI was over 16 at first (as noted), then down to 11 and finally last night was at 7... but I was till tired as the chaos happened in the middle of the night..

I do not grip the mask with my teeth, it is comfortable, the neck-gear does not have to be tight, the nose plugs stay in... hope that I will learn soon to let go of the nose breathing and hope that that is what it really is as I cannot think of anything else....

Thought of hooking up and reading or watching TV... trying to make mouth breathing seem more natural. Any other ideas!!

[blakepro]

I have been using the Oracle for 4 nights. Other than 60-90 minutes of pure chaos... the picture (lack of events) is almost perfect. Those minutes can ruin the AHI numbers. It happened early one night and I still got 5 hours of good sleep despite an AHI of 16+... I felt more awake the next morning than I had in over 20 years! The only thing I can think of... is I am normally a nose breather and at that time my body is trying its best to revert to the more familiar way of sleep. My AHI was over 16 at first (as noted), then down to 11 and finally last night was at 7... but I was till tired as the chaos happened in the middle of the night..

I do not grip the mask with my teeth, it is comfortable, the neck-gear does not have to be tight, the nose plugs stay in... hope that I will learn soon to let go of the nose breathing and hope that that is what it really is as I cannot think of anything else....

Thought of hooking up and reading or watching TV... trying to make mouth breathing seem more natural. Any other ideas!!

I purchased an oracle a while back and also find it a bit difficult to get used to. I've really only used it a few nights. I purchased it for when I have sinus infections and cant breathe through my nose. (also, when I have a sinus infection and use a nasal mask, it tends to push the crud down into my lungs which is a bad situation)

You said 60-90 minutes of pure chaos. Can you describe what exactly is happening during that time?

[allen476]

I have been using the Oracle for 4 nights. Other than 60-90 minutes of pure chaos... the picture (lack of events) is almost perfect. Those minutes can ruin the AHI numbers. It happened early one night and I still got 5 hours of good sleep despite an AHI of 16+... I felt more awake the next morning than I had in over 20 years! The only thing I can think of... is I am normally a nose breather and at that time my body is trying its best to revert to the more familiar way of sleep. My AHI was over 16 at first (as noted), then down to 11 and finally last night was at 7... but I was till tired as the chaos happened in the middle of the night..

I do not grip the mask with my teeth, it is comfortable, the neck-gear does not have to be tight, the nose plugs stay in... hope that I will learn soon to let go of the nose breathing and hope that that is what it really is as I cannot think of anything else....

Thought of hooking up and reading or watching TV... trying to make mouth breathing seem more natural. Any other ideas!!

Why are you trying to train to mouth breathe? It doesn't' make sense. Usually one uses the Oracle for when they are having trouble breathing through their nose or if you have a thought about converting it into a mouth plug to get rid of tape/polident strips.

Allen

[barb_z]

I am trying the ORacle as I have never gotten a fully rested result from any mask and I have gone through 10. I have a hypopnea problem... and my sinuses are not at all pleased at having air pushed through them. I probably need a higher pressure, but cannot do that with a nasal mask. Last night I was finally equal to the numbers I get with the Activa LT, but still had short hypopnea incidences. I know I cannot remove everything, but I sure can make it better. I do not think I am wrong in trying to get a good night sleep. If the Oracle will do it... then it will be my mask. I have a friend who has used one for 4 years... she loves it.

[allen476]

I am trying the ORacle as I have never gotten a fully rested result from any mask and I have gone through 10. I have a hypopnea problem... and my sinuses are not at all pleased at having air pushed through them. I probably need a higher pressure, but cannot do that with a nasal mask. Last night I was finally equal to the numbers I get with the Activa LT, but still had short hypopnea incidences. I know I cannot remove everything, but I sure can make it better. I do not think I am wrong in trying to get a good night sleep. If the Oracle will do it... then it will be my mask. I have a friend who has used one for 4 years... she loves it.

I don't use the Oracle, however I did try one on a loaner. The neck strap does need to be firm but not tight. The mouth portion needs to be rather firm as well. I couldn't get used to something in my mouth like that and the spit was very hard to get rid of.

After spending years mouth breathing, I am at the opposite end of you and trying to learn to nose breath. And getting success finally.

What is the "chaos" that you are referring to?

What is your pressure setting?

What is your humidifier set at? The sinus problem could be not enough humidity.

Allen

[barb_z]

The 'chaos' was the apnea events, one after another!!

I have the S8 Autoset. Pressure is now at 12 min... 14 max. Humidifier is at max with this mask.

I had tried the humidifier at all settings with other masks and still had major problems.

Last night was good. No cluster of events at all!!!! I just have to 'relax' That will come. No problem with the nose plugs and that amazed me!

[allen476]

The 'chaos' was the apnea events, one after another!!

I have the S8 Autoset. Pressure is now at 12 min... 14 max. Humidifier is at max with this mask.

I had tried the humidifier at all settings with other masks and still had major problems.

Last night was good. No cluster of events at all!!!! I just have to 'relax' That will come. No problem with the nose plugs and that amazed me!

Well it maybe that you are adjusting to the mask. But I would like to know what type of discomfort you are having with your sinuses when using xPAP. You can do higher pressures with a nasal mask. I use an Opus 360 mask with a pressure that ranges from 14-20 with minimal leaks.

Allen

[barb_z]

Darn... lost my post!!!!
For years I have had chronic rhinitis and nasal masks just aggravate it. I used the old fashioned 'gravy boat' neti pot on and off for years. Tried Neil Med (OK) Used Alkalol successfully till I developed an allergic reaction to it. Undergoing Chemo has made me ultra sensitive to meds. I cannot take timed released at all. Sudafed is good and unless I am at work just one is enough. I just go through cycles of major congestion that makes me miserable. With the nasal masks.... I would have great numbers, but never feel really rested.

Last night with the Oracle I had nose leaks and today I am congested as that means air was going through my sinuses. It is amazing what we go through to succeed with our masks and to get a good night sleep.

The next night was pretty good!