Newbie CPAP issues

[Jman2010]

I wore the medium fixture for the nasal pillows. Tried the large and they just didn't seem to agree with staying in one spot no matter how tight I got the mask. The small fixture was defanately far far up my nostrals, so I stuck with medium.

On different note, 7cm pressure with the FFM and I woke up with no gas. The Mrs was thrilled.

Now if the FFM would just work so that I wake up without being groggy, like the nasal pillows were working, I'd be in buisness.

[BlackSpinner]

I wore the medium fixture for the nasal pillows. Tried the large and they just didn't seem to agree with staying in one spot no matter how tight I got the mask. The small fixture was defanately far far up my nostrals, so I stuck with medium.

On different note, 7cm pressure with the FFM and I woke up with no gas. The Mrs was thrilled.

Now if the FFM would just work so that I wake up without being groggy, like the nasal pillows were working, I'd be in buisness.

If what you do have has "Pro" in its name it does keep data and there should be a way for you to get to it. I don't have that kind of machine but if you start a new thread stating you are looking for the manual someone will probably PM you with info.

[Jman2010]

It has the SD card in it, and my doctor printed out all sorts of data from it on my last visit. I've got the manuals, and will have the software after I get home from work. Then I can see what's going on and save $50 a pop for my Dr to tell me to increase the pressure or something.

[BlackSpinner]

It has the SD card in it, and my doctor printed out all sorts of data from it on my last visit. I've got the manuals, and will have the software after I get home from work. Then I can see what's going on and save $50 a pop for my Dr to tell me to increase the pressure or something.

Right - information is power! Ask any diabetic using insulin.

[jmelby]

Have you considered a nasal mask (not pillows--one like the Activa)? You would not run into the issue with your nostrils and may find that it works better than the full face mask in terms of how you feel. My DME let me borrow an Activa LT when I was having trouble using a full face mask for a few days--it might be worth asking. That's what I have used ever since. I also use a pap cap chin strap to keep my mouth from leaking--the cap works better than other chinstraps for me because it keeps it in place better.

[Jman2010]

No I haven't, I'm an airhead. I should probably try one out before going back to nasal pillows and the lanolamananin. (yes, spelling, I know) I don't mind the full face mask feel so the nose mask shouldn't be a bother.

Just gotta get that chinstrap.

[Hawthorne]

Wow! $50 a pop for the doctor to read your data and tell you to make a few changes!!!

For the $99 (one time cost) you can get the software and do that yourself! People here can help you with interpreting your data and suggesting changes. We may not be doctors but many of us have lots of experience!

Soon you'll be able to decide on changes on your own with the data!

Tonight you can start! Great!

[sleepydawn]

Welcome! I thought I would mention that if you want to try the chin strap without spending any money, you might be able to use an ace bandage, old elastic or heavy duty tights. I also love the mask liners I made from a very soft old t-shirt. They can be washed and I couldn't do a nasal or FF mask without them. Have you already looked at the lab rat thread? It's such a great thread for newbies. viewtopic.php?t=15104

I really recommend that you keep trying with the masks. Find a DME with a good exchange policy or purchase return insurance at cpap.com. Let us know how your therapy is going. I hope you get the kinks worked out very quickly.

[Jman2010]

Well, unfortunately my medium FF mask isn't providing the therapy I need. There's no leaks, but it just isn't working 100%. Awesomely custom made T-Shirt nose guard aside, the bridge of my nose isn't getting any better. It's just in a constant numb/sensative/bruised-feeling state. With that in mind, I'm going to pass on the nose mask.

I've got a really good DME, and on Wednesday I'll be trading for the Swift FX nasal pillows I started out with. It's provided the best results by far, and I wish I had known about lanolin and a chin strap before starting on my mask trading adventure.

I'm gonna try various things for a chin strap, especially an ace bandage! We have a few of those laying around already.

Thanks for the advice and support you guys and gals.

[Janknitz]

The Swift FX was working so well for you--I think you need to work on fitting them better and try again. Or you might want to try the Swift LT. It's more stable because the headgear is more substantial, and you can acheive a loose fit without fear of dislodging the pillows when you move around in the bed.

If you try the FX pillows again or the LT, try the following (#6 is for the FX, primarily)

They should NEVER be so tight that they hurt. A tiny bit of tenderness the first day or two is common, but not outright pain.

This is how to fit them properly:

1. Loosen the headgear for the fitting.
2. Hold the pillows up to your nose without putting the headgear on your head. The base of the cone shaped pillow should rest against your nostril--never in it--that is the part that creates the seal. The narrow tip of the cone should just barely penetrate your nostrils and should not be rubbing against your septum or the outside "walls" of your nostrils.
3. Turn your machine on. The nasal pillows need to be fit while fully inflated.
4. Now (in your regular sleeping position) pull the headgear over your head and adjust it just enough to keep the pillows from leaking. Turn your head and move around in the bed and determine if you need to tighten them slightly. You should never feel like the mask is pushing your nose up into a pig snout. Loose fit is the key--the pillows can't inflate to form a seal if they are too tight.
5. Use Lanisoh to help get a seal and reduce the irritation to your nose.
6. Pay attention to where the short slinky hose is so that its weight doesn't pull the pillows out of your nose. I use a hose management system to prevent that--it hangs the hose over my head and allows me to move freely without the weight of the hose pulling against the mask.