Seriously, need mask help...

[Zigs]

Hi, everyone...I was diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing/RERAs ("respiratory events") and told I have "severely fragmented sleep" in late November.

Since then, I've been struggling with the masks. I KNOW I can do CPAP and I am confident it will help me in the long run - if ONLY I can get this mask thing figured out. Right now, I'm getting frustrated!!!

I started w/a nasal mask but was having a ton of air swallowing issues. I'll wake up with my stomach feeling bloated to the max, belching out all the air I sucked in. So I switched to a full face mask. Still had the air swallowing, just as bad. So I got a wedge pillow last week. The first two nights with that pillow and the full face mask, I slept with it on all night and felt more rested. Then I washed it (mask and silicon cushion) as I have done many times before, with the same gentle dish soap (Seventh Generation). Now, for the last two nights, I CANNOT get a good seal. I put the mask on and it leaks in the area of the bridge of my nose. I messed around with it enough last night that I got it to seal halfway decently, only to wake up with it leaking and the HORRIBLE air in the stomach again.

I want this to work...when there's a good seal, I can sleep 8 or 9 hours with this machine. But I'm getting so frustrated with the mask thing that I'm at my wit's end!!!! I have a small mask, so unless there's an extra small one or I can get my insurance to help cover a third mask in less than two months, I don't know what to do.

[Muse-Inc]

Zigd, do a search, there's lots of info on fitting the Quattro mask posted here.

[Zigs]

Thanks, Muse, for responding. I will check out that mask. My only issue is whether the insurance will cover it since I've tried two masks already since November.

[TooGroggy]

Here are some other things you may do:

- Check out the videos at SleepNation.TV. They discuss how to fit various masks and the importance of NOT tightening the mask on your face.
- SleepNation has graciously offered to let board members try out masks (there is a small handling fee). So if you decide to get a new mask, this would be a good way to try the mask before plunking $150 for it.
- If you are working with a DME, perhaps they can examine your mask and your technique and make recommendations.
- You may also be able to get some help from a technician at the sleep clinic where you had your study done.

[DocWeezy]

If you're not already doing it, remember to make sure that your skin is squeaky clean before putting on your mask. I know with me, skin oils or moisturizers keep my mask from sealing well.

Weezy

[Muse-Inc]

And consider trialing the RespCare Hybrid FFM, quite a few of us here wear this mask with all pressure requirements. Comfy too! Comes with 3 sizes of oral cushion and 3 sizes of pillows that can be set to 2 heights.