Is It Time to Get a New Mask?

[sleepy.sleeperson]

I started cpap a little over a month ago and have become unhappy with my mask. In the past week I have woken up countless times having to adjust a leak, tightening or loosening the straps. The straps also seems to be moving more often, slipping over my hair, and generally not staying in place. By the time I get to where they are tight enough, it feels very uncomfortable on my face, and is pulling the nasal pillows so tightly against my nose that the cartilage between my nostrils, and the tip of my nose, is actually painful. I am very frustrated and have been very tempted to just pull it off rather than tug on the straps again at 3 in the morning.

So, all of you who have been at this awhile, does this sound like maybe it's just stretched out and needs to be replaced, or is it time to try a different mask? I would appreciate your opinions.

[sleepy.sleeperson]

Also, I was thinking maybe I should try a regular mask instead of the nasal pillows. That would prevent the pain in my nose, right?

[Pugsy]

I had similar experience with the Opus headgear. Never could get it to stay "just right". Unsure if the headgear stretches a lot. It seemed to in my case. Some people use this mask setup and don't report these issues.

There is more to "adjust" with the Opus as far as headgear goes as compared to say the Swift FX. Maybe not a lot more but it seems like a little more.

It might be time for a new pillow but that won't really help the headgear if it wants to stretch out of shape easily. If you have another pillow might give it a try. Might want to give a look at one of the other nasal pillow systems like the Swift FX. I have been using the same headgear on the FX since last summer and only very rarely adjust the headgear straps. I only need to change the nasal pillows every so often.

If you are having pain in the nostril area, the mask straps are too tight or maybe wrong size of nasal pillow. If you try a regular mask either nasal (over the nose) or full face (mouth and nose) there is a whole new set of areas to be uncomfortable and possibly leak. They will also cause pain if too tight.

[sleepy.sleeperson]

Thanks for the reply, Pugsy. Yes, the Opus has 6 separate straps, joined in 3 places. So, I'm un-velcroing and re-velcroing 6 different spots all night. I've tried the small pillow and the medium, and both give me the same problems. I was thinking of protecting my nose with the nose mask, so there would be nothing pressing against it, but I can see how that would bring a new set of problems. Darn, I wish there were an easy,"here, this mask works perfectly for everyboy" solution.

[sleepnationtv]

Yes

If you are having irritation in the nose you may want to try a nasal mask. I like the F&P zest, Resmed Softgel or activa. Here is a link to our video blog that has reviews of some different masks.
http://www.sleepnation.tv

Good luck,

Dane

[Pugsy]

Darn, I wish there were an easy,"here, this mask works perfectly for everyboy" solution.

Nope, so sorry. No such animal.

Why not give the Swift FX a try? I think you would like it given that you reported that you initially did well with the Opus.
How long have you been on the mask? How long is the DME allowing a mask trial? Is it possible you could get DME to swap for the new mask?

[danimal71]

+1 on the Resmed SoftGel. Personally I think that has become my mask for life....or as long as they keep making it.

I tried the Swift LT and like it. I barely noticed the Swift LT being on ...except for it stick in my nostrils. That was the only part I didn't care for but could live with. I liked that I could lay in bed and watch TV with it...but then again I wasn't going to sleep right away. I didn't really have to do much adjusting with it once I found a confortable setting on the straps.

The SoftGel is very confortable feeling on my face. I started with it before I had any facial hair and I am now into about 2 weeks of good growth and still have no problems with it leaking. The only thing that drivers my crazy sometimes is the tickling sensation occasionaly on my nose from the air passing by.

I would think in the begining that you shouldn't have to adjust your straps too much. That's been the case for me so far.