Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Cindy Lou Who
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:03 pm
Location: Southeast Iowa

Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by Cindy Lou Who » Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:53 pm

Just read an older post from rubysue about air coming from 'inside' and drying out the eyes as there is a connection between the eye and sinus. Seems to be my case too. Woke up with left eye nearly stuck shut! When got it open sight was very blurry for several minutes before it cleared. If this continues I might damage them.
Q: Am wondering what you have done to protect your eyes...what products: eye drops, ointment, or other you have used that worked. Thought I'd ask here first before going to eye Dr.
Thanks for your answers,
Cindy

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Mask: Opus 360 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Swift FX as back-up

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bayourest
Posts: 389
Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:16 am
Location: Connecticut

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by bayourest » Fri Mar 11, 2011 7:09 am

I have been happy with Genteal gel for severe dry eyes. It was suggested to me by my ophthalmologist. (Dry eyes can be a post-menopausal problem as well if that applies in your case.)
Genteal makes a number of drops as well as the gel and you can choose from drops for regular to drops for severe dry eyes. I think the gel is great at night before bed.

nanwilson
Posts: 3463
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:35 am
Location: Southern Alberta

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by nanwilson » Fri Mar 11, 2011 8:27 am

Cindy
Ditto what Bayourest said. My eye doc also said to use Genteal Gel. For the first couple of weeks I used it morning and night, now only at night before I go to bed. My doc said it can be used up to 6 times a day. The gel kinda sits over your eyes and keys them moisterized.
Nan
Started cpap in 2010.. still at it with great results.

Cindy Lou Who
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:03 pm
Location: Southeast Iowa

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by Cindy Lou Who » Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:51 pm

Thank you bayourest and nanwilson. Just Goggled for Genteal Gel... I was hoping it was an over the counter purchase, but looks like a script is needed to get it. Is that so?
thanks for your help
Cindy

_________________
Mask: Opus 360 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Swift FX as back-up

nanwilson
Posts: 3463
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:35 am
Location: Southern Alberta

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by nanwilson » Sat Mar 12, 2011 8:44 am

No script needed Cindy, it's over the counter.
Nan
Started cpap in 2010.. still at it with great results.

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Catnap
Posts: 321
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:20 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by Catnap » Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:30 am

I've noticed that I often get a draft on my face from air out of the exhaust port of the mask deflecting off the bedclothes and pillow. It helps me to wear a sleep mask to shield my eyes from this, which also protects them if I do get a mask leak in that area. I also use the Genteal gel at night, and eyedrops throughout the day (I work at a computer, which compounds the dry eyes issue).

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Cindy Lou Who
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:03 pm
Location: Southeast Iowa

Re: Zero leak rate and still dry eyes

Post by Cindy Lou Who » Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:08 pm

Thank you Catnap for sharing your idea re: draft on my face from air out of the exhaust port of the mask deflecting off the bedclothes and pillow.

Definitely got that from the Swift FX, and because of the high leak and "draft on my face," switched to the Opus 360. Before I go to sleep I check with my fingers for leaks and listen also. I sleep mostly on my back and the exhaust port shoots the air directly out in the direction my nose points, in this case, the ceiling. When I roll over on my side I'm careful to position the bed pillow so that I'm on the end of it and not blowing into it. But heaven knows what happens when I'm asleep. Perhaps I am getting 'splashed' by the port air. Will try a sleep mask over my eyes and see what happens before buying the gel.
Thanks again,
Cindy

_________________
Mask: Opus 360 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Swift FX as back-up