Mask Fit after Weight Loss

[lindam0521]

haven't been on forum recently, started CPAP six months ago and still having problems. at times it seemed as if it was working better but not for long

i have been on a weight loss program through a local hospital (which is why i haven't been on forum, spending a lot of time on the weight loss program site for much needed support). I have lost 42 pounds in the last eight weeks and still have 94 to go. I know that weight loss can affect the fit of the mask but it seems as if i have been able to adjust the straps where i was not getting leaks. primarily use FFM but have also used my nasal mask i started with.

the last week or so has been particularly miserable. either i take off the mask without knowing it or have problems with leaks. Has anybody had experience with CPAP and weight loss? I do lose quickly in the face and the bottom straps are the ones i have problems tightening properly. I wake up frequenty and in the morning i have had headaches and sore throats so i figure the mask is leaking enough to be a problem.

i am seeing my sleep med doc on thursday, wish i could get in earlier but that was her availability. my FFM is an x-small so i can't get the same one in a smaller size but the DME said they had different styles that may be better fitting. i missed two days of work last week because i felt so bad in the morning so i'm hoping to find a way to get through the coming nights.

my pressure is 8 cfm,. i have read that the pressure often needs to be lowered with weight loss. anybody out there have any experience with that?

thanks!

[cflame1]

from what I've read, sometimes the pressure will go up with weight loss and sometimes it will go down.

Is the mask that you're using the same headgear and everything that you've used from the beginning? 'cause the straps and seals may need replacing...

[lindam0521]

from what I've read, sometimes the pressure will go up with weight loss and sometimes it will go down.

Is the mask that you're using the same headgear and everything that you've used from the beginning? 'cause the straps and seals may need replacing...

i have purchased new headgear and a couple of new mask cushions since i started CPAP. Last night i fell asleep w/o the mask and actually slept quite well--slept without it a few nights before and had a rough time. my SA was diagnosed as mild to moderate, much more pronounced during REM sleep--when the CPAP worked well i don't remember any dreams but when it didn't or when i didn't use a mask I had vivid, bizarre, even disturbing dreams throughout night and I would wake suddenly in the middle of one.

I guess i'll just see how the next days go until i get to the sleep doc thursday. there are a lot of factor in play right now so i hope they can sort them out.