Greetings All from a tired Newby

[woodmizer5]

I am a 61 year old man, and I had my first sleep test on 5/12/2010. My overall AHI then was 75.6. Having one again on 6/23/2011, and my overall AHI is now 35.4. So I am slowly getting there.
About 3 months ago I almost hit a car headon while driving with my wife in the car with me, and that was enough. I have only driven once since (well rested) of course. It was then that I needed to figure this problem out. I have been fighting masks constantly, I can't keep my big mouth shut.
I have gotten a couple good nights sleep with my Quattro FX, but I am still fighting leaks. I have read a lot on your site, and have learned quite a bit already, Looking forward to learning from you all, and hopefully passing it forward to someone at a later date.
Thanks for your help ahead of time.
Don

[RomeinDNVR]

Hello!

Have you tried using a chin strap yet? There are a lot of ways to make your own out there, or you can just purchase one. I hope you start having a better experience! Have you contacted your DME to try a different type of full face mask?

Rome

[nanwilson]

Welcome Don
I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way by almost having an accident. Now you know that you have to make this therapy work, and believe me it will work. I went through 8 masks before I found 2 that work well for me. It will take some time and lots of "tweeking" to get things right, do not despair, it will work out. You now have the right attitude to get this right, congrats on that point. Keep reading and do keep asking questions, we have all been where you are today and with the help of others on this forum we have worked it out. The time will come for you to "pay it forward" and again welcome to the land of hoseheads.
Cheers
Nan

[ameriken]

I use the Quattro FX as well and I know all about the leaks as well. However, it took me a while but I think I finally found a good fit for it by trying different ways of adjusting the straps. It's a pain in the neck but once you've found the right fit, it is a good mask.

You also can try www padacheek com They have an anti-leak strap as well as a mask liner that may work for you.

Good luck!

[ozij]

Welcome, Don.
Even in your new sleep study you're still in the "severe" category.
One thing I've learned about mask: studying their fitting instructions and videos can be a great help.
And then, in addition to mask liners, I found the pillow I use for sleep makes a big difference in my leaks, and the way I route my hose. For me, dangling the hose from above is critical for achieving good seal.

Rested Gal's LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

How often do you use the CPAP? Do you track your results?

[woodmizer5]

Hi all:
I have tried a chin strap, even taped my mouth shut when I was using the opus nasal pillow, but Dr. increased pressure to 18/14/br12 and I could not use anymore. I have been continually trying different facemasks since June of 2010. Dr. fits mask in office, and when I get home it leaks. I am about to try (Hans Rudolphe 7600 V2 mask), it has a piece that goes under the chin to hopefully keep mouth shut, but the plastic is a little hard so I need to watch my nose bridge. It degrades easily. The Quattro tore it up, even with padacheeks nose protector. I am sleeping on a wedge now for the last two nights, and that seemed to help. Until yesterday, I thought it was okay to have mouth open if I had on a full face mask. I am watching for leaks on my machine, for now that is all I know to do. Will keep reading and learning.
Thanks; Don

[jabman]

Hi and welcome,
After the Doc adjusts the mask in his office are you re adjusting it at home? if not don't be afraid to. Hanfg in there, there is a mask combo out there that will work for you.

[ozij]

It is OK to have your mouth open when you use a full face mask. Not necessarily recommended, but if you can't avoid it, a full face mask is there to let you have the necessary pressure despite your open mouth.

Mask fitting:
Do it when you would do other things that need your full attention. Not when you're exhausted and going to sleep. Do it patiently. It takes time. I'm always surprised how slight changes can make big differnces. Does the doc fit the mask on when you're lying and the machine is blowing at its highest pressure? If not, you can ignore his fitting. (I see jabman has just posted something similar)

Fisher and Paykel masks also have a part that goes under your chin.

[woodmizer5]

Yes, I am not afraid to adjust a mask. It just doesn't seem right that for 2 minutes in the office the masks don't leak at my pressure, but get it home, lay down and relax and the noises begin. I sleep on my back 99% of the time due to an injury. And I have learned to do it during day, and try it out on a nap first.
Don