Newbie....and HATE my mask

[erwink]

Just diagnosed, third night with my full mask (don't know specifics on it)....seems like the night starts out ok, and then mask starts leaking midway thru the night. Also, it's KILLING the bridge of my nose! Anything I can do about that other than tolerate it?

Also, looking for good suggestions on cleaning the mask each morning....do I really need to buy CPAP wipes, or is there something out there that works as well and costs less?

Looking forward to nosing around and learning as much as I can.....really hoping that this blasted machine can help me eventually feel rested in the mornings!!



Kim

[Pugsy]

Please add your equipment to your Profile so we can easily see what you are talking about.

People can offer better ideas on the mask if they know which mask.
Mask liner would be an option.

[nanwilson]

Did you know that you can trade out your mask within the first 30 days of therapy with your DME. The manufacturer will reimburse the DME for the trade-out as long as the DNE submits the paperwork to the manufacturer. Mask problems are the most frequent problems for new patients...........I went through 8 of them before I found the right one. And as Pugsy said, please fill in your equipment profile so that we know what you are using to better answer you questions.
And before I forget ....Welcome to the land of hoseheads .

[Sheriff Buford]

For whatever its worth, your adjustment is not unusual. The key to your sucess is finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak. Since you just started cpap therapy, call your DME (Durable Medical Equipment - the company that gave you your equipment). See if you can return your mask (most can be returned within 30 days). Try the different types of masks they offer. Have them hook the display mask to a display cpap machine set at your pressure. The DME will show you how to adjust the mask. If it leaks at the DME, it will leak at home.

There 3 kinds of masks:
- Full Face (like you have). Resmed makes a hybrid (Mirage Liberty mask) that is considered a full face, but only covers the mouth and uses nose pillows.
- Nasal masks - are less intrusive
-Total face mask - like I use

If you are a mouth breather, you shouldn't use a nasal mask because you will leak air (and therapy) thru your mouth. If you can breath correctly thru your nose, look at a nasal mask. There are aids that will help you keep your mouth closed at night. I initially had the same problems you are having with a full face mask. There are liners that you can put on your nose to prevent sores. If you are sold on a full face mask, look at the different brands. Some will fit you better than others. Resmed also makes some full face masks for large and shallow nose bridges. You can call them and they will mail you plastic templates. I use the total face mask because I couldn't get a good seal on the full face mask.

You can clean your mask using baby wipes. Get the kind that doesn't have alchohol (will deteriorate the plastic) or aloe (will leave a film). I use Pampers Thick Wipes for Sensitive Skin. You can also use store brand wipes for sensitive skin.

Hope this helps.

Sheriff

[jamiswolf]

erwink wrote: Just diagnosed, third night with my full mask (don't know specifics on it)....seems like the night starts out ok, and then mask starts leaking midway thru the night. Also, it's KILLING the bridge of my nose! Anything I can do about that other than tolerate it?

Hi Kim,

With FF masks in particular, leaks can be an issue. Everybody drools a bit while sleeping and that gets on the seal plus skin oils build up. People often make "gaskets" using old T shirt material. Wprks great and actually adds comfort.

Bridge of the nose issues can be accomodated with either a mask that fits your face better...or one that has an adjustable forehead pad. As you adjust the forehead pad, you bring the top of the mask closer or further away from bridge of nose. Quattro and ComfortGel masks are both like that (among others)

Also it took me a month before I really got the hang of adjusting mask straps. so you're at the beginning of the learning curve.

Welcome and hang in there, it gets better.
Jamis

[cpaptex]

I liked my mask ininially, but it leaked too much air and that messed up the operation of the unit. I took it back, and they gave me another one that I used in my sleep study abd it works great! I didn't want to do the 1 month rent before I got my system, but it turns out to be a good thing.

Good Luck,

Joe

[chunkyfrog]

New mask cushions sometimes cause extra nose bridge soreness.
I have to use a band-aid over my nose to prevent a blister--but for only for the first couple of nights.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

I buy "Boogie Wipes" in the baby dept of Walgreens. They are meant for use on baby's faces. They are mild enough not to deteriorate the silicone on the mask, but effective in removing skin oils that do deteriorate the silicone.

I hated my first mask. Luckily, I like my second one. Everyone is different as far as mask fitting and use. You can try another mask if you want to. Don't let your DME talk you out of trying something else.

Good luck.

[RandyJ]

Wipes that contain 5% alcohol or less are ok, I was told. (If someone knows for sure that this is not true, please correct.) Original Wet Ones w/red cap meet this criteria, I think. Often I just use some baby shampoo on a facecloth.

[erwink]

Thanks for the replies....when I get a minute this weekend, I'll post my equipment.... I'll try some of your tips and see if anything helps.

Thanks again....sure hoping this is worth it in the long run....


Kim

[briank]

Welcome.

If a nasal-pillows-style mask is an option for you (perhaps with a chin strap, if necessary), I would recommend looking into it. My own experience has been that less mask is likely to mean less leaks (especially as my facial and jaw muscles relax) and an easier transition. The style turned me off initially, but turned out to be the only design that worked comfortably and reliably for me.

Good luck, and stick with it.

[erwink]

So...I am interested in looking into another mask...but I'm pretty sure the place I got my equipment (same lab that did my sleep study, and doctor's office) doesn't have anything else to offer me. So now what? And I have never gotten a prescription since they handled everything - do I need one to get another mask? Will they give me one if I call? I will call them Monday to confirm that suspicion - but they had me try three different styles during my sleep study and didn't make any mention of any other options....also they DON'T allow returns, so I guess I just pay out of pocket for my next mask?? This is all so darn confusing. Last nite I slept without my mask and slept better than any of the previous nites.... Sigh.

Would really appreciate any more comments or thoughts or ideas.

Thank you.


Kim

[Susan811]

Contact your medical supply company and tell them you're having problems. The first (or even, second or third) isn't always the best. I've been doing this for a couple of years now. The designs and your needs change as you go along.

[erwink]

Contact the people I got my equipment from? (sorry to be so dense on this....)

[ThirdOutOfFive]

Yes. The people who provide the equipment are the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier for you. My sleep lab is also my DME. I could have gone to another DME that was in my insurance network, but I decided to try one-stop for everything. Anyway, the process works the same no matter who your DME is. They will have a variety of masks, and you are allowed to change.

No matter whether, or when, you change your mask, please be patient. The process of getting the right mask, humidity, pillow, and sleep position can take some time. PAPpy is like nothing we have ever experienced before, and it requires a lot of adjustments on our part. But, the effort is worth it. You will sleep better, and you will be healthier. I have been doing this since August, and I am finally getting regular, deep sleep. I feel human in the morning. I had been feeling like the top 2/3 of my brain was missing when I got up. Human is definite progress for me.

Continue to ask questions. The folks here are great resources. Some are real sharp on the technical stuff. I'm not, but I have other gifts, or so my Mom always said. . . .