Masks and Menopause

[k.c.snorzalot]

O.k., now that I've totally turned off all the men here. I gotta say that after a lot of trouble with rainout in my Comfortgel mask, and trying everything from insulating the hose to wrapping/duct taping a heating pad around the hose, I've discovered that it's not even the humidifier that is causing the rainout- it's my own face producing so much humidity during hot flashes during the night that the mask rains on me- you men better thank your lucky stars that you don't have to deal with this "goin' through the change" stuff.
Anyway, it's gotten so bad that I've been ripping my mask off at 2 or 3 in the morning and then forfeiting any quality sleep for the rest of the night. I've read everything on this site about different nasal pillow interfaces, and finally ordered the Aura (mostly because it seems to have such a good reputation/following here). It is due to arrive tomorrow and I look forward to trying it out tomorrow night. Who knows, I may even be able to give the humidifier another shot with the Aura in place.
I was very impressed with all that Rested Gal had to share on this mask, and interested in her "tricked-out" model-lol!

[Selena]

Have you looked into using some kind of progestin cream, or other menopause symptom alleviating stuff? There are many things that can help.

[rested gal]

Hi KC,

One thought -- the Aura tends to collect condensation worse than other masks. You might want to think about adding the Aussie heated hose if you get the Aura and it starts dripping on you. Other than that, it's a super-duper mask (with a few tweaks... LOL!! ) The deconstructed version has been my favorite for months and months and months.

[Bella]

KC - I use the Swift and I will get "humidity buildup" under the barrel and I'll wake up wiping my face dry. I don't know if there is any escape

[sleepyred]

I have a friend who is going through the same experiences as she is desperately trying to get used to cpap at the same time. I said that I'd be there in a few years and said - well when you rip that mask off at night - use the hose to cool yourself off

I agree - the Aussie Heated hose is FANTASTIC! I use a breeze and have no rainout whatsoever. I think the Aura sounds like a great idea - I don't have one, but from what I hear - it is fantastic.

I chose the comfortlite II since I have a very small head. It should arrive on Friday - just as Cpap.com promised! (It was out of stock!

Good luck!

[Bella]

Sleepyred - it's not even within my mask that I get the moisture! It's between the outside of the Swift barrel and my upper lip...........and around my hairline. That wakes me up and gets the mask off. If I'm lucky I stay awake long enough to dry off and get the mask back on, otherwise I drop back to sleep maskless.

And to all of those men reading, if you're married YOUR wife will be there someday too!