Newbie hosenose

[snorkasaurus]

Hi
Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Barb and am attempting to get through the incredibly emotional diagnosis of OSA and CPAP setup with a little bit of a sense of humor. I'm in my mid 50's.

I cried and almost ran out if the OME's office a week ago as I was getting my FFM fitted, but I made myself stick it out and dealt with the FFM for 2 days before I switched to nasal pillows, a chin strap, and found this incredibly helpful forum. Since then I have sewn something on my chinstrap (thanks to a suggestion on here) to keep it from sliding off my slippery hair/slightly sloped skull and this morning when I woke up, I ALREADY felt better than I have in a while. It is not miraculously better or anything, but it will do.

So, I look forward to reading more here, and commenting if I feel it will add something to the discussion.

I have already turned on a fellow hosenose to this forum. Thanks for being here.

Barb

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum Barb.

Glad you are making the adjustment decently. Sounds like you have a great attitude and you will be surprised how far that attitude will take you. Keep it up. There will likely be a few bumps in the road but not one will be impossible to overcome.
We are here to help pick you up if you stumble over a bump in the road.

[Char1ieJ]

Welcome Barb!

I'm a brand new hosehead myself. Still working out the kinks on which mask will work for me. It's an adjustment, to be sure. But, as MANY others have said here, it's about your life and your health. So, stick with it and work through the small problems. Ask questions and vent, if you need to. We're of like mind and will see you through.

[JO'M]

Hi Barb and welcome

I'm a newbie too. One suggestion for the slippery hair issue, I cut the sleeve off of an old t-shirt, I slide it down to my neck and pull it back over over my head, so that the edge of of the sleeve is on my forehead and my hair is inside the sleeve. Head gear goes on over top.

[ughwhatname]

Last night, I tried putting my hair in a ponytail, something I've never done. I really liked the effect in that my hair wasn't in my way due to the headgear, it helped the headgear stay in place, and had the added benefit of reminding me not to sleep on my back.

I saw that suggestion here. I love this forum. Sooo helpful.

[snorkasaurus]

Thanks for the welcomes- this is a great community and I know I will learn a lot!

Barb

[Cindy Lou Who]

Hi Barb, Welcome to the forum. There's a wealth of informed people here who have made it their business to educate themselves about OSA. Sometimes they seem to know more than their Drs. Honest!
Several years back someone suggested to sew the hook side of a Velcro strip to the inside of your headgear... the part of the strap that goes around your head near your neck. Also can be sewn on the strap that goes over the top of your head too. The hooks work to gently grip your hair so the headgear straps don't slip.
It's worked wonders for me. Have not once found the headgear laying on the pillow next to me since sewing the Velcro strips on.
You've gotten several great solutions already... Have fun experimenting!
Cindy

[jzap]

Hi Barb, welcome to the forum.

I have found the ultimate solution to the slippery hair problem... ...Not interested? Oh, well, its not for everybody...

[snorkasaurus]

Thanks for ALL suggestions on un-slippifying headgear - even the hilarious ones!

I did get this rubbery mat stuff that I cut and sewed onto the strap that goes against my hair- it seems to be working so far. I was also looking at the PapCap or having a friend that sews fashion something for me.

Barb

[lazer]

A late WELCOME from me to Barb. Please feel free to openly discuss all your concerns and questions. As you have already seen, this board is great and informative!