Very new to CPAP and ready to give up...mask uncomfortable

[carolinagirl2001]

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Last night I did a little makeshift mask liner and it helped immensely. I also loosened up the straps (they were pretty tight, but since the DME set it for me, I figured it was where it should be). Both of those changes made a WORLD of difference. I almost slept all night without waking!

I think I'll see about ordering a real mask liner as suggested. Thanks so much everyone!

[zoocrewphoto]

Congratulations!

It is amazing how little the DMEs actually know about fitting and using a mask in real life.

[chunkyfrog]

Remember: comfort is NOT optional. You need it to sleep.
I would strongly recommend you try a mask liner. (oops, you already did!)
Pad-a-cheek, rem-zzz's, or cut a gasket out of soft fabric.(an old clean t-shirt, cotton undies, whatever)
Make it an inch larger than the cushion all around and a little hole in the middle, it should stretch.
I've even cut one out of a clean, dry baby wipe.
They are so soft, and I use it first to make the cushion extra, extra clean right before I put it on,
then I spread it out somewhere to dry--I'm so cheap!

[BlackSpinner]

Remember: comfort is NOT optional. You need it to sleep.
I would strongly recommend you try a mask liner.
Pad-a-cheek, rem-zzz's, or cut a gasket out of soft fabric.(an old clean t-shirt, cotton undies, whatever)
Make it an inch larger than the cushion all around and a little hole in the middle, it should stretch.
I've even cut one out of a dry baby wipe.

I once tried an unscented panty liner pad. for the head rest section of my quatro mask, hoping the stick side would keep it attached while putting it on.

[BlackSpinner]

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Last night I did a little makeshift mask liner and it helped immensely. I also loosened up the straps (they were pretty tight, but since the DME set it for me, I figured it was where it should be). Both of those changes made a WORLD of difference. I almost slept all night without waking!

I think I'll see about ordering a real mask liner as suggested. Thanks so much everyone!

Congratulations!

Straps too tight is a common problem. Many masks are designed to inflate and work kind of like a hovercraft and if the straps are to tight then they can't in flate, which makes them leaks so the straps get tightened again. Many people loosen the straps, put the mask on under full pressure then tighten the straps just enough to stop the leaks. My straps are loose enough that I can tuck a thumb under the strap when I am sleeping, it keeps my hand where it feels best and keeps it from falling off the pillow because I sleep on the edge of it to help the mask stay put.

[mon]

Hi, I had very similar problems when I started CPAP three months ago. The silicon masks just seem to give me lots of little pustules. I ended up getting a Sleepweaver "Elan" cloth mask and altering it to fit my small face. I love it and there are never any pressure points. The mask has a thirty day money back guarantee so there's nothing to lose. Don't give up.

[Pualani]

Is there a pattern for the cloth liner? or link to purchase one? Thanks.

I am having a problem with air blowing on my forehead. I thought the mask was leaking so tightened it and still had cold air blowing on my forehead. Any suggestions?

[chunkyfrog]

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/nasal-c ... 1:165::::0:
check the first 2 maps listed.
Monica and I both use the Elan.
Being fabric, it lends itself to modification, if necessary.

[BlackSpinner]

Is there a pattern for the cloth liner? or link to purchase one? Thanks.

I am having a problem with air blowing on my forehead. I thought the mask was leaking so tightened it and still had cold air blowing on my forehead. Any suggestions?

look for member Pada-cheek.

Or just lay the mask on an old t-shirt, cut around it leaving 1 inch. fold in half and cut a small triangle for nose and mouth. Fit and adjust.

[emt_271]

Congratulations!

It is amazing how little the DMEs actually know about fitting and using a mask in real life.

AMEN!!!!

Most DME's carefully leave out the part that most new masks are returnable for the users first 30 days too, mine did!

My DME also didn't even measure using the Respironics fitting guide, she just "Eyeballed" it. Basically I bought, at my own expense, the Opus 360 using the expertise of those on this forum. Wow what a huge difference, from a nasal mask. I think in general most DME's tighten the mask too tight, because they don't have a machine to inflate the mask. They didn't even tell me how to adjust it. My DME is so bad, I have been on the hose 108 days and they have yet to check on me. I'll stop here since this is taking on a DME rant hijack tone......

[DoriC]

Is there a pattern for the cloth liner? or link to purchase one? Thanks.

http://www.padacheek.com/index.html