Still not sleeping well

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:50 am

Hi all,

Well two months into CPAP and I still am not sleeping through the night. I am awakened by my mask straps sliding up my head and causing my airvent to blow on my face. I also have bulging disks in my neck, sleeping on side and trying to position my head on the pillow (so my mask isn't askew and my airvent blowing on me) disrupts sleep. I think the position I have to put my head in makes the angle wrong for my neck, and so my neck pain is worse. (I use a memory foam pillow). To cope with this I am finding I am lying on my back a lot more and my back is now sore, lol. I am also mouth breathing on my back.

I know, complain, complain. I am not giving up. I know I can't. The advantages have been that when I do sleep, it's deeper. I am accustomed to the nasal pillows and sometimes have checked to see if air is really coming through them, so it feels natural I guess. I do have more energy than I did and am very grateful for that! My AHI's are around 1.7.

All suggestions are appreciated.

Dreaming

pandatx · Post by **pandatx** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:59 am

I feel you. I do. I'm having a hard time too. I know that there is a pillow made for cpap users. I ordered it (I figured if I don't like it I'll return it) from Bed, Bath and Beyond online. In the pics, at least, the pillow keeps the mask from smushing in when you lay on your side. Maybe that would help? http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=128645

It may turn out to be too firm for me (I don't like memory foam pilows...too firm) but I figured its worth a try.

Good luck! Let's stick to this together

ringo728 · Post by **ringo728** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:01 am

Hi Dreaming!! I done both the pillows and the nasal mask and the nasal mask won. I tried the pillows but the straps were a pain and the nasal irritation drove me nuts. I settled on the Fisher & Pakel "Eson" nasal mask and I don't look back. The disrupted and sleepless nights and the constant adjusting of the Swift FX pillows really ruined my nights. This of course is me and not you. Keep an open mind and maybe try a nasal mask. This mask is very comfortable and soft. You may want to try different ones. Most of the suppliers give you 30 days to try. I can sleep on my head and it won't fall off or leak. My AHI readings are also around .08 too. Now about 3 weeks into this new sleep regiment and finally I feel much better. Good luck and sleep tight!!

Deenie-deen · Post by **Deenie-deen** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:02 am

Hi,
I am so sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. I was wondering if you could get into the side position that you are most comfortable and cut a spot in the memory foam pillow where you mask hits. Just a thought. I can sympathize with waking up because of pain. Not fun.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:25 am

Have you looked at the various CPAP bed pillows with the special cut outs so the bed pillow doesn't put pressure on the mask?
I have a bad neck also...I like the buckwheat hull pillow because I can move the hulls and make a nest for my mask.
It also allows me to move the hulls to just the right height for optimal support of my cervical spine so it doesn't get in a kink.
I get bad headaches when the cervical spine ends up in an awkward position and most bed pillows don't give me just the right height...most often they are too tall.

If you google CPAP Bed pillows you will get tons to look at.

I good buckwheat pillow is the Regenisis buckwheat pillow...it allows for adding or removing the hulls to customize firmness and height along with moving the hulls.

Until you get the mask issues to stop causing wake ups you aren't going to have much of a chance of getting better sleep.

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:44 am

Thanks so much you guys. I have to admit I am a bit discouraged I will try a different pillow.

Pugsy, do you have to move the hulls around during night, or can you just fix your pillow the way you like it before you fall asleep and you are set? I change positions so much I wonder if I would be readjusting.

Panda, I would love to know what you think of your new pillow, and thanks for the empathy

Question too, do I need to post questions to responders separately as I did, to make sure they come back to post? LOL still finding my way around here.

Thanks,
Dreaming

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:46 am

Question, Ringo

I have felt a little like I don't have enough air with the nose mask...did you get that at first?

Thanks,
Dreaming

pandatx · Post by **pandatx** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:12 am

I will let you know when I get to try it out. Hopefully tonight

papman857 · Post by **papman857** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:19 am

That cpap pillow will definatley help if you are a side sleeper....ever thought about trying a new nasal pillow system?

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:21 am

Sure, Papman,
What type of system do you recommend??

thanks,
Dreaming

papman857 · Post by **papman857** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:25 am

As Ringo suggested....maybe try a nasal mask such as the Respionics True Blue or even the older Comfortgel Nasal mask...there are nasal pillow systems for women but do not know if that would resovle your HG issues....I can see what I have here if you wanna try a nasal mask....worth a shot for a good nights sleep..let me know what size you are using

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:15 pm

Thanks, Papman You are generous in your offer.
I am going to be due for new mask next month, so I will be able to try a new mask then, but I do appreciate this.

Dreaming

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:42 pm

I normally fix the buckwheat pillow when I lay down...get it just right and that's it for the night.
I do a lot of tossing and turning from side to side with back sleeping thrown in. I can't stay in any one position long.
I don't really have to mess with the hulls during the night or if I do I sure don't remember it.
Trick is to not have too many hulls...it's too hard and you can't move the hulls around easily.

If you are going to look at a different nasal pillow mask I would suggest looking at the Aloha or the ResMed Swift FX.
I have used both and while my preference was for the Swift FX the Aloha came in a real close second.
For newbies the Aloha is a little more stable I think but if you want less on your face then the Swift FX is the one.
The back strap on the Swift FX seems to slide upward a bit on some people and that's the main drawback to it.
I really didn't have any issues with it but a few people have.

Dreamingofsleep · Post by **Dreamingofsleep** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:52 pm

Thanks, Pusgsy! I have to say I do love the pillows...good to know what the other ones are like. I appreciate knowing that I may find an even better mask than I have that will work better for me

Thanks so much,
Dreaming

Still not sleeping well

Still not sleeping well

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