ok <sigh> let me start over

pharmwoman · Post by **pharmwoman** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:49 pm

I really would like input. My DME is only able to track compliance on my cpap--which i did not know until today. i have been using a fP ff mask at pressure 10 and the leaking and whistling was driving me crazy!!LOL!! I couldnt use the breeze because of mouth breathing. I was also having headaches and felt like I was always swallowing air.
So I went to my doc and asked him what he thought, he noticed i had lost some weight and suggested i go to a pressure of 7, he said it might help eliminate the headaches and help with the mouth breathing/mask leaking.
So my question is, is a drop from 10-7 a good thing?? I seem to be sleeping ok, the machine is nice and quiet and i can wear the breeze and my mouth does NOT pop open. Just looking for opinions. Someone wrote something very encouraging about the change in pressure before and beofre i could go back and re-read it the thread was gone--thanks:):)

Murkk · Post by **Murkk** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:52 pm

If your mask is leaking badly or is defective, I imagine that's probably the number one reason for your problem. It shouldn't leak. Get a new mask. My friend had a defective mask that put him in worse condition then he was before he started CPAP.

sleepylady · Post by **sleepylady** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:00 pm

The real question is how do you feel with a pressure of 7 vs. your old pressure? If the headaches are gone and no other signs of untreated apnea have returned, then I wouldn't worry.

Congrats on losing weight...that's absolute great.

Melinda

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:05 pm

I can't contribute to your pressure change discussion, but I had a ultra mirage FF mask that I used for my sleep study that whistled. The tech had no idea what it was and was trying to convince me to sleep with that noise.
No way. I fiddled around until I figured it out. Was the littel vent at the top that is force fit in vibrating. Must have been just the right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it) frequency.

For a a quick fix so we could proceed with the study, I asked her to get some tape. We taped, but were careful not to cover a hole. Just a piece or two of tape stopped the noise.

When I got that mask home I played and took the tape off. I moved the silicone piece back and forth and was able to eliminate the whistle.

So I guess my advice is check your fitted parts to make sure nothing is vibrating.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:17 pm

Pharm,
As you have already found out full-face masks are difficult to use. However, if you are not getting along with it just go to the nasal pillows for awhile. The nasal pillows get a bit of getting used to also. The nasal pillow problems are:
1) Air blowing out your mouth.
2) Swallowing too much air.
3) Sore nose.

The cure for the air problems is to train your tongue to block the air path to your mouth. The following crutches have been useful for several people in overcoming the 'Blowfish':
1) Chin strap - Very limited success.
2) Mouth-pieces - Works for some people (if they don't drown).
3) Mouth taping - Works for me. But, mouth taping alone won't magically cure the problem. You must also train your tongue to keep the seal.

As far as the pressure goes, sure all this is easier to deal with at lower pressure. I think your doctor is trying get you acclimated to the process.
If you can get used to 7 cu/H2O, Then 8 is easy, and etc.