Pillows to Mask Question

[GwinnettAndy]

Friends,
I just moved form nose pillows to a face mask. So far I like it. Though in two months I have yet to make it through the night. I had the pillows for the first 60 days and have had tow improving nights with an AirfFit F10 Full Face Mask from Resmed. I sleep with my mouth open and I have a large nose, so I have had trouble with the pillows.

My questions is this-I appear to have developed a kankor sore on a spot that the face mask touches against the corner of my cheek and lips. Is this common? Is there anything I can do to prevent it? Or do I have to develop thicker skin there?

Also, I struggle with my breathing when I slow my breathing down and the tries to kill me, but it pushes so much at me that I gasp for air. I think this is why I end up taking the machine off. Naturally I end up breathing much slower as I get to sleep.

Ok...two questions here. Thanks for your help.

[jencat824]

Regarding your question about the sore, I would suggest a mask liner. You can order one from PadACheek.com, she has a great mask liner product, soft & comforting. There is also a RemZzzs that can be ordered from cpap.com, check in the comfort section. Another type of mask liner can be made at home using a soft old T-shirt. Just cut a liner, using your mask as a template. The liner, whichever one you choose, will be a soft barrier between your skin & the mask. This should allow the existing sore to heal & prevent future sores.

As for your breathing, its hard, but you need to get your mind to not think about breathing. You need a distraction. If you can wear the mask while you read or watch TV, to help your brain accept the alien thing on your face, this may help.

Also if just laying there trying to sleep & your breathing gets troubled due to the machine, try to get your mind to go elsewhere. A method I've used to get my mind elsewhere, not in terms of CPAP (I've been on CPAP 14 years, so don't remember having this exact trouble) is to take yourself to a calming place, somewhere you feel relaxed & peaceful. Many people who use this technique use the beach as that calming place. So in your mind, feel the sun on your face, the sand between your toes, smell the salt in the air. Work on thinking about all the elements of this place you've gone in your mind. What this accomplishes is taking your mind off the breathing & allows your body to breathe normally. As you fall asleep, your breathing will naturally slow, but you won't be thinking about breathing, but rather thinking about this relaxing experience, hopefully will fall asleep during the relaxation exercise.

Others may have some other tips for you, this is just one method, and one I personally use. I use this technique at the dentist & during other times I need to relax. Other forum members use this technique as well, I know BlackSpinner posted this as advice for someone, so its a very solid, well used method for relaxation. Just give it a try & see if it works for you.

Good luck & I hope some of this helps,
Jen

[GwinnettAndy]

Thanks Jen!