Advice for novice

[Newtom]

I have been browsing this site. It is wonderful but a bit hard to navigate for a novice like myself. I wonder if some of you may be able to give me some advice. I am in between my CPAP overnight study and my follow-up visit to the doctor and would like to step into his office well-informed. Here are my specifics:

- I have moderate apnea (25 episodes per hour);
- I need only light pressure;
- I am a restless sleeper, who prefers to sleep on his side;
- My partner is very sensitive to noise, so a quiet machine is a must;
- I need only a nasal mask;
- I am 34, not overweight, and snoring is not an issue;
- In the hospital, I was particularly annoyed by the pressure the mask put on my forehead (I think it was a respironics);
- I also have a reasonably sized (not huge) nose and found that the mask put too much pressure on the top of my nose;

I would be very thankful for any recommendations based on this.

[inacpapfog]

You might look into the Aura (nasal interface), as it places little to no pressure on your face. Very comfortable for side sleepers!

[oldgearhead]

For you,I vote for the ComfortLite two.

[Newtom]

Thanks, I was not familiar with these two masks.

[Bookbear]

Since mouth breathing does not seem to be an issue, you might consider a Breeze nasal pillow interface. Its good for side sleepers since the hose is routed over your head instead of to the side or down. I find it very comfortable and stable. The ComfortLite 2 and the Aura are also favorite choices of the regulars on this board. Both route the hose over your head.

Good luck!

[snoozie_suzy]

NewTom,

I am generally not what I would consider a light sleeper, I live on a very busy boulevard and for instance the incessant sound of cars speeding by never kept me awake. However when I first started CPAP last fall, the noise was different than that I was used to. I have never used white noise or any such device to fall asleep with, and it reminded me of the noise maker they use in doctor's offices to protect patients' privacy. I hated the noise of it. I was uneasy about using earplugs because I am prone to ear infections, but I tried the foam kind at the drug store, just for the first few weeks starting out until I got used to the noise of the CPAP.

Now I don't need them. Perhaps your partner could try them until both of you adjust to the different sound the machine makes?

Good Luck, and welcome to the board.

Suzy

[Bellcrest]

My choices for your situation would be, in this order:

Aura/headrest
Comfortlite 2
Breeze

All good masks.

[n2waterdogs]

I am also new to cpap and after 9 different masks number 10 is the winner the breeze mask has very little headgear but stays on me and i am a restless sleeper and tend to go from my side to my stomach all night. I choose the nasal pillow breeze and it is fantastic!

[Neurosurgery NP]

I like the Activa - I too, am a strict side sleeper and it affords good seal without strapping the mask permanently to your head. It is a good first mask for many people.