I hate my CPAP machine

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:41 pm

Hi! I am really hoping that I am not alone with the problems I have had with my CPAP experience thus far. I have been using the CPAP machine for about a month and haven't had any follow up with my "Respiratory Therapist" to discuss these problems. At first, I was very excited and optimistic about using the CPAP machine. Unfortunately, I am not noticing any positive changes since using the machine. Here is a list of problems I have had.....

-the mask, though very loose, hurts my eye sockets and cheek bones.
-the mask leaks easily when I move to my side. I sometimes try to sleep on my side by holding my mask in place. My preferred sleeping position is on my stomach which I'm fairly certain is impossible with the mask on.
-I almost immediately get a headache after I start the machine.
-I often cannot fall asleep with the mask on (though I have slept all night with it on on several occasions when I have been very tired).
-I wake up with a headache.
-I am not any more awake/perky/alert during the day (still tired).

Sorry for the complaining. It is frustrating that I often find myself debating...."Is it better to get no sleep at all or sleep without the mask?!?" It is turning me into an insomniac!

Any words of wisdom/hope would be greatly appreciated.

Ps. I requested a full mask because I have bad allergies throughout the year and my nose is often stuffed.

Thanks!!
PP

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:50 pm

Welcome! You're not alone in the problems you've had.

You may want to try a different full face mask if that one isn't sealing well for you. Perhaps the Hybrid... It sounds like the majority of the problems you're having are due to the mask. If it's leaking that easily, then you can imagine that you're not getting very effective therapy from it. Also, if it's hurting your eye sockets and cheek bones, then it sounds like it has to be way too tight to seal, meaning again that it's not a good mask for you.

The other thing would be to try a nasal mask, since you already have the FF mask as a backup when you're having allergies. It would be less "RAWR" and more natural.

Are you using a humidifier?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:51 pm

Well, a heated humidifier might well help w/preventing the headaches and the stuffy nose, etc.

What the DME and sleep lab don't know about, they can't help you with. While it would be nice and you would expect that they would follow up w/you, don't be bashful. YOU follow up w/them. Tell them the problems you are having. Ask them for advice and help.

Start a new thread here w/"Tummy Sleeper" in the subject line. Let other tummy sleepers share w/you what masks and "fixes" have worked for them.

You can also try donning your mask and just wearing it whilst you sit around reading, watching TV, whatever, so you become more familiar and comfortable w/it (PAP machine on as well, of course). Its also easier to fit the headgear and mask when you are not in a rush to get to bed and get to sleep.

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:55 pm

blarg...I actually have the same humidifier as you. I usually set it at level 5, but the air still seems really dry.

Trying a new mask is probably my best bet. I guess I just need to ask for help.

So excited that I might be able to sleep in a comfortable position!

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:02 am

Is your hose covered? The air used to feel really dry from my machine until I made a cover for the hose. It stopped the condensation in the mask and hose as well as making the air (not surprisingly) more moist.

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:04 am

PP,
Most all of us have had various issues when starting Cpap. Can you share with us your numbers and your pressure settings? That could help with suggestions

I agree with Blarg, you might want to try a nasal mask, sometimes the air blowing up your nose clears out some stuffiness. I use the Swift with a back up of the Hybrid for when my hayfever is bad or I have a cold but for the most part the Swift seems to keep stuffiness/congestion at bay. A mask that doesn't fit right can cause headaches.

And you will find out that the BIGGEST issue to adjusting to Cpap is finding the right mask. What works for one might be awful for someone else. It is such a trial and error in a lot of cases, and pricey, too. You can talk to the RT and get suggestions but ultimately it is how a mask works for you.

Good luck and please stick with it, it will improve,

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:06 am

hose covered.....? I'm gonna have to go with no. LOL I just use it the way it came. What did you make the cover out of? I also noticed that the humidifier is supposed to be heated. Does it warm automatically or is there a control for that?

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:08 am

The only number I was given was 9. LOL I am so glad I found this board!

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:11 am

It heats based on that knob on humidifier. The higher the number (1-5), the more it heats. You won't feel warmer air, but it'll make the water vaporize more, creating more humid air.

And I would say that a hose cover would do you some real good. It insulates the hose from the chill of your bedroom, allowing more water vapor to stay in vapor form. If you don't mind blue with dinosaurs then lemme know, as I have extra. I made mine out of fleece from a local fabric store (6 bucks a yard). Otherwise, check out "snuggle hose" covers on cpap.com. In the mean time, try routing the hose under your covers and see if that changes things (if you can stand it that is).

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:11 am

Bonnie,

The nasal pillow looks cool. How does it work?

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:14 am

They press up against the bottom of your nostrils to form the seal. Feel free to click where it says 3 Chatting Live. We can answer your questions right away there.

penelopepanda · Post by **penelopepanda** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:14 am

My dog was laying on the hose eariler tonight...maybe I could get him to keep that up! Thanks so much for the info! I never would have guessed that I needed a cover for the hose. lol

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 3:43 am

Hi every thing you discribed was what i got when I tried one of those masks. Throw it away and go for a nasal mask, a Swift nasal pillow will allow you to sleep on your tummy with the right pillow. good luck it will get better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:08 am

PP,

You got some advice here.

I strongly recommend you get your mask refitted. Bring your list of complaints to the RT.

Some DMEs let you try on masks at home, find out if this is the case with yours.

What type of headaches are you having. Here is a topic I started when I started getting weird headaches. (Clamping teeth).

I can tell you that with both the Swift and Nasal Aire II (I love the NA II), that if my nose was stuffed air was not getting through.

I tryed the Swift, I was like you holding or adjusting it all night long. After two weeks I was exhausted.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:21 am

Opps that was me.

Not signed in and did not include the link.

viewtopic.php?t=15293&highlight=

I do beleive that the interface (mask) is the key to starting to make the CPAP therapy work.