Newbie Here to introduce myself and some questions

[AnneW]

Hi my name is Anne and i am 56 years old. I took a sleep apnea study about three years ago, and was found that my sleep apnea is mild but that my oxygen level went down to 54% in REM sleep. So i was suggested that i use a CPAP Machine to help with that. I have a Phillips respiratics Dream Station with humidifier. The issue i am having is i am petite with small face, nose and head so it is hard to find a right fit. i started with a wisp mask and it was ok, but sometimes i would find it would be hard to breath through my nose and felt like i was suffocating so About 6 months ago i switched to a remed Swift FX nasal pillow which was more comfortable, but the issue is the is the head gear. the Velcro strap to be exact. but i ordered Velcro straps and i am going to see if that helps. the strap that come with the head gear is too long i think and the Velcro ends meet and i have no more room to pull it tight If that makes sense. My other issue last night is the wind tunnel sound. I was up 2 hours trying to sleep and i was so annoying i kept checking my mask straps etc. but i kept getting that wind tunnel sound. I am not sure if it is the head gear strap is not tight enough or if it is the nasal pillows. If anyone can give me any feedback on that i would appreciate it. I had a follow up with my doctor last Friday and she was not happy that was not using my CPAP as should so i really need to getting any issue i have so i can use it without problems and i can sleep through the night with my mask. Thank you and i looking forward to chatting with you all.

Anne

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

Take a look at the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask in the For Her size. Essentially silent and smaller headgear and if it is still too big there are some little clips to use to make it snugger.

Or the mask I use (link in my profile) which uses no headgear at all.

[Julie]

You may also just have your min. pressure set very low (or left at the machine's default low of 4), which most find it hard to breathe at, so what are your settings?

[AnneW]

You may also just have your min. pressure set very low (or left at the machine's default low of 4), which most find it hard to breathe at, so what are your settings?

I hope i am replying right My setting are both set at 5 for the tubing and the humidifer.

[AnneW]

Pugsy

thank you for the information on the airfit p10. I am going to look into that one. I hope that is my answer to my problem.

[colomom]

Finding the right mask can be tricky. Everyone is different so you may have to try a few different masks. I am also petite with a small face and I like the F &P Brevida. I liked the P10, but the Brevida was more comfortable for me because I felt that there was a bit more allowance for adjustments built into the headgear.

[Julie]

I was referring to the pressure settings of the machine, not the mask, hose or humidifier. The settings determine how well you do on Cpap - the mask does not unless it's not a good fit, or the wrong type (nasal vs FF), but is still secondary in terms of treatment.

[Sheriff Buford]

It seems your minimum pressure may be too low. I was just diagnosed with COPD and I found that when I first go to bed, I may be a little outta breath and my mask sounds like that until I'm relaxed and my breathing becomes steady.

Another comment. Early on, I stumbled on the Philips Respironics Total Face mask. For years, it only came in a large. When they came out with the extra large, the extra large mask fit me better, but the headgear was way to big. So... I ended up using the extra large mask and the large headgear. All our heads are uniquely shaped, and it is not unusual to wear a particular mask size and a different headgear size. Can become expensive.... tho'.

Sheriff

[AnneW]

Hi i just wanted to give an update, i changed my mask to a resmed airfit P10 nasal pillows and it fits great, the headgear is so easy and comfortable, and i can sleep now without fussing with it all night. Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I really appreciate it. I am so glad for this board to get information and advice.

Thanks
Again
Anne

[chunkyfrog]

Hi i just wanted to give an update, i changed my mask to a resmed airfit P10 nasal pillows and it fits great, the headgear is so easy and comfortable, and i can sleep now without fussing with it all night. Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I really appreciate it. I am so glad for this board to get information and advice.

Thanks
Again
Anne

Out of nearly 10 years on cpap, the p10 has been the only mask in MY use for the last SEVEN.
I tried over 20 other masks, but only the p10 is a keeper.