New to CPAP - Can't Get It Right

mwlahan · Post by **mwlahan** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:43 am

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in July and started using a CPAP about a month ago. I'm having a problem with the headgear and hose at night and haven't been able to sleep through the night. The problem is this: when I tighten the straps so that everything is snug, I wake up in the middle of the night with a headache. Then when I loosen them, the nasal pillows shift, start leaking air, and that wakes me up. The buckles hurt my head and the hose gets hung up and pulls the headgear to the left. This causes the nasal pillows to shift and start leaking air.

Does anyone have any suggestions how to remedy these problems? I would be very grateful for any and all suggestions.

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:01 am

It can be maddening trying to work the quirks out of everything. If you would list what mask you are using you could get more targeted advice. It may be that the mask you're using is not the best one for you, or you might find some quick fixes on here. Are you communicating with whoever you got it from or with the doctor telling them this is not working? If you stay in their ear, maybe they will allow you to try a different mask.

Hope you work things out soon.

Kathy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:26 am

Kathy:

I'm using the ResMed Mirage Swift II nasal pillows, which I really like. Right now, that's about the only thing I really like about this whole CPAP setup.

Mary

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:31 am

for the buckle part... try http://www.padacheek.com... she's got some buckle pads for swifts.

for the hose hangup... if you've got it hanging down, find a hose clip and attach it to your sheets... if you've got it hanging up... find a way to get it either clipped to the wall or clipped to your bed. There's plenty of examples available (usually with pictures) here if you search for them.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:33 am

[quote="Anonymous"]I'm using the ResMed Mirage Swift II nasal pillows, which I really like. Right now, that's about the only thing I really like about this whole CPAP setup.

Mary

quote]

Mary,

That's the same mask I have. I was told and have also read that the buckles shouldn't be too tight so it may be an issue of experimenting with the tightness of the buckles. Also, I use a little dab of KY liquid in and around my nose before putting the nasal pillow on. Although I don't think it provides a real seal, it does seem to dry a little sticky and keeps them in place.

Good luck!
Mindy

cee9175 · Post by **cee9175** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:38 am

I also just started using a cpap machine recently, and havent been able to last more than 2hours with it on. My main problem is that i keep opening my mouth, I got a chin strap, but my lips still open. Does anyone know of any remedies for this?

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:42 am

cee9175 wrote:I also just started using a cpap machine recently, and havent been able to last more than 2hours with it on. My main problem is that i keep opening my mouth, I got a chin strap, but my lips still open. Does anyone know of any remedies for this?

Hi,

There have been many threads about this very problem! My brain isn't awake enough to think of one immediately but you could try doing a search on mouth leaks. Lots of people have tried taping their mouths with various and sundry items, I find that my mouth splint helps, etc. Come to think of it, there's a recent thread covering a portion of that.

Mindy

_________________

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

tuna · Post by **tuna** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:14 am

I use a microphone boom to keep the hose out of the way, works for me..

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:16 am

I use a Polident denture adhesive strip torn into two pieces moistened and spaced across my lips to create three small spaces. This prevents my lips from leaking air or spit when assisted by an elastic bandage wrapped from my chin to the back of my head. I have had reasonable luck with both swift versions but prefer my Comfort Lite 2. I run the hose up to the top of my head and then over the headboard. I can sleep back or either side with the CL2, Easier on the side without the hose connection on the Swifts.

Good Luck, keep tweaking until you find the right combination for you.

TerryB

ufo13-Can't log in! · Post by **ufo13-Can't log in!** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:09 am

Mary:

I can't log in on this site anymore for some reason, but you can put in ufo13 in the search engine and bring up my 'tips for swift users" post and that fix may help you stablize this mask. It has worked very well for many of us swift users, and also allow us to wear it without tightening it so much!
Also put "rested gal" in the search engine to find a post by Laura (rested gal) which has a complete list of fixes for the swift by others that may help you!

All the best!

Steve,
ufo13

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:14 am

Do you mean this one, Steve? (you were guest-posted on that one, too)

viewtopic.php?t=5965

Den

ufo13-Guest! · Post by **ufo13-Guest!** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:20 am

Thanks Den! Thats it! Maybe it will help Mary! Yes the "log-in" problem has been around on this site for a long time, and seems to come and go etc!

Thanks again and nice hearing from one of the nicest guys I know!

Steve,
ufo13

mwlahan · Post by **mwlahan** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:47 pm

Thank you, everyone, for your feedback. I am going to try Steve's velcro strip suggestion tonight, and I've tied my hose to the headboard with just enough slack so it won't pull on my mask. Hopefully, these tips will work and I'll sleep better.

Steve, I couldn't find the "rested gal" posts you mentioned. I'm not too familiar with the "search" feature yet. When I typed in "rested gal" as the author, I got everyone's posts.

Mary

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 7:31 pm

Here's the "ALL LINKS to topics by Rested Gal."

viewtopic.php?p=148179

This has some great tips. You can find it under the yellow lightbulb in the future.

jkmnop · Post by **jkmnop** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:38 pm

Getting the hose properly suspended so that its weight doesn't pull on the mask is essential. Even a little bit of pull can be too much. I actually use an old photo tripod - you can buy one cheaply new for about $35. It's infinitely adjustable and I just collapse it partially during the day so it's hidden behind the bed.

New to CPAP - Can't Get It Right

New to CPAP - Can't Get It Right

Can't Get It Right

Things to check!