Hi Everyone
I've had my CPAP machine now for 3 months.
I've gone through the following series of masks (in this order)
Swift
Optilife
Comfort Gel
Then got a scrip for full face mask and have tried:
Quattro
Hybrid
My problem with the Swift/Optilife/Comfort Gel nasal-only interfaces are that I have allergies and my right nostril is 50% blocked. (Am currently working with an allergist and ENT doc to resolve these issues) Also, I am a stomach sleeper and in the case of the swift and optilife, the hose/nasal bar got in the way when my head was to the side.
The problem with the Quattro was leakage and bulky interface (not good for stomach sleeping) and the Hybrid is just so uncomfortable on the sensitive area below my nose.
I currently have the Hybrid, and this is my general regimen:
1. Go to bed, attach the mask
2. Get comfortable. Lie on stomach with head turned to right side. I generally have to wad up the pillows and sleep on the edge, so that the mask/hose have room to drop off
3. Rotate hose so that it is pointing up towards my head.
4. I now start to breathe. Most of the time through my nose, but occasionally through my mouth. This is the most comfortable point.
5. As the minutes drone on, I become hyper aware of the rubber digging into the skin around my mouth.
6. I start to feel suffocated by the humidification (I eventually did turn my humidification down, which helped) on CPAP I feel that I am forced to take long, measured breaths. I become hyper-aware of my breathing and this helps to keep me awake. I also feel as if I am not fully filling my lungs with air (I have had a pulmonary function test and am not asthmatic, nor do I have any breathing problems)
7. About an hour goes by, and I still am awake (this happens 95% of the time)
8. I rotate my head to the left and move the hose. I try to get comfortable but am usually unsuccessful.
9. I grow increasingly frustrated and tired, and eventually take the mask off. Once I do, I fall asleep within minutes. Sometimes I fall asleep with the mask on, only to wake up and find that I've fully removed it in my sleep.
In the 3 months I've had CPAP, I've slept through the whole night twice. Yes, just 2 times. One time I felt amazing when I woke up. The other time I felt the same.
What am I missing here? I'm getting so frustrated by the whole experience. It seems that I really need a good nasal interface, but my clogged sinuses preclude this. I suppose that means that I really need to focus on treatment with the allergist and ENT doc, to restore my nasal breathing pathways.
I am now running a HEPA room air filter 24 hours a day, which I do believe has helped me to some degree, and I may go back to try the new Swift LT.
Does anyone have any additional advice for me/tips to try? This whole thing has been such a frustrating experience.
I'm falling asleep as I'm typing this to you.
Please help
Adam
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, hose, swift, CPAP
I'm 3 MONTHS on CPAP and still can't get to sleep
Hey Adam:
The thing that really helped me when I first started out was to strap on the mask and start my machine up before going to bed- like while I was sitting and watching TV for an hour or so. This was a great way to get accustomed to the feel of the mask on my face, the way my breathing changed, the way my breathing was settling in after a period of time, etc. Most of all it helped my brain learn to ignore the CPAP by focusing on the TV instead- after a while I barely noticed any difference in my breathing with the mask on versus normal un-masked breathing.
If you mask up right at bedtime all you can do is lay there trying to fall asleep and think about it. If you do it before bed while reading or watching TV you have time to get accustomed. That's my 2 cents, anyway.
The thing that really helped me when I first started out was to strap on the mask and start my machine up before going to bed- like while I was sitting and watching TV for an hour or so. This was a great way to get accustomed to the feel of the mask on my face, the way my breathing changed, the way my breathing was settling in after a period of time, etc. Most of all it helped my brain learn to ignore the CPAP by focusing on the TV instead- after a while I barely noticed any difference in my breathing with the mask on versus normal un-masked breathing.
If you mask up right at bedtime all you can do is lay there trying to fall asleep and think about it. If you do it before bed while reading or watching TV you have time to get accustomed. That's my 2 cents, anyway.
_________________
| Mask | |
 |
Flow generator: Mask: Fisher/Paykel HC-431 Full Face Mask Humid:
Pressure: 21/17cm H2O
40,000 hours on CPAP
100% Compliant for 15 yrs.+
Mask breathers unite!
Pressure: 21/17cm H2O
40,000 hours on CPAP
100% Compliant for 15 yrs.+
Mask breathers unite!
Adam, sorry to hear your troubles.
Here are a few small suggestions that may help, short of trying other interfaces:
- The papillow is nicely designed to allow the mask and the hose hang off the edge of the pillow (does the same job as wadding up the pillow but mroe stable).
- Try turning humidification off completely (use it in passover mode)
- Hose management: hang something from your headboard, wall, or ceiling and then thread the hose through that (will keep the hose up and off the bed permanently). Many designs exist on the forum for you to bulid yourself (including using a plant hanger), or buy one from cpap.com. I just hang mine from a rope dangling from the ceiling.
-To help you relax, you might try Pursleep - a sort of essential oils in special blends that you can use together with the CPAP. I've read it helps many people relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Check with "sleepguy" - he was recently starting a trial for people who had the "mask off during sleep" problem you describe. Read viewtopic.php?t=32388&highlight=pursleep and send him an email! He will definintely help you, and he's a great guy!
- I assume you've tried nasal rinsing with a Neti Pot or similar. I found that it helps me immensely. Some people suggest rinsing right before bed, I find that makes it worse. So I rinse only the morning or early afternoon.
- Food allergies/intolerances can also cause stuffy nose. Wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, can all cause problems. (and can sometimes be a "delayed reaction" type of sensitivity, so you don't realize what's actually causing it).
- Use moleskin on really sensitive areas (attach it to the mask). (Search for moleskin for previous posts on that topic).
- The "decapitated aura" interface seems to be good for stomach sleepers (see posts from restedgal), but again it's a nasal-only interface.
Don't worry, you're not alone in this! As long as you've got a good attitude, are prepared to tweak and search to find the solution, you will go a long with this therapy. Don't despair yet, you've found this forum and will get plenty of help here! Hopefully the help will be helpful
Here are a few small suggestions that may help, short of trying other interfaces:
- The papillow is nicely designed to allow the mask and the hose hang off the edge of the pillow (does the same job as wadding up the pillow but mroe stable).
- Try turning humidification off completely (use it in passover mode)
- Hose management: hang something from your headboard, wall, or ceiling and then thread the hose through that (will keep the hose up and off the bed permanently). Many designs exist on the forum for you to bulid yourself (including using a plant hanger), or buy one from cpap.com. I just hang mine from a rope dangling from the ceiling.
-To help you relax, you might try Pursleep - a sort of essential oils in special blends that you can use together with the CPAP. I've read it helps many people relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Check with "sleepguy" - he was recently starting a trial for people who had the "mask off during sleep" problem you describe. Read viewtopic.php?t=32388&highlight=pursleep and send him an email! He will definintely help you, and he's a great guy!
- I assume you've tried nasal rinsing with a Neti Pot or similar. I found that it helps me immensely. Some people suggest rinsing right before bed, I find that makes it worse. So I rinse only the morning or early afternoon.
- Food allergies/intolerances can also cause stuffy nose. Wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, can all cause problems. (and can sometimes be a "delayed reaction" type of sensitivity, so you don't realize what's actually causing it).
- Use moleskin on really sensitive areas (attach it to the mask). (Search for moleskin for previous posts on that topic).
- The "decapitated aura" interface seems to be good for stomach sleepers (see posts from restedgal), but again it's a nasal-only interface.
Don't worry, you're not alone in this! As long as you've got a good attitude, are prepared to tweak and search to find the solution, you will go a long with this therapy. Don't despair yet, you've found this forum and will get plenty of help here! Hopefully the help will be helpful
PR System One APAP, 10cm
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
-
Guest
Adam, not being a doc, I can only advocate A DIFFERENT MASK.
The Headrest is highly touted for stomach sleepers. I'd suggest that one first.
The Nasal Aire II doesn't have the hose and barrel issues the Swift does. It never touches my upper lip, and doesn't rub my nares raw. The dual hoses can be configured in a jillion different ways for your comfort. They are very small, soft, and no problem to side sleep on. I'm a 98% side sleeper.
It took me 8 masks and 6 weeks to get to 100% compliance. I'm still in the "recovery" mode one year later. Better than I was last year, not as good as I hope to get.
Unblocking your nose so you can breathe through ANY mask is key. You've got to keep on your doctors to help you with that.
I've been sleeping on a memory foam "tempurpedic" style pillow for the past.... 15 years? I really hate "normal" pillows now. I just scoot my face to the edge and let the mask dangle off the side (any mask I've used). You might want to look at changing your pillow. My current pillow cost me $12 at Big Lots. Don't spend more than $30 for a pillow. Foam breaks down, and you'll need to replace it in a few years ANYWAY. If you can get a good product for $12, why spend $125? BTW - I have YET to hear any wave of rave reviews for any "specialty" cpap pillow.
Cheers,
Babs
The Headrest is highly touted for stomach sleepers. I'd suggest that one first.
The Nasal Aire II doesn't have the hose and barrel issues the Swift does. It never touches my upper lip, and doesn't rub my nares raw. The dual hoses can be configured in a jillion different ways for your comfort. They are very small, soft, and no problem to side sleep on. I'm a 98% side sleeper.
It took me 8 masks and 6 weeks to get to 100% compliance. I'm still in the "recovery" mode one year later. Better than I was last year, not as good as I hope to get.
Unblocking your nose so you can breathe through ANY mask is key. You've got to keep on your doctors to help you with that.
I've been sleeping on a memory foam "tempurpedic" style pillow for the past.... 15 years? I really hate "normal" pillows now. I just scoot my face to the edge and let the mask dangle off the side (any mask I've used). You might want to look at changing your pillow. My current pillow cost me $12 at Big Lots. Don't spend more than $30 for a pillow. Foam breaks down, and you'll need to replace it in a few years ANYWAY. If you can get a good product for $12, why spend $125? BTW - I have YET to hear any wave of rave reviews for any "specialty" cpap pillow.
Cheers,
Babs
-
Insomniyak
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:33 am
Only thing I can say is that I don't think about the breathing really. Do you have your exhilation pressure relief turned on?? (on Resmed it is EPR, Remstar it is C-flex). This helps me a bit. I have woken up claustrophobic on occasion and have come to terms with the fact that this mask is helping me, not crowding me in.
Others have mentioned hose placement, putting the hose on like a hook above the bed (headboard) so that you don't have to move it as much as you turn. Haven't done that yet as I sleep mostly on my back and right side.
As for your partially blocked nostril, can you use a nasal spray that will releive it??
Keep it up, it will get better.
Others have mentioned hose placement, putting the hose on like a hook above the bed (headboard) so that you don't have to move it as much as you turn. Haven't done that yet as I sleep mostly on my back and right side.
As for your partially blocked nostril, can you use a nasal spray that will releive it??
Keep it up, it will get better.
_________________
| Mask | |
 |
hey babs, you're probably right about the pillow! My $$ spent on the papillow were actually not money well spent, but i do use it now and then for the FFM and it works well. I think there a few die-hard papillow fans out there, but maybe not *too* many.
Now that i've seen your foam pillow comment about 10 times in 10 different posts today (yes, that was you wasn't it!!!) I think i may just have to part with $12 and get one
Now that i've seen your foam pillow comment about 10 times in 10 different posts today (yes, that was you wasn't it!!!) I think i may just have to part with $12 and get one
PR System One APAP, 10cm
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
-
Guest
Big Lots gives me a kick back, too. Just like Innomed.
Okay, let's find cheap pillows online:
$15.88 at Walmart - Bingo!:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5934839
Now, before all you left-wing nut jobs (aka, My Particular Species) holler at me for shopping at Walmart, let me just say I DON'T shop there that often.
Yes, I've seen the movie.
Yes, I believe alot of the movie.
AND, I also believe Penn & Teller's review of that movie. (AND, I might add, I'm a dues paying Union member, and majored in labor union history in college, and still think labor unions today are CRAP!)
AND I'm a former Walmart employee. First job I ever had.
So THERE!!!!
Babs
Okay, let's find cheap pillows online:
$15.88 at Walmart - Bingo!:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5934839
Now, before all you left-wing nut jobs (aka, My Particular Species) holler at me for shopping at Walmart, let me just say I DON'T shop there that often.
Yes, I've seen the movie.
Yes, I believe alot of the movie.
AND, I also believe Penn & Teller's review of that movie. (AND, I might add, I'm a dues paying Union member, and majored in labor union history in college, and still think labor unions today are CRAP!)
AND I'm a former Walmart employee. First job I ever had.
So THERE!!!!
Babs
-
Guest
Okay, sorry about the Walmart rant, before anyone had attacked me, even. Can you tell I've been there and done that?
Anyway, it sidetracked me from what I was GOING to say:
If you WANT a PapPillow, go buy a cheapie foam pillow at Big Lots or Walmart, and then go cruising in Grandma's attic for her old Thanksgiving Turkey Electric Carving knife.
Take said carving knife, and cut out portions of your foam pillow, so it looks like what you saw on your computer screen.
Electric knives are what foam shops use to cut pillows. Admittedly, they are fancier and do a nicer job of cutting than Grandma's Carving Knife, but you work with what you can find, right? I don't mind the rough edges I get from my home wack jobs.
You're on your own with a pillow case that follows that curve.
You're paying alot of money for a fancy pillow case.
LOL,
Babs
Anyway, it sidetracked me from what I was GOING to say:
If you WANT a PapPillow, go buy a cheapie foam pillow at Big Lots or Walmart, and then go cruising in Grandma's attic for her old Thanksgiving Turkey Electric Carving knife.
Take said carving knife, and cut out portions of your foam pillow, so it looks like what you saw on your computer screen.
Electric knives are what foam shops use to cut pillows. Admittedly, they are fancier and do a nicer job of cutting than Grandma's Carving Knife, but you work with what you can find, right? I don't mind the rough edges I get from my home wack jobs.
You're on your own with a pillow case that follows that curve.
You're paying alot of money for a fancy pillow case.
LOL,
Babs
Hmmmm i KNEW you were a pinko commie anti freedom wmd-carrying walmart spy, and this just proves it! The NSA will be knocking on your door in 3 ... 2 ...1 ... NOW!
PR System One APAP, 10cm
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
Hosehead since 31 July 2007, yippie!
-
Insomniyak
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:33 am
In a totally unrelated (but fastinating) topic, check out what they have to say about pillows in this very entertaining 20 minute "video"Anonymous wrote:Big Lots gives me a kick back, too. Just like Innomed.
Okay, let's find cheap pillows online:
$15.88 at Walmart - Bingo!:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5934839
Now, before all you left-wing nut jobs (aka, My Particular Species) holler at me for shopping at Walmart, let me just say I DON'T shop there that often.
Yes, I've seen the movie.
Yes, I believe alot of the movie.
AND, I also believe Penn & Teller's review of that movie. (AND, I might add, I'm a dues paying Union member, and majored in labor union history in college, and still think labor unions today are CRAP!)
AND I'm a former Walmart employee. First job I ever had.
So THERE!!!!
Babs
http://www.thestoryofstuff.com
Adam
-
Guest
Just a few questions/comments for you--echo wrote:-To help you relax, you might try Pursleep - a sort of essential oils in special blends that you can use together with the CPAP. I've read it helps many people relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Check with "sleepguy" - he was recently starting a trial for people who had the "mask off during sleep" problem you describe. Read viewtopic.php?t=32388&highlight=pursleep and send him an email! He will definintely help you, and he's a great guy!
- I assume you've tried nasal rinsing with a Neti Pot or similar. I found that it helps me immensely. Some people suggest rinsing right before bed, I find that makes it worse. So I rinse only the morning or early afternoon.
- The "decapitated aura" interface seems to be good for stomach sleepers (see posts from restedgal), but again it's a nasal-only interface.
First, thanks to sleepguy who actually PMd me about being on a trial. I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.
I do have a netipot from Neilmed- the little blue plastic one. Inside the box was a certificate for a free "sinus rinse" which is basically a squeeze bottle. it uses the pressure of your physically squeezing the bottle to shoot water up your nose, rather than the gentle trickling action of the netipot, which pulls water through by gravity. The Sinus rinse is a much more violent thing, and I'm not convinced it does a better job. But I do think it helps a bit.
What is a decapitated aura interface? Sounds scary... can't find any reference to it.
Adam
Unfortunately, my DME stocks neither the Nasal Aire II nor the Headrest. I've asked them to order them, and they say they cannot.Anonymous wrote:Adam, not being a doc, I can only advocate A DIFFERENT MASK.
The Headrest is highly touted for stomach sleepers. I'd suggest that one first.
The Nasal Aire II doesn't have the hose and barrel issues the Swift does. It never touches my upper lip, and doesn't rub my nares raw. The dual hoses can be configured in a jillion different ways for your comfort. They are very small, soft, and no problem to side sleep on. I'm a 98% side sleeper.
It took me 8 masks and 6 weeks to get to 100% compliance. I'm still in the "recovery" mode one year later. Better than I was last year, not as good as I hope to get.
Unblocking your nose so you can breathe through ANY mask is key. You've got to keep on your doctors to help you with that.
I've been sleeping on a memory foam "tempurpedic" style pillow for the past.... 15 years? I really hate "normal" pillows now. I just scoot my face to the edge and let the mask dangle off the side (any mask I've used). You might want to look at changing your pillow. My current pillow cost me $12 at Big Lots. Don't spend more than $30 for a pillow. Foam breaks down, and you'll need to replace it in a few years ANYWAY. If you can get a good product for $12, why spend $125? BTW - I have YET to hear any wave of rave reviews for any "specialty" cpap pillow.
Cheers,
Babs
You know, I've tried those memory foam pillows on several occasions and they give me nightmares!
Adam
I do have EPR turned on. In fact, it's one of the things that was keeping me distracted and awake! Imagine this-- just as your reaching the peak of your inhalation and begin to breather out, you feel (and hear) a "click" as the EPR kicks in. This doesn't happen at the peak of your breath, but a second after you start exhaling. Now imagine this occurring EVERY. SINGLE. TIME... it sometimes drives me crazy. It's like someone clicking an audience counter every time I take a breath. I become hyper aware of the fact that on this next exhale, I'll hear the click and feel the pressure drop. I wish I could ignore it, but I just can't. Maybe the Pur Sleep will help with this too...?Insomniyak wrote:Only thing I can say is that I don't think about the breathing really. Do you have your exhilation pressure relief turned on?? (on Resmed it is EPR, Remstar it is C-flex). This helps me a bit. I have woken up claustrophobic on occasion and have come to terms with the fact that this mask is helping me, not crowding me in.
Others have mentioned hose placement, putting the hose on like a hook above the bed (headboard) so that you don't have to move it as much as you turn. Haven't done that yet as I sleep mostly on my back and right side.
As for your partially blocked nostril, can you use a nasal spray that will releive it??
Keep it up, it will get better.
Adam