Newbie Mask Fit Problems

[HubbieandMe]

Hubbie and I both just got our CPap Machines. We used the Gel masks in the sleep lab and thought they were OK but after 4 days both of us have terribly sore bruises on the bridge of our noses. He can't get the mask to seal. Mine will seal but keeps needing adjustment.

I don't think I would feel comfortable with nasal pillow type. Any suggestions on where we go from here?

Hubbie has moderate apnea, but mine is severe (stop breathing 55 x per hour and oxygen down to 61%)

[Billy6]

I found that it takes a while of use to "break in" the mask. As that is happening, you have to experiment with the tightness of the straps and forehead adjustments until you get the fit you want. You just need to be patient

[GumbyCT]

Hubbie and I both just got our CPap Machines. We used the Gel masks in the sleep lab and thought they were OK but after 4 days both of us have terribly sore bruises on the bridge of our noses. He can't get the mask to seal. Mine will seal but keeps needing adjustment.

I don't think I would feel comfortable with nasal pillow type. Any suggestions on where we go from here?

Hubbie has moderate apnea, but mine is severe (stop breathing 55 x per hour and oxygen down to 61%)

Contact your provider to let them know you are having problems. If you are still within 30 days they should be able to provide you another mask, free of charge.

Don't be so quick to discount the nasal pillows - they are far easier to seal than any Full-Face-Mask (FFM) because there is far less sealing surface. I thought I could never wear a nasal anything until I tried (after trying so many FFMs).

You have so many other ideas posted here - get busy reading.
Reading this will help -
For Acronyms & Definitions
http://www.sleepnet.com/definition.html

Where A CPAP Newbie Should Start
viewtopic/t35702/Where-A-CPAP-Newbie-Should-Start.html

READ cpaptalk.com FAQ
faq.php


Learn to search
use Google & the syntax "search words" site:www.cpaptalk.com
or the Advanced Search at the top of each forum page.
or here - viewtopic/t35702/search.php

This is the Yellow Lite bulb you'll hear people mention aka "Our Collective Wisdom" -
our-collective-cpap-wisdom.php

Read some more.
Good Luck,
GumbyCT

[JoyD.]

Have you actually tried pillows?? You can go to a DME and they have demonstrator masks you can try. I am also brand new to CPAP . . . and I tried LOTS of all kinds of masks before choosing one. Medicare doesn't limit your choice of a mask - at least the one's I tried.

Everyone is different, but I LOVE my Respironics ComfortLite2 Mask which is so comfortable. After one night, I now know how to adjust the pillows to perfection. I bought the one that includes both Nasal Pillows and Nasal Cushion. The Cushion goes over the nose, but is still not large -- haven't tried the Cushion yet since I love the nasal pillows so much that just rest against the nostrils.

I do place a little KY Gel (in a tube) around the nares where the pillows rest - that enhances the comfort throughout the night.

[rogier40]

First, it would help if you fill out your online profile, including the types of masks and machines you
are using. Then it would help others to give advice.

A few general tips...
1. Wash your face and wipe the mask cushions before starting. You need the mask
cushions to have that 'tacky' feel to make a good seal.
2. Let the mask be as loose as possible on your face...let the air seals do their job.
Adjust the forehead arm/bridge to take as much pressure as possible off you
nose without leaking.
3. Apply a band-aid on your nose to help cushion the area. Its just an area of the
body that does not have much tissue, fat, etc.

[rested gal]

Welcome to the message board, "me" (and your hubbie!) A two CPAP'er family...that's cool!

First, it would help if you fill out your online profile, including the types of masks and machines you are using.

To make your machine and mask info show up automatically each time you post:

Click the words User Control Panel (upper left of this page, just below the "Search" box.)

Click the Profile tab.

Click Edit Equipment (select at least the machine and the mask.)

If you're not sure of the name of your machine, look on the machine. Full name of machine is usually written on top. Name of mask is usually written on back of headgear or on the mask itself.

Allow other users to view your CPAP equipment: Yes

How would you like your equipment displayed: choose Text (not "Image")

Click Submit.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hello there----try a nasal pillow mask instead --I have tried all sorts of masks so far and finally ended up using the SWIFT LT which is heavenly!! It seals so much better than any other mask that I have tried. I use a few drops of AYR GEL before going to bed after washing my face. I have zero leaks!! It is so light weight and easy to take off and put back on. It comes with three pillow sizes of small. medium and large. The LT for her comes with smaller nasal pillows. It will not leave marks on your bridge of your nose like the comfort gel does. I am telling you--this is the best mask on the market right now for comfort!!!!! Try it--you will NOT be sorry!!!

Carrie