I am so FRUSTRATED!!

DrewTN · Post by **DrewTN** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:24 am

First of all I am very new to this. I just got my equipment a week ago. I have been so frustrated with my mask. I can’t turn over without 10 minutes of adjusting! My sleep is so interrupted just from this mask. (I can't get it to stop leaking air!!) I don’t know if it just takes getting used to or I don’t have the right mask. The one I used in the sleep study didn’t give me any troubles. (Although it was only one night.) Last night at 1:00am I gave up and went to sleep in my recliner without it. My back gets so sore from trying to sleep in one position. (I sleep on my left side normally) Then I try to turn over and I get very frustrated.

I think this is the mask I have:
Resmed Ultra Mirage Mask & Headgear

Anyone know what might work better?? I never tried the nose pillows or anything else. I must be an active sleeper too. I just left a message for the place I got my equipment at.

Sorry I am venting so bad but I am still VERY tired during the day and get so frustrated at night!! WHEW . . .

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:31 am

Ask your supplier for a Resmed Activa mask. All new cpapers should get this mask. It is the easiest and most leak proof mask out there. If you are going to try pillows, ask for a Swift as it's the easiest pillow design. Hang in there, it is all trial and error.

4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:36 am

I, too, am a side sleeper, changing sides during the night. I've had much better luck with the Breeze - you might want to look into it. It doesn't have anything on the sides of your head or face, so side sleeping is MUCH easier.

Good luck!

Barb (Seattle) · Post by **Barb (Seattle)** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:36 am

Oh, hang in there!! I relate to what you've said, I used to throw the mask as far as the tubing would allow. It IS trial and error, and a lot of frustration was involved for me as well. I finally settled in on a Respironics ComfortFull Full Face mask because I had mouth breathing issues.

R&R, does the Activa mask come in full face?

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:43 am

No, in spite of repeated requests from all of us they do not offer it in full face mask. Still, it is the best for compliance for beginners. You can train yourself from mouth breathing with it pretty easy. I have not found a full face mask that is easy to use.

Cyngen · Post by **Cyngen** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:46 am

I just started with mine also and feel your pain. Hang in there, it gets better. I do have the Activa mask and found it to be very good fit, even over my moustache and beard.

Once I see my doctor for a followup visit, I'm asking about the pillows, seems to be a better way to go if it can work for me.

~Cyngen

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:54 am

DrewTN...I have the Resmed Activa Nasal mask that rock and roll told you about...it has worked wonders for me and I am now getting a good night sleep with it. It goes on loose and when you turn it on it suctions to your face...so you don't get the tightness from other masks but you can move around better. Check it out....

DrewTN · Post by **DrewTN** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:59 am

Thank you all so much for your responses!! I really appreciate it. I was so excited to try the CPAP in hopes it would really change how I feel every day. I guess I didn’t anticipate the mask issues. LOL DUH!

I am looking at all the suggestions. With all the masks out there it is hard to know what is what and how they feel! Again I REALLY appreciate the suggestions and thoughts!!

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:04 am

No problem, it really does make a difference so hang in there. I takes experimentation and unfortunately money to get what will be right for you. There always will be issues. It will become a hobby LOL.

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:51 am

[quote="rock and roll"]Ask your supplier for a Resmed Activa mask. All new cpapers should get this mask. It is the easiest and most leak proof mask out there. If you are going to try pillows, ask for a Swift as it's the easiest pillow design. Hang in there, it is all trial and error.

I agree completely!!!!! I've tried LOTS of masks and nasal pillow systems. The Activa is my favorite "mask"....hardly ever leaks and I also am an active side sleeper.
I used the Swift for the 1st time last night and I really liked it. It got noisy at one point so I then switched to my Activa. I'm planning on keeping the Swift though because it really was comfortable....I just need to work on the noise.
If you have questions about other mask...just ask away...many of us have tried lots of masks and are happy to offer our opinions/experiences. Also, don't worry about venting....you're venting is "nothing" compared to me the past few days and I got nothing but support from this group. This is a wonderful forum....venting is welcome and so are you!!
Amy

tater pie · Post by **tater pie** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:20 am

Like it has been said in the previous posts, it all takes some experimentation with different masks and a lot of getting used to. Usually, you can get a nasal mask or nasal pillows to seal and retain that seal when you move around. Either the Swift or the Breeze are great nasal pillow interfaces. I love the Breeze but some people can't tolerate it because either they can't get it to stabilize on their heads or the pillows irritate their nares. LIke R & R said, the Activa is a really popular nasal mask and these interfaces work much better and are more comforatable if you don't have problems with mouth leaks. Some people make DIY mouthguards and now there is a place on the web where they will make you a custom fitted mouthpiece to stop mouth leaks. Some people don't have any problem with mouth breathing and some can train themselves to keep their mouths shut while they sleep. Not me. I've tried for months and the old trap just won't stay shut once I go into a deep sleep no matter what I do. Chin straps aren't much help either. Some of us use tape to keep the mouth shut. I know that sounds crazy and most health professionals will tell you it's too dangerous but if you get desparate enough, you'll try anything. I've tried all of the full face masks except the Hans Rudolph and all of them would spring leaks constantly when the pressure would get above about 9 or 10. That's aggravating and you do get really frustrated. Just keep trying different interfaces and eventually you'll find something that works for you. Just don't give up. There are a lot of different types and styles of interfaces out there and one will work for you and just because it doesn't work for one person or even works great for someone doesn't necessarily mean it will be the same for you. Everybody is different. Good luck and I hope you get some relief soon. Keep hanging in there.

DrewTN · Post by **DrewTN** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:35 am

This is so great!! I feel so much better already!!

I just talked to my rep and they are going to get an Activa for me. I WISH I could get it today but I guess that is a little extreme. I hope to have it in the next few days. They said they would just give it to me so I am happy to not have to pay for it. I think that is the one my doctor ordered for me in the first place but they gave me the Mirage instead. (They were probably out.) I am back to having a little more light at the end of my tunnel!! Thanks to everyone here!!!

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:40 am

When I first got my machine and mask, my DME brought them to my house and showed me how they work. She's always willing to bring stuff to me but sometimes I can get them faster if I go to her nearest office. Would that be an option for you? Check it out.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:10 pm

[quote="DrewTN"]First of all I am very new to this. I just got my equipment a week ago. I have been so frustrated with my mask. I can’t turn over without 10 minutes of adjusting! My sleep is so interrupted just from this mask. (I can't get it to stop leaking air!!) I don’t know if it just takes getting used to or I don’t have the right mask. The one I used in the sleep study didn’t give me any troubles. (Although it was only one night.) Last night at 1:00am I gave up and went to sleep in my recliner without it. My back gets so sore from trying to sleep in one position. (I sleep on my left side normally) Then I try to turn over and I get very frustrated.

I think this is the mask I have:
Resmed Ultra Mirage Mask & Headgear

Anyone know what might work better?? I never tried the nose pillows or anything else. I must be an active sleeper too. I just left a message for the place I got my equipment at.

Sorry I am venting so bad but I am still VERY tired during the day and get so frustrated at night!! WHEW . . . :(

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:33 pm

rock and roll wrote:No problem, it really does make a difference so hang in there. I takes experimentation and unfortunately money to get what will be right for you. There always will be issues. It will become a hobby LOL.

Some hobbie...I'd rather be collecting stamps...

I am so FRUSTRATED!!

I am so FRUSTRATED!!

Thank you!!

Re: I am so FRUSTRATED!!