I'm this close to giving up!!

[BigDaddy12t]

Last night was the worse night I have had in the 2 months of being on CPAP! I have 2 masks, a FlexiFit407, and the Swift LT Pillows. I started with the pillows 2 months ago, and just could not get them right, so I went back and asked for a nasal mask. The guy gave me a FlexiFit 406, that lasted 2 nights, it was way too small. Went back, and they traded me for a 407. The 407 was great for the first week, very cofortable, and very easy to sleep with, but I just was not happy with my readings that I was getting. So lastnight, I decided to give the Pillows a chance again. Well, after fighting with them for an hour, I threw them across the room, and went back to the 407. I woke up this morning, with the worse sore under my nose, it kills me to even move my nose. I had noticed that the last couple of nights that I had used the 407, the entire area where the mask sealed was tender, but not real bad. Any ideas for me before I chuck the whole thing out the window?

[Wulfman]

I tend to respond negatively and harshly to people who threaten to "give up" on this therapy.....but I'll try to cut you some slack.

From your post, it sounds like you haven't yet found the right mask. Maybe you should think about a different brand, model, interface type, etc. It's apparent that what you've tried doesn't seem to be working.

If you're totally adverse to trying a full face mask (like the UMFF or Quattro), maybe a nasal mask like the ComfortGel or Activa might be your "cup of tea". (I'm just going by what others have said about them over the years and have no experience with them)

It also sounds like you're tightening them down too much. If a mask "hurts" the wearer, it's either too tight, the wrong size or just a lousy mask to begin with. Keep trying......there's one out there with your name on it.

Giving up is not an option.

Den

[BigDaddy12t]

I dont have any problem with trying different masks, but with my insurance, I have to pay 100% of everything until my deductable is met, and I dont have the money to go out every other week, and buy a new mask.

[BeanMeScot]

There are several mask trials going on here where you can borrow a mask to see how you like it. You can also get cheaper masks on the CPAPAuction site.

[Wulfman]

I dont have any problem with trying different masks, but with my insurance, I have to pay 100% of everything until my deductable is met, and I dont have the money to go out every other week, and buy a new mask.

Understood! Nor would I. That's why I gave a lot of thought to the mask I was going to get in the beginning......the one I've used almost continuously ever since.
There are other alternatives.
Check out this thread and some of the other links in it.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35991

Look over the masks in CPAP.COM and CPAPAUCTION.COM and try to get an idea for what you strongly believe would work for you BEFORE you fork out the money for one. The deductibles and co-pays will eat you up going through the DME route.

Good luck.

Den

[BigDaddy12t]

How do sign up for this free mask trial you are talking about?

[TerryB]

bigdaddy12t,
How did the Swift LT fail you?
I probably have a total of six different masks including several different styles and I found the LT to be the best so far.
Did you experiment with different pillow sizes and strap tension to customize the connection?
Getting a comfortable mask fit is by far the toughest part of making the therapy work, but, the therapy will work and could be very important to your health.

keep trying!

TerryB

[elader]

I have a large ultra mirage full face mask you are welcome to try and keep if it fits. I also have a medium comfortgel nasal mask you can try. Both have been used a couple of nights. You just have to pay postage.

it sounds like you are tightening the nasal pillows way too much. Don't give up, we have ALL experienced the mask thing.

[BigDaddy12t]

I have a large ultra mirage full face mask you are welcome to try and keep if it fits. I also have a medium comfortgel nasal mask you can try. Both have been used a couple of nights. You just have to pay postage.

it sounds like you are tightening the nasal pillows way too much. Don't give up, we have ALL experienced the mask thing.

Thanks for the offer, I will for sure keep it in mind. I would really like to get my LT figured out. I have some things that I am going to try on it. I think you are right about having the straps too tight, but it seemed like the only way I could keep the pillows in place, was to tighten them up real tight. I am going to give the LT another try tonight, with making some changes to it, and see how it works. Thanks for the help everyone. I have actually gotten to the point where using my CPAP is almost like a security blanket, If it were not for the last couple of nights. I know I can do it, because I started out the first night, and I was able to wear it for 7-8 hours.

[OutaSync]

Put some lanolin (found in drug stores in the baby section) on that sore spot and it will heal right up. Have you tried wrapping some nylon tights (or similar stretchy material) across your nasal pillows and tied behind your head. That is supposed to stabilize them so they don't fall out when you toss and turn. Just don't block your exhaust vents.

[ozij]

BigDaddy,
I'm not, in any way, a compulsive wash your stuff or else kind of person, I was pretty lax about it - and used baby wipes.

But, I've discovered that a daily washing of my seal and nose withe pure castille soap give me the best seal - skipping even a day on one of them results in more leaks.

O.

[elader]

I have a large ultra mirage full face mask you are welcome to try and keep if it fits. I also have a medium comfortgel nasal mask you can try. Both have been used a couple of nights. You just have to pay postage.

it sounds like you are tightening the nasal pillows way too much. Don't give up, we have ALL experienced the mask thing.

Thanks for the offer, I will for sure keep it in mind. I would really like to get my LT figured out. I have some things that I am going to try on it. I think you are right about having the straps too tight, but it seemed like the only way I could keep the pillows in place, was to tighten them up real tight. I am going to give the LT another try tonight, with making some changes to it, and see how it works. Thanks for the help everyone. I have actually gotten to the point where using my CPAP is almost like a security blanket, If it were not for the last couple of nights. I know I can do it, because I started out the first night, and I was able to wear it for 7-8 hours.

I use only 10cM pressure, but it felt to me that the LT was trying hard to blow itself off of my nose. Was amazingly comfortable though.

[Snorebert]

Oh Thanks, O.

I was trying to figure out why I had such a bad night last night when I had two of my best nights just prior...

I actually had so much energy yesterday that I did an enormous amount of work around the house - no nap - a regular energizer bunny. But I was so happy to wake up with energy yesterday I failed to wash up the mask. And then I was tired and sore last night that I didn't wash my face. back to basics tonight.

-Clark

[junie]

Please don't give up like we all are saying MASK, I was on a FFM for about a year Woke up so tired
falling asleep in the bathroom, at home, in stores, someones elses house, after finding this group
I bought the Optilife nasal mask Oh wow I woke up awake it was the best feeling ever, Then I
bought the SWFIT LT. Wow that was even better yet, It so comfortable, So please don't quit.
check to make sure you are putting the nasal part on right, and also check the size, let us know
what's going on with you.

[track]

full face mask...UMFF..easy and comfortable solution