I'm feeling better simply by tightening my mask

[unclematt]

I'm waiting for my permanent set up but using temporary equipment now. I realized that I have not been wearing my mask tight enough. I can't believe how much difference it has made in my energy levels. I'm not bouncing around doing cartwheels down the stairs but I feel like I'm able to go through a normal day.

[Muse-Inc]

Funnys isn't it that sometimes the have us mask up too tight and then sometimes not tight enough. As others have said, ya gotta be your own therapist...tweak tweak tweak.

[kennethryan]

I suggest on a weekend or something (when you don't have to be fully functional the next day) you try loosening the mask a bit again, and fiddling with different pillow, sleeping positions, etc.

A couple months ago I too thought my leak problems were solved - the last "teeny adjustment" after dozens of "teeny adjustments" did the trick.

Then a few weeks ago I started waking up with numbness in my hands, elbows, etc., as well as a "crick" in my neck.

I eventually realized that the lower strap around the back of my head actually sits on my neck. The strap was so tight it was putting a great deal of pressure on a vertebrae. I loosened the straps again, got a seal that was OK but not great, but the problems in my arms pretty much went away.

Anyway, if you keep the straps cranked tight then at least be on the lookout for odd side effects ...

[hazelson]

I can get my mask to fit perfectly one night - then the next (no adjustments) it's not right.

I think my head changes overnight LOL.

But it's getting better every day and it has really helped my asthma - too hot here just now and lots of smog so breathing is bad ;o)

[unclematt]

Hazelson, the smog issue is something I've never thought about. I live in the Charleston-Huntington area of WV. Most people think of WV as beautiful nature and mountains. Well, the Charleston area is one of the most polluted areas of the country. There are many chemical factories and there are certain areas where the air downright stinks all day every day. I wonder if that contributes to developing OSA?

[Paul56]

I find with the standard headgear that comes with the Quattro that occasionally I need to make an adjustment... and that adjustment usually means tightening up the lower strap slightly. I think this is required due to the headgear material stretch after wearing night-after-night.

I don't think we are every truly "DONE" with our setups... there is certainly the massive tweaking that occurs when we first start therapy but there is always a smaller amount of ongoing tweaking.

[Muse-Inc]

...developing OSA?

Not sure about causing apnea which is associted with airway narrowing-collapse but smog-air pollution sure compromises breathing and oxygenation. Here in Atlanta, we are in slight valley which creates temperature inversion and that leads to high ozone levels in hot weather. They blame it on our horrible traffic but the underlying cause is geographic. In Summer, I start watching the air quality alerts. I've read studies that say 200 mgm of vitamin E helps protect lung cells from the damage caused by smog/ozone. On high ozone days, asthma & allergy 'attacks' sky rocket and anyone with respiratory problems has more.