Having mask problems (possibly due to stomach sleeping?)

[DottyG]

Last night, I woke up in tears. The nasal pillows were cutting into the inside of my nostril. I took it off for a second to see if I could readjust it a bit. But, every time I tried to put it back in, it hurt really badly. I kept thinking, "I can't do this. I just can't." And, a voice inside of me said, "You have to wear it. Even though it's tearing your nose up." I put it back in and just suffered the rest of the night. But, it shouldn't be that painful. This isn't restful sleep. How is this better than what I was doing before in waking up without breathing? Yeah, I might not have been breathing, but at least I was comfortable then and wasn't tearing my nose up.

I tried Lano[whatever it's called] the other night, and it caused so much leaking that I ripped the mask off in the middle of the night in frustration. So, that's not the solution.

I've been using my AyrGel today to see if I can heal the damage I did last night. It does soothe it a bit.

I also had indentations on my face from the mask this morning. I tried to smooth them out a bit, but I still came to work with a funny looking face.

I'm a stomach sleeper. I cannot sleep on my back. And, I can only sleep on my side in the mornings after the alarm goes off and I'm just dozing before getting up. I guess my muscles are relaxed at that point to where I'm able to get comfortable?

I ordered a Cpap Pillow the other day. I'm hoping it helps some?

Tell me this gets better at some point. I can't do this the rest of my life. I need good rest. Any suggestions on what I can do to get through this?

[JohnBFisher]

... Last night, I woke up in tears. ... I kept thinking, "I can't do this. I just can't." ... I'm a stomach sleeper. I cannot sleep on my back. And, I can only sleep on my side in the mornings after the alarm goes off and I'm just dozing before getting up. I guess my muscles are relaxed at that point to where I'm able to get comfortable? ... I ordered a Cpap Pillow the other day. ... Tell me this gets better at some point. I can't do this the rest of my life. I need good rest. Any suggestions on what I can do to get through this? ...

Bless your heart!

I think just about everyone here has gone through something like that. You are doing a yeoman's job at trying to make it work. So, first let me reassure you, it will get better. Fortunately, the advice here will help.

The CPAP pillow should help you keep your head to the side and your stomach to the mattress.

You might also want to read more about the Falcon sleeping position:

search.php?keywords=falcon+sleep+position

It appears some folks find that helps them quite a bit.

It does get better. It takes time to adjust. It is not natural to sleep with a mask. And it takes time to make this your new "normal". Here's hoping that comes sooner for you, rather than later.

[DottyG]

I tried the Falcon Position, but I couldn't get it to feel right. I was really uncomfortable and started losing feeling in my arms!

I did just like the pictures, so I don't know why it didn't feel right.

I am short. And, have short arms. I'm wondering if maybe that contributes to not being able to manage this position very easily?

[DottyG]

How do you keep the nasal pillows from ripping up the inside of your nose? There has to be something I'm missing. It's like little razor blades in there just tearing up the delicate skin.

I have a small nose (great - my nose and my arms are the only small parts of my body ), so I can't go up in nasal pillow size.

A couple of mornings, I've awakened with horrible pain in my left arm (muscular). So, I must have tried to sleep on my side and pinched nerves or something.

All I know is that I'm so tired right now. And, I'm dreading going to bed. I don't want to hurt anymore. I so just want to leave my mask off and sleep like I used to. At least I didn't hurt in the mornings. (I know. I can't do that. But, I want to so badly.)

[LSAT]

Why not try a traditional nasal mask. It shouldn't irritate your nose.

[GumbyCT]

Last night, I woke up in tears. The nasal pillows were cutting into the inside of my nostril. I took it off for a second to see if I could readjust it a bit. But, every time I tried to put it back in, it hurt really badly.

Is there any chance you are using a size too small for your nares? The pillow should contact the outer surface NOT the inside. Did yours come with more than one size? If so try a larger size.

Also the Lansinoh should help to heal and seal. It softens the skin where you put it around where the pillows touch the nares. Just a dab between thumb and forefinger smeared on the pillows then another dab on the nares. Use some on the lips like chapstick if you choose. Use chapstick on the nares

If you get a chance, try the - Aeiomed Headrest which is also good for stomach sleeping.

Links -
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/aeiome ... rface.html

The Aeiomed Headrest is good for sleeping in just about any position. Check it out here -
http://www.aeiomed.com/products/headrest.php

The Movie - http://www.aeiomed.com/video_product_in ... adrest.php

[GumbyCT]

Try a different size before bed, long before. So that you are not tired and cranky. Oh too late, eh?
Always try any changes early before bed.

You are right, you must be doing something wrong.

[JohnBFisher]

... You are right, you must be doing something wrong. ...

Sure. Blame the newbie. Afterall, none of us ol' timers EVER have any problems with our masks or therapy. Nope. Never. ... What? You say my nose is substantially longer? !! That's just a figment of your imagination! (Just be certain to duck if I turn my head your way, okay?)

[bailachel]

You are right, you must be doing something wrong.

Not Nice GumbyCT.


DottyG If using a different size doesn't work, maybe you can try a different type of mask. a nasal mask or a full face mask.

[Jersey Girl]

Dear Dotty,

What pressure are you at? What size nasal pillow are you using? Can you loosen your straps on your Swift LT for her so that they are VERY loose and then tighten them just enough so that the pillows are just touching the bottom of your nostrils?

Also, is this your first nasal pillow mask? Have you ever tried a nasal mask? It might give you some relief if you are uncomfortable with the Swift LT for her. Nasal pillows are not for everyone. A mask is a very personal choice and what is comfortable for one person might be very uncomfortable for another.

We're all in this together, so, let us know how you are doing.

Warmly,

Jersey Girl

[fiberfan]

Do you have other sizes of pillows? If the pillow size is too big it could put pressure on your nares, if it is too small it could slide around and hurt. The Swift LT for her small pillow looks like it fits my nose but it is a tiny bit big causing leaks when I lay on my side, I was surprised at the difference the xs pillows made. I still have a good seal but laying on my side doesn't add an annoying small leak.

[JohnBFisher]

... Not Nice GumbyCT. ...

Oh, I think GumbyCT was teasing. Gumby is always helpful to new folks struggline with their therapy. Why else would Gumby so emphatically proclaim "Be your own healthcare advocate!". Sorry if I did not make that clear in my post. I read that as a tease from Gumby and was laughing that I sure don't have any problems...

[GumbyCT]

After my post I read this...

How do you keep the nasal pillows from ripping up the inside of your nose? There has to be something I'm missing. It's like little razor blades in there just tearing up the delicate skin.

For the others here ---- maybe have someone read it to you

I was merely agreeing with OP.

[ka-ann]

Hi Dotty,
I too have had so many problems with this journey. Your story could be my story with just minor changes. I am sorry for how you are feeling because I know it all too well. I wore the Swift nasal pillows for a month thinking they were smaller and better for claustrophobic people. They looked better than a huge mask (vanity oh vanity!) Anyway, I was determined to make them work but they just were not meant for me. I then went to a FFM when I just couldn't take it anymore. The first FFM I tried I hated even more than the nasal pillows. I wore it for a week. I now have the Forma FFM and I am really liking it. I still have a few minor kinks to work out but I think this is the mask for me. I say all this to just let you know that the mask is the hardest part and probably the most important in staying with the therapy. I encourage you to try something different. There are so many masks out there. Look at them online, watch videos where available, then decide what you want to try. You can find the answer you just have to hang in there and keep trying. Also, I do sleep on my stomach with my Forma FFM on. I also sleep on my side. You (and I) can do this Dotty. Find the mask that works for you and you will see a huge difference!
Best of luck and let us know how things go.
Kind regards,
Karen

[MarylandCPAPer]

Hi Dotty,

i notice you are using Swift LT nasal pillows. Have you seen the threads here about problems people here have had with those nasal pillows, including:
viewtopic/t41729/MIRAGE-SWIFT-LT-QUALIT ... ARADE.html

Perhaps your nasal pillows are getting old and need to be replaced. My insurance allows replacement of these nasal pillows every month.

I have had some nasal irritation from using another type of nasal pillows mask and found Neosporin cream used during the day to help the inside of my nares to heal.

I hope you are able to find a way to sleep more comfortably and get your treatment to be more effective.

Maryland CPAPer