Stupid mask... tell me that eventually it gets comfortable

[mrstevegross]

Ok... I've had about 2.5 weeks now with this whole CPAP + mask deal. I can't seem to tolerate this mask for more than about 3 hours altogether. But I guess that seems to be normal, based on other posts on this forum. Any suggestions? If it leaks, I make it tighter; but if it's tighter, then it's more uncomfortable to sleep with. So I loosen it, and then it leaks. Argh!

Also, there's the whole sleep on side vs. back thing. I prefer to sleep on my back, but the mask definitely doesn't fit well in that case. So I'm trying to retrain myself to sleep on my back. It's coming along ok, I guess, but I want this thing to simply magically work right away.

Is there a "normal" adjustment period to this setup? Weeks, months, years, etc.?

Thanks,
--Steve

[Janknitz]

Give us a hint--what mask are you using? (I'm betting it's the Quattro from your description).

The mask you are using probably doesn't eventually get comfortable for you--if it hasn't in 2.5 weeks, it's unlikely that either your face or the mask will adjust in time. But there are some fitting tricks we might be able to help with if we know what mask you are using.

If we know what mask isn't working for you, and why, we might be able to make some suggestions. It will also help to know some things about you--do you mouth breathe? Any issues with the size or placement of your chin or nose that would affect a mask? Are you an active sleeper, or do you tend to stay in one position? What position(s) do you sleep in? What are your xpap pressures?

You will probably have to try several masks before you find the right one. Give your DME provider a call and make arrangements to try other masks. We'll try to give you some guidance as to what masks to ask for if you let us know enough to help.

[ccm]

The time it takes to adjust to this new "thing" varies from person to person. If you will go to "User Control Panel" and post what kind of machine & mask you have, someone with a similar mask might be able to give you suggestions. I fought with my first two masks for the first month - literally throwing it against the wall more than once! Finally, third time charm, found one that doesn't leak when I sleep on my side.

Don't give up - there are folks on this forum that can help you.

[echo]

Figure out how to fit the mask better (if you can) or get another one. Do not force yourself to sleep on your back, it can make the obstruction worse!! Some people need a really high pressure when they're sleeping on their back, but a more reasonable pressure when they're on their side.

It can easily take a few weeks to a few months to find and get used to the whole setup, psychologically. How much longer it takes after that depends on how quickly you find the right mask, and whether you have a data-capable machine (so that you can chart your AHI's, leaks, and correlate that with how you're feeling). Another thing that can help is a good hose management technique, so that the hose isn't pulling on the mask while you're sleeping.

[mrstevegross]

The mask you are using probably doesn't eventually get comfortable for you--if it hasn't in 2.5 weeks, it's unlikely that either your face or the mask will adjust in time. But there are some fitting tricks we might be able to help with if we know what mask you are using.

If we know what mask isn't working for you, and why, we might be able to make some suggestions. It will also help to know some things about you--do you mouth breathe? Any issues with the size or placement of your chin or nose that would affect a mask? Are you an active sleeper, or do you tend to stay in one position? What position(s) do you sleep in? What are your xpap pressures?

You will probably have to try several masks before you find the right one. Give your DME provider a call and make arrangements to try other masks. We'll try to give you some guidance as to what masks to ask for if you let us know enough to help.

The time it takes to adjust to this new "thing" varies from person to person. If you will go to "User Control Panel" and post what kind of machine & mask you have, someone with a similar mask might be able to give you suggestions. I fought with my first two masks for the first month - literally throwing it against the wall more than once! Finally, third time charm, found one that doesn't leak when I sleep on my side.

Don't give up - there are folks on this forum that can help you.

1. HW info: I posted my hardware information as part of my profile, so that should now be visible.
2. Breathing: I'm a nose breather, baby.
3. Issues regarding mask placement: Nothing that I know of, anyway.
4. Active sleeper: I don't really know what constitutes active vs. passive sleeper. I guess I move around a bit, but that is probably because of all the stupid insomnia.
5. Any suggestions for other masks? I mean, the one I have is moderately comfy, but if I make it tight enough to absolutely not leak, then it hurts. Is this the case with all masks?

Thanks,
--Steve

[mrstevegross]

Figure out how to fit the mask better (if you can) or get another one. Do not force yourself to sleep on your back, it can make the obstruction worse!! Some people need a really high pressure when they're sleeping on their back, but a more reasonable pressure when they're on their side.

It can easily take a few weeks to a few months to find and get used to the whole setup, psychologically. How much longer it takes after that depends on how quickly you find the right mask, and whether you have a data-capable machine (so that you can chart your AHI's, leaks, and correlate that with how you're feeling). Another thing that can help is a good hose management technique, so that the hose isn't pulling on the mask while you're sleeping.

1. Thanks for the info on side vs. back; I would much prefer the side if that can eventually work.
2. My device is supposedly transmitting my data back to the doctor; I've got an appt in a few weeks to look at the data. I don't suppose I can just get the data myself sooner?
3. The hose is definitely not pulling on the mask; I've got it in a good position.

Thanks,
--Steve

[mrstevegross]

Aha... Looks like there are masks without headgear. Are these any more/less comfy?

http://www.cpap-supply.com/CPAP-Masks-s/13.htm

Thanks,
--Steve

[brain_cloud]

Aha... Looks like there are masks without headgear. Are these any more/less comfy?

http://www.cpap-supply.com/CPAP-Masks-s/13.htm

Thanks,
--Steve

More or less. But they are just as stupid as the ones with headgear.

[Jersey Girl]

Hi Steve!

Welcome to the forum. I found that two of the easier nasal masks to be: a Respironics Comfortgel Nasal Mask or the Mirage Softgel Nasal mask. I did tighten them, but not too much and they did not leak. The comfort gel evenually leaked a little from the top, but the cushion was getting a little worn out, I think. Both of these go over the nose - the entire nose. If you are game for trying nasal pillows - they just stay at the bottom of your nostrils, the Swift FX is found to be very comfortable for some folks here. The truth is, what is very comfortable for me, may be uncomfortable for you. Mask choice is a very personal thing. I tried (4) masks and the fourth one was my favorite - just kept trying new things, until I found my personal best.

The purchase of a Regensis buckwheat hull cpap pillow from http://www.pur-sleep.com helped make my sleeping with my mask much more comfortable. It kind of works on the same concept as a beanbag chair did when we were kids. I can run my hand along the pillow and make a spot for my mask.

After using my humidifer a bit in the winter, when my husband likes the bedroom at a cool 62 degrees, I found that I was getting rain out (condensation in the hose and/or mask) and so I purchased a fleece hose cover from http://www.padacheek.com. These hose covers come in cheerful colors and patterns and solved my rain out problems.

The adjustment period is different for everyone. Some people slap on the mask and they're good to go (very few). Some of us took weeks or months to become fully adjusted to our cpap therapy. The good news is that as you search for your perfect mask, eventually find it, ask some questions here to tweak your therapy, you will eventually find peaceful, restorative sleep and better health.

Please continue to reach out and let us know how you are doing.

With warm regards,

Jersey Girl

[ccm]

re: reading data - I have the same machine. Do you have an SD card in the back? Since I don't have the software at home, I have taken the card to my DME 3 different times and they have given me a print out, explaining what each graph means. Ask your DME if they can read it for you.

re: masks - I know that masks are highly personal and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for someone else but just FYI my EasyLife Nasal has almost no leaks even when I sleep on my side (which is most of the time).

[MarylandCPAPer]

After 2.5 weeks, you are unlikely to adjust to a mask that you find uncomfortable. The best next step is to try different masks. There are lots of them. If you go to CPAP.com, the sponsor of this site, there is a guide that helps you in narrowing down the masks that may best suit your needs. I would then suggest going to a local DME and trying on masks to find one that is comfortable for you.

If you are open to nasal pillows masks, some good ones I've tried are the Opus 360 and Breeze. The Breeze is very comfortable for side sleeping as there are no straps on the face.

Everyone's mask preference is different. If you try on masks attached to your CPAP/APAP machine, you can get an idea how you like the angle of the expiration port out of which air flows (which can sometimes be a problem if the air blows toward your eyes, your sleep partner, etc), as well as how the air feels as you breathe. You need to be able to keep your mouth shut while sleeping with a nasal pillows mask. I have not found that to be a problem, although I was a mouth breather pre-CPAP. There are chin straps and other devices that will help keep your mouth closed if a nasal pillows mask turns out to be your preference.

I have tried quite a few masks at the DME's office. I take my machine with me. I think I have the same model as you do. All of the masks I have taken home have seemed comfortable at the DME's office. Some of the ones that sounded great on paper didn't fit me well. So, trying them on is key. I have had problems with some of the nasal pillows collapsing (Swift LT) and pain from positioning of straps (OptiLife and Opus 360), due to TMJ and dental problems. However, mask fit is very individual and you need to find what feels and works best for you.

Good luck and let us know what you decide upon.

[Julie]

Steve - how do you know your mouth doesn't fall open once you're asleep?

[allen476]

Aha... Looks like there are masks without headgear. Are these any more/less comfy?

http://www.cpap-supply.com/CPAP-Masks-s/13.htm

Thanks,
--Steve

I assume that you are referencing the masks that say "without headgear". Those masks still require headgear but are sold without it in case you have headgear.


Allen

[DoriC]

It might be your bed pillow that's giving you problems side sleeping. My husband alternates between the Regeneris Buckwheat Pillow and the SleePaP Pillow. Getting the right mask is the biggest hurdle. You may have to try a few and you definitely can't get good therapy if you're having mouth leaks.

[mrstevegross]

Hi everyone!

1. Thanks for all the advice; I am taking notes on all of this and it has been very helpful!
2. How do I try out new masks? Can I just make an appt w/ my sleep physician's office for this express purpose? (That is, will they be surprised when I call and say I want to try out a bunch of masks?) Are there other places to go to try out masks?
3. Regarding getting the data: my machine has an SD card, and an automatic wireless transmitter; however, I don't just want a printout from the office. I want the data itself, so I can run my own analyses. Any suggestions?
4. Regarding mouth breathing: Well, I suppose I don't know for a fact that my mouth stays closed. But normally I sleep on my side, so gravity is working in my favor in this respect. Also, the wife unit would probably have mentioned something at this point (!).

Thanks again,
--Steve