Newbies having a rough time, could use some advice

[jama]

Hi

My husband was diagnosed with apnea three weeks ago and has been trying to get used to his Res Med Swift LT mask. He tosses and turns in his sleep so the mask gets out of place and begins leaking about 5-8 times each night. I am a very light sleeper and I and wake up from the leaking sound; I then wake him up so he can fix it back on his face and he immediately falls right back asleep. Every other day or so he actually pulls the mask off while he is sleeping.

We have been told it takes some time to adjust to a mask and he should wait to see if he adjusts, but the situation is not improving and I just cant see how it will improve. Could anyone advise us: should we give up and try something else (and if so, what) or could he somehow actually make this mask work. Are there any tricks to using this mask that will stop it from slipping out of place?

Thanks so much!!

Jama

[jdm2857]

Sometimes a mask moves because the straps slide on the head.

Adding some Velcro (hook side) to the inside of the straps can help prevent this. The Velcro grips the hair.

[jama]

Jdm - thanks for the idea. He will try the velcro. Jama

[brain_cloud]

Another possibility if that doesn't work is simply to try different types of masks until you find one that works for him. It's pretty unusual that the first mask you try is the one you stick with.

Maybe add some white noise so you aren't woken up by his leaks.

[Bonnie]

I've been using the Swift masks for 5 years and would like to add one tip. Don't put the Velcro on the top strap, just the back. I once figured if the Velcro works for the back straps using it on top would double the stability, WRONG! It pulled a lot of my hair out whereas the back straps didn't. Use Velcro about 1 to 1/12 inches long. The self sticking works great. I also use a mini stapler on it after I get it adhered, stapling from the inside to have the "prongs" on the outside. Another tip for the Swift is not to have it too tight. And when I hose up for the night I put the mask on, turn on the machine and pull the pillow away from my nose a little and gradually return it to my nose with the air blowing, this seems to get a great seal for me. Wrinkling my lips up and down and sideways helps check for a good seal
Good luck, if you can manage the leaks you'll come to love the Swift.

[jama]

Thanks so much, Bonnie! We found some velcro in the sewing kit and will try this tonight. DH and I greatly appreciate the advice. Jama

[74snowman]

I used to have a tough time tossing and turning in bed while asleep. I also use the Swift LT....but I haven't always. I have tried virtually every mask you can think of. It wasn't until I began placing a pillow on both sides of me that I was able to sleep through the night without tossing and turning. I also use a chin-strap to keep me from opening my mouth while asleep. This helps a lot. The pillows on either side of me really help me to stay on my back, and my fiance doesn't wake up with me spewing air all over the place now. Just a thought.
Snowman

[Janknitz]

If the velcro helps I suggest you eventually sew it on (get some non-sticky back to sew on to the strap as the sticky stuff ruins sewing needles). I don't like the idea of staples near my head or my bed linens

Your husband might do better with a hose management system. Sometimes even with the velcro the machine hose bumps the wall or headboard or pillow behind and becomes dislodged. Hanging it from overhead might help with that. Some people make their own from a plant hanger or hook on the wall, and if you look on cpap.com you can see some devices designed for hose management. I hang mine from a swivel lamp mounted on the wall by my bed.

He might do well with a nasal mask that can be strapped on more securely than the Swift system, but those really hurt my nose and leaked more in my side lying position.

[Bonnie]

I've used staples on my Swifts for 5 years, never had a problem with my head or linens (and I have very expensive bedding, my one true luxury). The nice thing is when you change head gear you can remove the Velcro and re-use it on the new on. I know Velcro is not very expensive but every little bit helps in recycling.

[Patrick A]

I had the same problem with several different Nasal Pillow masks. I had to try 5 or 6 before I found one that I liked and or stayed in place.
I have a Mirage Swift II, also have a Opti-Life Nasal pillow Mask. I have been using my Opti-Life until last night and I had to switch back to my Swift II. I really think the reason I am having a problem with my mask now is because of the high humidity that we are having in the area.

[jama]

Hi

My husband (and I) had the best night of sleep yet last night using the velcro on the straps; only one wake up from a mask slip last night!! Thank you so much, jdm and Bonnie!

He attached the velcro with two thin strips of duct tape - one on each side of the strap - which he wrapped around the velcro and the strap. It worked great!

He also put the hose on the bed behind his head, rather than hanging down off the bed, which I think helped because the gravity on the hose was not pulling so much. We are going to explore the idea of hose management system you mention, jankinz, because I can see how that would help,too. Thanks again so much!!

I am hoping we can make this work and not have to move on to something else -

Jama

[jdm2857]

If either of you are handy, search the site on hose management. There are a number of ideas for homemade devices.

[WakeUp!]

I've rigged my hose management and headgear similar to greg_g's. It works great.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=53591&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... nt&start=0

[sleepnationtv]

this is a weekly video blog that has some good and helpful information.
http://www.sleepnation.tv

[sheep1234]

jama,
I have the Swift LT for Her mask and I love it. When I first started out on cpap (11/09), I had my hose tucked close to me, like along my stomach and chest area. I tried to tuck it under my blanket to keep it from moving. Rolling over was a pain.

Since then I've changed my hose set-up. I have always slept with 2 pillows. I have my machine on a nightstand. The 6ft hose runs behind my headboard and then up between the headboard and the mattress. Then it runs behind both pillows and dangles about a foot and a half down. Just enough for me to slip it on and be able to turn over. (I sleep on my stomach or side mostly.) I don't have any leaks.

This seems to work for me. I don't want to attach any hooks or rings into my headboard.

Good luck and tell your hubby to hang in there and don't give up. Keep trying til you get a method that works for you both.