I'm a lost newbie

[Sheriff Buford]

I have been on my cpap for 3 weeks. I have several questions:

I read where you are not suppose to breath through your mouth. Is this correct? My right nostril is continuously plugged, so I breath though my left nostril and my mouth. Will I get the best results this way?

As I stated, my right nostril is plugged (it's plugged all day, I do use a decongestant and I have a humidifier on my cpap machine). I use a mask that covers my mouth and has two nose pillows. Since the right nostril is plugged, the air coming out of the nose pillow has to go some where, so it leaks out. I have tried tape (no results). The leakage noise coming out of the pillow is too noisy. I have access to soft foam ear plugs, and the ear plug fits in the right pillow chamber perfectly. There is still some leakage, but it is tolerable. Any suggestions?

Third and last question. I get up at 4:00 am during the weekday, but on the weekend I like to "sleep-in" till 7:00-8:00 am. I usually wake around 5:00 - 6:00 am, and take my mask off. Am I losing any benefits by doing this?

Thanks for your help!! :

[Hospiceangel]

Welcome to the forum,
I'm a newbie too.
Please go to your user profile (near upper left hand corner), and post the machine you are using, the mask, and any other info like pressures if you know them, so the forum can help you. Instead of pictures make sure you click on text.

It seems to me that you might be better off with a full face mask. The leaks around the one nostril can't be helping, but I'm sure wiser heads will jump in and help. Don't give up and keep posting.
Shar:)

[brazospearl]

Sheriff, if you're using a mask that covers your mouth, you will still be getting your lovely therapy air when you breathe through your mouth. That's why many people who have nasal difficulties use full face masks.

Any time you sleep without your cpap you are a.) not getting therapy and b.) having apnea events. That sorta sounds like the reverse of what you want to have happen, doesn't it?

We might be able to be more help it you post your equipment in your profile.

[jweeks]

I read where you are not suppose to breath through your mouth. Is this correct? My right nostril is continuously plugged, so I breath though my left nostril and my mouth. Will I get the best results this way?

Hi,

If you are using a nose mask, you cannot ever open your mouth when the machine is running. If you do, you let the pressure escape, and the machine cannot help you. If the mask covers your mouth, then you can breathe through your mouth as well as your nose.

As I stated, my right nostril is plugged (it's plugged all day, I do use a decongestant and I have a humidifier on my cpap machine). I use a mask that covers my mouth and has two nose pillows. Since the right nostril is plugged, the air coming out of the nose pillow has to go some where, so it leaks out. I have tried tape (no results). The leakage noise coming out of the pillow is too noisy. I have access to soft foam ear plugs, and the ear plug fits in the right pillow chamber perfectly. There is still some leakage, but it is tolerable. Any suggestions?

This tells me that you are not a good candidate for a nasal pillow mask. At this point, I'd suggest going back to your equipment supplier and get a full face mask. You could order one on-line, but you want to try a few different ones before making a choice. That is difficult to do with an on-line supplier. Everyone's face is different, so everyone will have a different mask choice.

Third and last question. I get up at 4:00 am during the weekday, but on the weekend I like to "sleep-in" till 7:00-8:00 am. I usually wake around 5:00 - 6:00 am, and take my mask off. Am I losing any benefits by doing this?

Don't do this. Even if you are well rested, sleeping without the machine can cause your blood oxygen level to drop. In fact, it can drop to dangerous levels. Over the long term, it can cause heart and brain damage. It can even trigger a heart attack or stroke. Also, the fits and starts at breathing can scare the heck out of anyone who can hear you. Don't do it. If you attempt to sleep, use the machine.

-john-

[kteague]

About sleeping those last hours without therapy, I think of it like this...

I experience digestive distress after eating certain things. I may eat right all day long, but then mess up at the evening meal. The fact that I ate right all day won't mean a thing to my distressed belly, as it is dealing with what happened most recent.

Yes, two hours without the machine is better than 8. But you will be waking from two hours of your brain and body being stressed, so I can't imagine you would wake feeling very good. How do you feel upon awakening - refreshed, clear headed, no headache? If not, there's your answer. If so, forget my ramblings and just remember what is happening to you while you sleep without it.

[Sheriff Buford]

Thanks for your responses! This place is great! I asked these questions to the sleep study folks and they didn't know. The place I bought my equipment only wants to sell equipment. Thanks again!!!

[JOR7]

Looks like you're not lost anymore

[zzzspleez]

I am having some of the same trouble. Oh... I am new as well. Hello
Apparently I am waking up in the middle of the night and taking off my mask... without my knowledge. Is there anything that can be done to prevent that? My trouble seems to be also that it is sinus season... and I cannot breathe great thru my nostrils during sinus season. So I am thinking maybe I need something other than the nasal pillows?? I am sorry to post on another newbies post.... but I need HELP! I am SO SLEEPY.

THANKS!
Penny

[Hospiceangel]

Penny,
Don't worry and welcome to the forum.
I'm a newbie too. I got a swift Fx lite for her as a backup and if I had to wear it all the time I would go nuts.
I can't sleep with it on for more than an hour and I go back to my nose mask. It's a zest by F&P.

You may have better luck trying a nose mask or a full face mask. Go back to your equipment supplier and ask to try on several types. Take your machine so you can feel them with the machine on. Take a pillow and lay on the floor if you must. The masks feel different when you are lying down. Ask questions and keep trying. Don't Give up!!!!!
Keep posting and it's easy to start your own thread. Just Click on the new post button.
Shar:)

[Hospiceangel]

Sheriff,
Thank goodness you're not lost anymore!
Welcome to the forum and keep posting.
Shar:)