Side sleepers out there - what type of mask do you use?

[soccermom4]

Hello,

I'm a newbie - just spent my first night on the CPAP machine. Resmed Elite and full face mask. I don't know if i feel better or not. I breathe through my mouth (or thought I did) and sleep on my side, so i thought this would be the best option for me. I used the nasal pillows for my sleep study but my nose was whistling and i didn't think i could keep my lips shut all night so i opted for the full face mask. I know everyone is different, but i had such high expectations that i would wave up feeling SOOOOOO much better today and that didn't happen. I asked if my hubby slept better, since i wasn't snoring and he said yes. Then he asked how i felt and the first words out of my mouth were the mask is kinda big and will take some getting used to. He got peeved and said that was $1200 well-spent (NOT!). So i'm a little frustrated and was wondering if anyone else out there sleeps on their side and what kind of mask you wear.

Thanks for the input!
~karen

[LoQ]

I am strictly a side-sleeper, and I use an Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask. I actually bury the edge of the mask into my regular pillow, which helps me to get a better seal.

I just want to make an observation about your comment regarding mouth-breathing. I do that, too, which is why I use an FFM. When I put the mask on while standing, I have observed that it is quite easy to create a LARGE gap between the mask and my face at the bottom just by opening my mouth. There is no tightening of the straps that would render this impossible, and I daresay I could eat a sandwich through the gap. Therefore, I also use a home-made equivalent to the chin-up strip in lieu of a chin strap (can't make those work for me). Alternatively, I have also taped the mask to my face at the bottom edge, but while that works, it makes adjustments and scratching under the mask harder, if not impossible, after the mask is taped on.

You may wish to experiment with a chin strap if you can stand it, or with a chin-up strip or taping your mouth shut. If taping your mouth shut underneath the mask leads to you feeling better, then you better find a way to fix your jaw dropping down at night.

I would also recommend that you look at your efficiency numbers on the LCD screen in the morning (there's still time--do it before noon on the machine) and see what kind of leak rate you are getting, as well as your AHI.

[davecpap]

One thing that helped me with side sleeping is getting a decent pillow that didn't push against the mask:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPbd3aHB1QY

http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... ategory=14

[Tired Linda]

Welcome soccermom...I'm a former soccer mom myself (2 daughters, both goalkeepers)

I've been on this treatment for 32 nights. Ever heard the saying "Rome was not built in a day"? It took time for you to get where you are, and it's going to take time to fix. It may sound blunt, but that's pretty much the way it is. There are people out there who slap on a mask, go to sleep and all is well. I was sure I was going to be one of them. I learned pretty fast that they are not the norm.

The people on this board are experienced and willing to share. Read, read and read everything you can. Go up to the top and get familiar with the Wiki (yellow light bulb). And, don't forget to go to the top left at the Control Panel and fill out your equipment list (in print, not photos) so everyone knows what you're using.

I sleep on my side and alternate between nasal pillows (Swift FX) and a hybrid mask. What works for one sleeper doesn't necessarily work for another. A lot of it is in the "tweaks"...your pillow, hose management, chinstraps, taping, etc.

My husband also seems to think that one night of good sleep means I should be cheery and bouncing off the wall. Not so. This is going to be a big adjustment for him, as well.

Stick with us, and we'll help all we can.

Linda

[LoQ]

One thing that helped me with side sleeping is getting a decent pillow that didn't push against the mask:

Yeah, I think a lot of people prefer to use a PAP pillow of some sort. But it is cheaper to try to figure out first if you can make your own pillow work. Some people have success by just sleeping on the edge of the pillow, that is, with their mask just off the pillow and the rest of their head on the pillow. That's really all a special PAP pillow does is allows you to sleep on the edge a little more easily.

[Tired Linda]

But it is cheaper to try to figure out first if you can make your own pillow work.

I'm currently using an $8 contoured foam pillow from IKEA..you can get them at Target and Wal-Mart too. My head goes in the "ditch" and my face sort of hangs off the edge.

[LSAT]

I am a left side sleeper and have had no problems with my Quattro. I use a foam contour pillow that I bought at Kohls for $25.

[roster]

Hello,

I'm a newbie - just spent my first night on the CPAP machine. Resmed Elite and full face mask. I don't know if i feel better or not. I breathe through my mouth (or thought I did) and sleep on my side, so i thought this would be the best option for me. I used the nasal pillows for my sleep study but my nose was whistling and i didn't think i could keep my lips shut all night so i opted for the full face mask. I know everyone is different, but i had such high expectations that i would wave up feeling SOOOOOO much better today and that didn't happen. I asked if my hubby slept better, since i wasn't snoring and he said yes. Then he asked how i felt and the first words out of my mouth were the mask is kinda big and will take some getting used to. He got peeved and said that was $1200 well-spent (NOT!). So i'm a little frustrated and was wondering if anyone else out there sleeps on their side and what kind of mask you wear.

Thanks for the input!
~karen

With time you can work out what mask to use and how to use it. On a more important subject at the moment, what about your machine? Are you getting a data-capable machine that can be used to monitor apneas, hypopneas, snores, mask leak, and other therapy efficacy data?

I use a Hybrid mask, https://www.cpap.com/productpage/RespCa ... -Mask.html , sleep exlusively on tummy and sides and find the mask very stable and leakproof if fitted, adjusted and used properly.

[LoQ]

On a more important subject at the moment, what about your machine? Are you getting a data-capable machine that can be used to monitor apneas, hypopneas, snores, mask leak, and other therapy efficacy data?

She has a Resmed Elite. I suggested earlier in the thread that she look at the efficacy data each morning.

[Geddy]

Hi there.

I have the Mirage Micro with headgear. It allows me to sleep on my side, I just have to be aware of my pillow because it tend to push on the mask and break the seal.

[jabman]

I use the Mirage Micro with headgear and a chin strap and have no problem sleeping on my side. I also use a regular pillow but have a tendency to tuck my arm up under the pillow and sleep like that the whole night.

[Bons]

I have an F&P 431 full face mask that holds my chin in place because it has a little shelf - I can breathe through my mouth and yawn but not slip below the seal. I've been told to never sleep on my back because my AHI was over 50 in that position but much less while on my side. I have the habit of sleeping with my hand on the pillow cradling the bottom of my mask, and have never had a leak (then again I've only been doing this for two weeks).

[dieselgal]

I use the activa. Seems to work the best for me no matter which way I sleep and that is usually on one side or the other and I flip flop all night.

[soccermom4]

Just checking on replies - thanks so much! I'm currently at work so I don't have time to review all the info but THANK YOU, it's nice to know others get me!! I'll be back!

[Muse-Inc]

Like Rooster, err Roster , I wear the Hybrid, the comfort of pillows and security of not losing therapy air if I breathe thru my mouth.