Mask adjustment problem

[monica4patience]

Last night was my 3rd night on CPAP and I was more restless than ever. I couldn't seem to get the Fisher & Paykel Zest mask to stop leaking at my eyes. I took it apart several times to be sure that I had it together right (okay maybe a bit OCD!) I had to tighten the upper straps to get it to stop the eye leaks. It would be okay and then I'd roll over and start leaking again. I'd pull the mask out and let it settle again and then fall asleep. I'd wake throughout the night with the upper strap riding up in back and pulling the mask against my nose. My nose is very sore this morning, almost bruised.

Funny thing is that I didn't have this problem the first or second night. My AHI for nights 1,2,3 = 2.0, 4.5, 4.0 (7 day average).

Is there a mask that's recommended for active sleepers? I have Fibromyalgia and frequently change position due to pain and/or discomfort. I do not sleep on my stomach, but every other position .

[ChelseaChestnut]

You might want to try out a different mask. I tried out 4 before finding the right one. Every mask is different and every face is different. Good Luck!

[KatieW]

I like the Activa Lt. See it here: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

Instead of the headgear that it comes with, I use it with the PapCap Plus: http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6

Also, look into different head pillows and hose management systems, as that will keep things from dislodging your mask.

[monica4patience]

I think that I tried a dual-wall mask during my titration study. I really liked it best until I lay down with it. Then it was just too big for my face. It slid toward my eyes or covered my lip. If I could have used it sitting up it would have been great!

[sleepnationtv]

Hi,

If you are an active sleeper I might recommend trying one of the resmed masks. The activa lt and the micro are both good masks. I like them because they let you adjust how tight thecmask is on the bridge of the nose. We have a few videos on our site that you can watch tocsee what the masks are like. http://www.sleepnation.tv

Also we just started a free mask trial program that you can use to findcthe best mask without buying them all. Visit http://www.sleepnation.tv/trialprogram to learn more.

Good Luck,

Dane

[brazospearl]

Monica, I like the Hybrid, but finding the best mask is like finding the perfect jeans. What works best for one might not work best for another. Also, as Katie stated, different bed pillows and hose management can make a difference as well. It's also common for a mask to seem ok for a couple of nights, then develop leak issues. I've know idea why, but you aren't alone in this experience. Finding the right mask is key, and you might need to try several (or many!) before you get the right one. Good luck!

[monica4patience]

I made a few adjustments last night based on suggestions from this forum. I had a great night, slept 9-3/4 hours with a few awakenings. AHI 4-day average was 3.8. Encore Viewer software should arrive shortly and I'm looking forward to seeing the data.
(1) made a "worm" of Mack's silicone ear plug; positioned over the bridge of my nose and down the sides: made a great seal with absolutely no leaks; (have lots of ear plugs due to needing them to drown out my now-non-existent snoring);
(2) draped the hose over a towel on the bedpost and turned the elbow of the mask upwards; therefore the hose went over my head; I moved myself down the bed a bit and lay the excess hose behind my pillow; I needed to make a change because I had wrapped the hose around my neck the night before ;
(3) placed a baby pillow vertically on top of my bed pillow; this helped keep the mask off my pillow when I rolled side to side.

Thanks to all forum contributors I had a good night's sleep!

[brazospearl]

Congratulations! Isn't it amazing how little tricks & tweaks make such a big difference? Glad you slept well, and hope that continues.

[jazzer4]

Monica good for you!!!
Rested gal would be proud of you and I see "your thinking" to get it figured out.
It really is something we all need to work on till "we get it right".
This is just one of the reasons this forum is so wonderful. So many great mask fixes and ideas.
Susan