Newbie here - have some questions

[zookeeper]

Hello and Merry Christmas to all! I was recently diagnosed with Sleep Apthia and rxed my Fisher and Pakal (heated humidifier) machine 5 days ago (4 nights). I've read it takes a while to get used to the mask (nasal mask) and "think" I might be getting there slowly. The wife says I am sleeping better (I have yet to feel the affects), as she is since my snoring has stopped completely. She wakes up just to see if I'm ok but I am still wakeing up every 2 or 3 hours, most often when I move or try to roll over. I am wondering if a direct nasal mask may be better so I can sleep on my side (my previously normal sleeping mode) without disrupting the seal or airflow. I am considering the Fisher and Pakal Infinity 481 direct nasal mask but don't know if what I've experienced to date is what could be deemded as "normal" and I need to give it more time. Does anyone have experience with the 481?

Thoughts, suggestions?

[Linda3032]

Hi Zookeeper and Welcome.
There 481 isn't usually the nasal mask of choice. There have been a couple of Polls on nasal pillows. See:

viewtopic.php?t=5884 (Swift vs Breeze)
and
viewtopic.php?t=6136 (Aura vs Breeze)

Do searches on this site for more info on those nasal pillows. That should help alot.

Also, ask your DME if they have these devices instock so you can test them.

Good Luck.

[harikarishimari]

Mr. Zookeeper, I have four mask, a Swift with nasal pillows like you are asking, and a Somnotech, and a UltraMirage II, and a FF Ultramirage. I have tried all of these, and have used them with sleeping on my side which is the way I sleep most of the time. I think there are no problem sleeping on the side, nobody said I should not. And there are no problem with mask leaking. Why do you think you cannot sleep on the side with any mask? That is the best way. And maybe you can sleep better too. Did you try that? Do you think it can break the mask? No, they will not break just for sleeping on the side. And Merry Chisrtmas to you too.

[popcorn machine]

Hi zookeeper!

I use the Aura nasal pillow interface and it is my favorite. You are smart in thinking that finding a comfortable mask is going to improve your sleep quality while using a cpap. I browsed around at cpap.com to get lots of information on diff masks n'such. They are a good place to start.

Also, I've tried to browse around at several other forums, but this one seems to have the most knowledgable and friendly people... and some very funny ones too.

Good luck!

[wpinef]

For the first couple of weeks I would wake up every time that I would move it seemed. but now at about 7 weeks on the hose I am only waking up 2-3 times a night that I am aware of.

Dave