Okay, I am new to the forum and as a CPAP user. To say the least I am frustrated and in need of some EXPERIENCED advice. I was diagnosed just before the end of the year and received my machine about a month ago. My study showed that I had an average of 86.6 events per hour with my oxygen level as low as 63%. Needless to say, I NEED this thing really bad but needing some help finding a mask that I can live with.
Initially I was sent a Respironics Comfort Gel mask and this thing just does not fit me well at all. I must have the smallest head & face known to man! So, I asked to get an Innomed Nasal-Aire II which has the biggest nare holes imaginable even with the extra-small pillow. I'm back to using the Gel mask until I can figure out what to do next. This mask seal is easily broken since I am a flip-flop sleeper and it makes my nose, face and teeth sore (yes teeth, I can't explain it except that it tends to rest against my mouth and pushes on my teeth). Anyone else have this experience?
I would love to hear any recommendations anyone has as far as a good mask to try next. I do have my first follow-up appointment this Wednesday so maybe they can help me.
I'm just looking for some good advice! Thanks for listening.
Jamie
Frustrated and ready to give it up!
9 posts
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If you can, ask to try on several different masks. For a restless sleeper the Resmed Acitva is recommended. Personally it felt like a big alien sucking at my face. I use the Swift and love it. Very small and lightweight.
Some side sleepers seem to like the Breeze. Go to this site's parent site and look at pictures of all the different masks. Also, just do a search on this site for masks. You will get lots of recommendations, but what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Getting a good-fitting mask that you like and will use every night is the most important part of being successful with this therapy.
Good luck in your search!
Some side sleepers seem to like the Breeze. Go to this site's parent site and look at pictures of all the different masks. Also, just do a search on this site for masks. You will get lots of recommendations, but what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Getting a good-fitting mask that you like and will use every night is the most important part of being successful with this therapy.
Good luck in your search!
When I woke up this morning my girlfriend asked me, 'Did you sleep well?' I said 'No, I made a few mistakes.' Steven Wright
Jaimie,
I use the Swift nasal pillows and if I have it to tight I get sore teeth, big time. I swear they are loose in the morning. I had an appointment for a teeth cleaning awhile ago and I asked my dentist about it. He said my teeth were nice and tight, thank goodness. He will check again in 6 months. He said I could get a mouth guard but they are expensive. I did try the "boil and bite" guard, costing about $1.25 at a sporting goods store. I had to trim it to fit but still couldn't use it, I gagged too much. Others here have used it with success.
Keep searching for the right mask, it's a pain but when you find what's right for you the battle is half won. Good luck
I use the Swift nasal pillows and if I have it to tight I get sore teeth, big time. I swear they are loose in the morning. I had an appointment for a teeth cleaning awhile ago and I asked my dentist about it. He said my teeth were nice and tight, thank goodness. He will check again in 6 months. He said I could get a mouth guard but they are expensive. I did try the "boil and bite" guard, costing about $1.25 at a sporting goods store. I had to trim it to fit but still couldn't use it, I gagged too much. Others here have used it with success.
Keep searching for the right mask, it's a pain but when you find what's right for you the battle is half won. Good luck
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| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Sleepyhead, Aussie heated hose, Pad A Cheek Products |
Bonnie
"People who say they slept like a baby apparently never had one"
"People who say they slept like a baby apparently never had one"
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Guest
Yuo might haave the staps too tight. I find that my mask wooks best when the blue inside piece is NOT pressing tightly against my face (and teeth). This seems to allow the clear outer piece to inflate slightly and seals against my face. It seems like it foats over my favve. When I get a leak blowing into my eyes, I can tuck the edges of the mask back under and it quickly seals. I am a restless sleeper and move from my right and left side often through the night. It took me about a week to get the straps right. I hope this helps.
DON'T GIVE UP!
I sympathize with you situation. I returned from the sleep study with a Comfort Gel, two different sized Nasal-Aires and a Simplicity mask. To get the Comfort Gel to fit I found my teeth would ache (and continue aching the next day). I couldn't tolerate the nasal pillows of the Nasal-Aire, and found the Simplicity a bit claustrophobic. The smartest thing I did was to move into the guest room for the next week; I didn't want to suffer in silence or wake my husband as I adjusted and experimented. I experimented, changed and eventually adapted by the end of the week. After washing the Nasal-Air on a daily basis, I found it became much more pliable and as a result more comfortable without leaking.
Keep trying until it becomes second nature. Tell you doctor all your concerns and he/she doesn't listen (or offer help) find another doctor. It is easy to give in, but your health depends upon it.
Good luck,
Napper
I sympathize with you situation. I returned from the sleep study with a Comfort Gel, two different sized Nasal-Aires and a Simplicity mask. To get the Comfort Gel to fit I found my teeth would ache (and continue aching the next day). I couldn't tolerate the nasal pillows of the Nasal-Aire, and found the Simplicity a bit claustrophobic. The smartest thing I did was to move into the guest room for the next week; I didn't want to suffer in silence or wake my husband as I adjusted and experimented. I experimented, changed and eventually adapted by the end of the week. After washing the Nasal-Air on a daily basis, I found it became much more pliable and as a result more comfortable without leaking.
Keep trying until it becomes second nature. Tell you doctor all your concerns and he/she doesn't listen (or offer help) find another doctor. It is easy to give in, but your health depends upon it.
Good luck,
Napper
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Guest
Take a break for a few nights if needed. Then, you might be able to give it another shot without feeling sooooo frustrated!! Swift works great for me and, as you see here, lots of others like it too! I know that teeth hurting thing is the pits!!!!!!!! Been there, done that!!! I think that it happens when the mask frame is too large and/or too tight, and it presses against the teeth. Drives me crazy and I will avoid it at any cost! Good Luck!
And, please, don't give up completely!
And, please, don't give up completely!
Hi Jamie,
Mask are very different, though for some reason, for the majority of people the Respironics line is the first they get.
A majority don't stick to the Respironics apparently the "Comfort" part to the name is wishful thinking, not a description...
The mask makes a termendous difference, so insist on trying other maks.
You'll find usage tips for different masks in various posts and in the cpap faq (red balloon) above the message board.
Many of us have been terribly frustrated in the beginning. The message boards were a life saver for me. Don't give up. You're speaking to people who've "been there, done that" -- far far more experienced at sleeping with these contraptions than most DMEs and doctors.
The final decision should be based on how you feel in the mask. The two masks I now use are something like no. 4 and 5 - the first 3 were no good for me.
O.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, CPAP
Mask are very different, though for some reason, for the majority of people the Respironics line is the first they get.
A majority don't stick to the Respironics apparently the "Comfort" part to the name is wishful thinking, not a description...
The mask makes a termendous difference, so insist on trying other maks.
You'll find usage tips for different masks in various posts and in the cpap faq (red balloon) above the message board.
Many of us have been terribly frustrated in the beginning. The message boards were a life saver for me. Don't give up. You're speaking to people who've "been there, done that" -- far far more experienced at sleeping with these contraptions than most DMEs and doctors.
The final decision should be based on how you feel in the mask. The two masks I now use are something like no. 4 and 5 - the first 3 were no good for me.
O.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, CPAP
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| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
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rested gal
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9 posts
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