headaches

[Stitchalab]

I have had my machine about 6 weeks and am still having trouble with headaches that I didn't have before starting CPAP. Also still have red sore bridge of nose. I wish I would have written a log of the things I have tried, that haven't worked or improved the situation. I tried the pillow that the CPAP store recommended and it was miserable. Tried another pillow similar but not so stiff or high, that was better but eventually went back to my softer smaller pillow that I can adjust to what ever position I lay in and I have less leaks. BUT I still have the headaches. I still hate my mask but the others I tried were worse. I read tonight about reasons for congestion that I have now that I have CPAP. My hose is warmed and it has a humidifier so I thought it shouldn't cause that but reading in the forum it might need adjusting. I still hate this whole process but for the person that is humiliated about it, I haven't been. My grand kids call my darthvadar because when I talk... they like it. They love me unconditionally. My little dog is not doing well with it though. She is not certified or educated but she is a great companion for my stress issues. She gives me incredible comfort. She doesn't like the leak noises but we are working on that for both of us. I wasn't educated at all with all of this when I had my first doctors appointment and didn't have any questions. Her comment was that if my leaks don't get better I will have to go to a full face mask. So I bought some tape today to try that with my head gear. I can't imagine doing all this. The nose pillows made the skin around my nose openings so sore. I have always had sensitive skin. Back to doc appointment comment... I don't think she is going to be much help!!! So Thank you for this forum. This whole situation has increased my depression but I am still counting on the day that it will all come together and I will have the benefit of more energy and better health. It seems it doesn't happen quite as quickly for some as others .

[robysue]

I have had my machine about 6 weeks and am still having trouble with headaches that I didn't have before starting CPAP. Also still have red sore bridge of nose.

Sounds like the headgear may be adjusted too tightly. Have you tried loosening the straps a bit?

Also---can you describe where the headaches hurt? And how they hurt?

I wish I would have written a log of the things I have tried, that haven't worked or improved the situation.

Start the log now. Better late than never. And add the things you remember trying that didn't help.

I tried the pillow that the CPAP store recommended and it was miserable. Tried another pillow similar but not so stiff or high, that was better but eventually went back to my softer smaller pillow that I can adjust to what ever position I lay in and I have less leaks. BUT I still have the headaches. I still hate my mask but the others I tried were worse.

Just how bad are the leaks? You have an Icon Auto. Have you been able to get the software? Has your DME been willing to print out the full report included the detailed daily software?

It's possible that if your leaks are really bad that maybe the leaking is related to the headaches in some way.

I read tonight about reasons for congestion that I have now that I have CPAP. My hose is warmed and it has a humidifier so I thought it shouldn't cause that but reading in the forum it might need adjusting.

Keep in mind that individual nose needs for additional humidity vary a lot from person to person. Some folks' noses like the humidity cranked all the way up; others prefer no humidity at all. Also consider different temps on that heated hose.

This whole situation has increased my depression but I am still counting on the day that it will all come together and I will have the benefit of more energy and better health. It seems it doesn't happen quite as quickly for some as others .

Keep that hope alive as you work your way through the problems with leaks and the headaches. And yes, it doesn't happen as quickly for some as for others.

[Stitchalab]

My headaches feel like pressure everywhere I will loosen the mask tonight . Maybe the pressure on my nose is causing headaches. I talked with DME today and made an appointment for Monday. She wants to increase the humidity, thinks it has something to do with my sinuses and I do have sjogren's syndrome so dry everywhere. I have not been able to figure out how to download the program to read my stats but I can get a copy when ever I can find the time to go have it read. The leaks were enough that I need to get them down so I don't have to change to a full mask that I assume will just make more pressure and skin irritation . Will ask them on Monday about the temperature on the hose. Having taped my mouth last night made a big difference on the dryness of my mouth and my water container wasn't dry so I think my main leaks are that I don't keep my mouth closed all the time. Also have some leaking into eyes I think, they are red and swollen. It also seemed to make a difference in my seal. I am starting to understand how this is suppose to work and am a little encouraged but I don't feel well at all so it is hard. Trying an eye mask tonight to protect eyes from leaks and some mole skin on the mask over bridge of my nose. Thank you for listening.
My P is 11 and H is 4. This is my reading after first month.
Events per hour: AHI 5.3 System Leak Average 47
AI 2.1
HI 3.2

[Goofproof]

You might do a overnite pulse Ox, too low and that can trigger headaches. As said mask too tight also. Jim

[Julie]

You know, I started out on a nasal mask like most do, but after a while was switched to a FF, and while I don't remember a problem adjusting to it (after having tried many other nasal ones initially to find one that worked at all) I do know that my numbers are great, I feel good and the mask has not been a problem at all. It does strike me that some people have lately been telling others how hard it is to use a FF mask, and it's irritating because the switch was the least of my worries - in fact I think I might have welcomed it because it made things easier in the end rather than otherwise, and I think I'd feel naked now without it! You might end up surprised, once you're getting enough therapy (rather than losing half of it), at how much better you feel! I tried taping too, but while it seemed like an interesting novelty, I didn't feel very comfortable with it for more than a few nights.

[Goofproof]

You know, I started out on a nasal mask like most do, but after a while was switched to a FF, and while I don't remember a problem adjusting to it (after having tried many other nasal ones initially to find one that worked at all) I do know that my numbers are great, I feel good and the mask has not been a problem at all. It does strike me that some people have lately been telling others how hard it is to use a FF mask, and it's irritating because the switch was the least of my worries - in fact I think I might have welcomed it because it made things easier in the end rather than otherwise, and I think I'd feel naked now without out! You might end up surprised, once you're getting enough therapy (rather than losing half of it), at how much better you feel! I tried taping too, but while it seemed like an interesting novelty, I didn't feel very comfortable with it for more than a few nights.

DITTO: More people fail from nasal masks with mouthleaking, A FF mask by-passes the issue from the get go. One less thing to worry over, but it's not a problem, because most people given nasal masks were also given bricks, and weren't told that mouthbreathing can cause treatment failure. Jim

[Stitchalab]

I have read mention of "bricks". I am showing my newbie self by having to ask what are bricks?

[Pugsy]

"Bricks" are what we not so lovingly call cpap machines that don't offer any useful data to help us evaluate our pressure.
Take a look at my signature line and the link for PR S1 software options and you can see what I mean.
Bricks may have data capability but only collect hours of use.
You might read this
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

[Slartybartfast]

Yes, "brick," as in what someone who finally gets an automatic, data-recording machine thinks their old machine is as good as. Brick can also refer to the large heavy external power supply that lies on the floor and plugs into the machine. In both cases, bricks are undesirable.