Doc switching me to autopap mode - Questions

[angcor580]

Hi everyone,
I am currently on my 6th week of wearing my mask and sleeping with the CPAP machine. My AHI was still high so my doctor has put in an order to switch me to autopap mode instead of one pressure. Has anyone been through this change? Did this make a difference?

I have good nights and frustrating nights with my full face mask - Amara. Is this normal? Last night I could not sleep with it since the air was leaking into my eyes. What kind of seal can I use on my nose to block leaks?

Thanks!

[raptor5150]

yes, I was switched to auto after a month because i was having problems too, now I sleep great.....masks are different for everyone, takes adjustments to get it right or maybe a different mask. Dont give up....it does get better

[stage0]

Sometimes, ones facial features, bone structure, etc, will cause a less that optimal seal for full face masks. Search these posts for a person called Pad-a-Cheek (or google it); she sells mask inserts for indivigual masks manufactuers and sizes to reduce that air leak. She can help you. One thing you do not want to do is overtighten a full face, it will cause those obnoxious red marks,, headachess and bad hair mornings.

[angcor580]

That great to hear and look forward to changes in mine for better results. I am on my 5th mask. I am a little person so most masks will not fit me properly so I am seeking tips to tweak my Amara mask. I heard about the mole or the ear plug which you put along the nose to seal leaks. If so, where can I get this?

[angcor580]

I am currently using Pad a Cheek liners and strap covers which has helped tremendously. I just need to address leaks into eye areas.

[Pugsy]

Were you thinking about the Mack's ear plugs that is pliable like silly putty?
To use to make sort of a gasket seal around the nose?

[stage0]

By 5th mask,,,does that include the Hybrid type of mask?

[angcor580]

Pugsy I heard of that one. Do you know if that is effective? Where can you get it?

Yes I tried the hybrid mask and wish I stay on it but with my chronic sinusitis...I would end up pulling off the mask.

[Pugsy]

I have never used the Macks silly putty stuff but I think a few forum members have and that's how I heard about it.
I have no idea where to get it though.
I think they are called Mack's Original Silicone ear plugs...have to watch closely because most of them are foam and not the pliable material like silly putty.

http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Earp ... B00027CC52

http://www.macksearplugs.com/products/P ... pair-white

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/mack%2 ... 11-product

Look's like Walgreens has it. Don't know about WalMart.

[Janknitz]

Macks can be found at nearly every drug store where in the aisle where you find ear related stuff (like ear drops).

But, before you do that, be sure to read "Taming the Mirage Quattro" in my signature below. The Amara is an air cushion mask, so the tips will help, even though it's a different mask.

Unless and until you get those leaks under control, the APAP setting won't do you much good. The machine tries to adjust the pressure to compensate for leask, but when the leaks are too large you're not going to get anywhere. So tackle the leaks first.

Then, let the APAP do it's job. The biggest problem people may have with an APAP is when it has a wide open pressure setting (4 to 20). In that case, it may have to "chase" apneas and ends up going higher than necessary to finally get the apnea under control. A more narrow setting is usually more effective, but the doctor will probably have it set wide open because it takes time and attention with a more narrow setting to dial it in for you. In any case, that will get you in the ball park, and then--if you're brave --we can tell you how to tweak the settings to fine tune them.

[angcor580]

Thanks Pugsy...I will check it into it. Well it look like to the new pillow was not a good support for my head with mask. I went back to my old pillow and didn't have the leak problem. I feel so much better today!!

Thanks Janknitz! I will read the suggestions for the mask. Good to know about the APAP setting and how it works. I am not too concerned as I know it will take time. I can already messaged my doctor if there any problem and she responds quickly.