Just another new user issues/questions hoping for advice

[GinnyBear]

Hello all in the CPAPTalk Forum. I have enjoyed searching around on this site and have come across some very good information and advice from others.

I am somewhat new to the CPAP user world and came upon this site while doing some CPAP research recently. I discovered in March that I have moderate OSA, which I guess was not too much of a surprise as my Hubby has told me for a few years now that I constantley snored and I would stop breathing and gasping for air many, many times through the night. Sleep Apnea test confirmed that.

Since the end of March I have been using the ResMed System one with humidity & heated tube and started out with the GoLife for her nasal pillow. After about three weeks I could no longer use the GoLife nasal pillow as I had constant infected sores in my nostrils, even after using Lanolin gel. My Respitary Therpaist then switched me over to the Quattro FX nasal mask. This mask seems to be better, but I have some issues to bring up and see if anyone can provide some insight or advice.

1. Even though I have now been using a Gecko Nasal Cushion with the Quattro nasal mask for about three weeks now the bridge of my nose is still very sore and red. I have tried using some gauze under neath the cushion for the past few nights but I still seem to have some non-infected sores on the nose bridge with the redness for several hours and the soreness never seems to go away.

2. When I wake up in the morning which is usually quite early (4:00 - 6:00) I take the mask off and then turn the machine off as well. After about 10 minutes I seem to be short of breath and very figity...after I get out of bed the figity issue goes away and after I have been up for a couple of hours the breathing issue goes away.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!

[Pugsy]

No mask should cause open sores or abrasions on the skin. If it does then it is either not fitted properly or the wrong size.
You might consider a mask liner to see if it will help with the sores on the nose but they shouldn't be an issue.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html makes a nice one that can be used for months and months. You can make your own out of an old T shirt.

Welcome to the forum.
Respironics makes the System One machine...not ResMed

Since the end of March I have been using the ResMed System one with humidity & heated tube

What is the model number on the bottom of the blower unit? If Respironics System One it will be a 3 digit number with maybe some letters before and/or after the number.

2. When I wake up in the morning which is usually quite early (4:00 - 6:00) I take the mask off and then turn the machine off as well. After about 10 minutes I seem to be short of breath and very figity...after I get out of bed the figity issue goes away and after I have been up for a couple of hours the breathing issue goes away.

I have no idea what might be going on with this issue.

[Sir NoddinOff]

You may want to try the new Wisp nasal mask from Phillips Resperonics. It avoids touching the top part of the nose and its fairly easy to get a good seal. It's not as minimalist as the ResMed Swift FX or Bella pillows but does offer a different way to go. Check this: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/wisp-n ... ck-pr.html

[caffeinatedcfo]

Welcome!

I agree with Pugsy regarding the sores ... sounds like a bad fit.

My Respitary Therpaist then switched me over to the Quattro FX nasal mask.

Do you mean the Mirage FX? The Quattro FX is a full face mask. If the Mirage FX, there is some decent info here on fitting: http://www.resmedmiragefx.com/miragefx/en/fitting.html. Also, here is Resmed's official sizing guide for that mask: http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... lo_eng.pdf.

Sorry I've never heard of your other symptoms. Has anything else in your wellness changed? New meds/dosages, sleep habits, illness, etc.