Need Serious Help!

[wantagoodnytesleep]

Hello:

This is my first post on this forum. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea over a year ago. I did the sleep study and the doctor set me up with a Fisher & Paykel Cpap Machine. I have tried a few different masks and have not been successful with any of them. I do realize feeling uncomfortable and clastophobic is probably the least of my concerns, but I just cannot seem to keep any of the masks I have tried on at night. I always rip them off before I get to sleep.

I have considered possibly trying a full face mask, but to me, a full face seems more constricting than the other "nasal pillow" and light weight masks I have tried in the past.

My question is, (and I hope this does not sound stupid) but are you able to use any mask with any system you have? I was wanting to possibly try out the Respironics OptiLife Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask or the New Version Breeze SleepGear CPAP Interface System but am not sure if it will work with the machine I have? Also, I was curious to see if any of you have tried these particular masks and how you would describe they work for you.

Thank you so much in advance for your answers, I really hope I get this condition under control soon or I believe my hubby may kick me out of the bed real soon!

Ali

[kteague]

Ali,

Just a couple things to rule out before you invest in more masks...

Is your pressure adequate?

Are you using a ramp feature? If so, at what pressure for what period of time?

If these are not right for you, no mask will be okay. Good luck.

Kathy

[wantagoodnytesleep]

Hi Kathy:

Thank you for your response. Yes, the pressure seems to be alright for me. He had me set at 12 and it does have an adjustment where you are able to have lighter air pressure for the first 10 minutes or so, then it becomes full pressure.

I really do not mind investing more money on a mask that will work.. I guess I am still confused if you can buy any type of mask with your machine. Everytime I have received a new mask, it was bought through my doctor.

Ali

[rested gal]

I guess I am still confused if you can buy any type of mask with your machine.

I've used a lot of different masks with a lot of different machines. There can always be an exception, but yes.... you can mix and match different brand masks/machines. Many people do.

[SleepGuy]

Ali, the masks are interchangeable. The important thing here is that you keep at it. If you have OSA then therapy is extremely important for your health.

There are a number of good threads on claustrophobia and getting used to your equipment. Just search. Good suggestions include wearing your mask during the day, cleaning equipment to get rid of the plastic smell, etc.

Hang in there!

[Goofproof]

Check the pricing at cpap.com, if you lack INS you might find them a better way to go. Jim