Controlling my mind games

[betty303]

I have not been doing well the past few nights. I have developed an aversion to getting comfortable in my UMFF mask. I get really antsy and every little thing drives me nuts - too tight, too leaky, too noisy, air too warm breathing out so I feel claustrophobic, etc. I have not been able to keep it on for the past 3 nights - finally giving in and just going to sleep with only O2 in my nose.

So I am waking feeling zonked, headache, etc. and freaked because I am not getting my treatment. I am very disappointed in myself for not being able to influence my inner mind games.

I have practiced some taking naps with a nasal mask, which feels much less conflining, but since I am a mouth breather, I am having trouble with the pressure from my chin strap pushing my jaw into an uncomfortable position and finding pillows or cushions that will fit my slotted nares without too many leaks.

Any advice for getting more control of my antsy mind? I have had a few nights a few weeks ago, when I made it through the night in my FF mask and felt pretty comfortable in the morning with it - even though I had very red marks from the mask being too tight. So I know this is possible, but my mind is balking!

[Linda3032]

I'm sorry you are having problems.

From what I've read, the straps are not supposed to be tight. And some people use "moleskin" on the mask to help reduce leaks.

You might try getting a smaller or larger silicone cushion. You also might try a new full face mask.

I've heard that the new Soyala full face mask is out this week. A lot of people are excited about it.

[betty303]

Linda - I have two UMFF masks - the small is too short (my mouth can't open at all and it presses hard against my teeth just under my lower lip.) The medium is too long and it either leaks at the eyes or out from under my mouth end.

I had a mask fitting at the Sleep Study Center, and the RT there said my cheekbones are too prominent for these masks, (the deep curve in along the cheek line goes in too much) so I have a Respironics ComfortFull 2 on order. (and going broke from buying all these trials!

I have tried moleskin - but I am not sure I am doing it right. I put it directly onto the cushion and it doesn't stick, so I gave up on that possibility.

Thanks for you suggestions. I will keep my eye out for reactions to the new Soyala.

[WillSucceed]

At risk of sounding all "new age"... have you considered doing some meditation BEFORE you get suited up for bed.

Google "Mindfullness-Based Stress Reduction" and/or Jon Kabbat Zinn

This guy is a Dr. who has specialized in pain control through meditation. He has a couple of books out as well as a tape/cd training series. I have read the book and make use of the CD's. I've also completed a 8 week training in which different meditations (all mindfull-based) are taught.

I know that meditation can come across as pretty ligght-weight, but this stuff works. Seriously, it works. One of the meditations that is taught can be done in as little as 5-10 min. When I was starting out with CPAP and feeling as though the enemy was attached to my face I made use of meditation and it got me settled down such that I drifted off to sleep without issue.

Good luck!

[Offerocker]

Betty303,

Another suggestion, which is one I've read and think may be worthwhile:

(If you can) put your mask on during the DAY, (while watching TV for instance), to work through the discomforting things. You might be able to solve some of the aggravating things before you go to bed.

I know how annoying it can be, to have something bother you to no end. One of those problems could even be the cause of another - you never know.

Good luck.

[rested gal]

I have practiced some taking naps with a nasal mask, which feels much less conflining, but since I am a mouth breather, I am having trouble with the pressure from my chin strap pushing my jaw into an uncomfortable position

Betty, I know that "taping" the mouth sounds like a drastic solution, but it's the one many of us turn to (and are usually surprised by how easy it is) in order to stop mouth breathing and be able to wear more comfortable masks than those bulky FF masks usually are.

I'd have to wear a FF mask all the time if it were not for tape. I used two brands of FF mask my first six months. Hated them. Once I slapped some tape over my mouth and started using the Breeze nasal pillows interface, I was able to sleep comfortably. Since then, the Twilight NP (nasal pillows) has become my "every night" comfortable mask. But I'd never be able to wear it (or any other non-FF mask) without taping my lips shut.

Links to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

[betty303]

Great links. It will keep me occupied for quite a while reading these!

Sooooo much info here to learn and absorb. What a resource!

Betty

[SleepGuy]

Keep at it Betty! Don't get discouraged. You'll find the right combination of solutions--it will fall into place for you if you keep at it.

Bret

[betty303]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

WillSucceed - As an off again/on again meditator, I tried meditating before I put on the mask and when I have it on. I can't seem to get out of focusing on the irritations...aargh. I have not thought of using relaxation tapes as I am falling asleep - I have some and will check my collection to see if I can get that to work.

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours tweaking the Breeze to see if I could get it to stop leaking. Success! In my trials of using it for naps my wide Elastic chin strap worked, so I tried that and fell to sleep quickly with no anxiety that I had using the mask. It felt great. But I awoke suddenly about an hour later with an upset stomach and I think the chin strap was not enough and I breathed through my mouth. I have not found a tape that works yet - but I will try to rectify that one too.

I would dearly love to be able to use pillow or cushion nasal mask - sooo much less confining feeling, but have been discouraged by my determined mouth breathing.

Onward.... trying the Hybrid is on my list, and does anyone have any report about the new Soyala?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and encouragement!!.

[Vader]

does anyone have any report about the new Soyala?

The Soyala nasal mask is great (for me, anyway) It is very compact, lightweight, and seals great, and... VERY quiet. So far, it's my very favorite mask.

I recently got the Soyala Full Face mask, and as eager as I've been to try out this promising mask, I have not yet done so.
I've been too busy with a lot of traveling, etc., but I plan to give it a good tryout before posting my results here.

[AnotherElizabeth]

I struggled with the same thing. I learned that mine was a bit (or a lot) of rebellion. I really didn't want to use it. I wanted my freedom and when I finally accepted the fact that it was here to stay, my mind settled in also and I learned how to make everything comfortable.

Yours may not be rebellion but it does take time to adjust to it all and I know there isn't a one of us on here who would choose this treatment if we reallly realllllly didn't need it.

Elizabeth

[pedroski]

Hey Betty,

Hang in there buddy. There are lots of pappers who've struggled through what you're going through, and they're all rooting for you while you get it sorted out. You're right about stress, it's a real killer of sleep.

I am very disappointed in myself for not being able to influence my inner mind games.

Don't be too hard on yourself, it's a big learning curve and adjustment to go through, the more you feel disappointed in yourself the worse you'll stress out.

I'm with WillSucceed about the power of meditation. My wife and I hold hands and pray last thing before we go to sleep, and it helps to put any stress or worries out of my mind.

Good luck.

Peter