Chicken or the egg?

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:32 am

I have a RemStar Auto w/ a-flex. HAve my settings at 6-9.5, as according to my data for the last month, seems to be between those numbers. Originally was titrated for 8.

Most recently have been using an Optilife mask with just the nose cover thingy, no nose prongs or whatever you call it. This is a borrowed mask out of my mom's collection of one's she can't use, so I don't know the exact name, as I don't have the booklet.

I had 3, COMPLETE 7-9 hour nights on it in a row. YEAH! It was wonderful....I almost attempted a cartwheel, but ruled that out after about 2 seconds.

My problem is the last couple of nights I awake with my pressure at 9.5 and the mask blowing off my face. Is the mask just blowing off due to the 3.5 pt. increase in pressure, or could my pressure moniter THINK it needs to increase because my mask is leaking??

Thanks for any help. I am getting ready to destroy one of my no longer used foam neck pillows, to see if I can concoct my own "CPAP sleep aid" pillow with a place cut out for my mask to fit in, to see if that might keep the mask from coming askew. Wish me luck!

jimbassett · Post by **jimbassett** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:52 am

The "nose cover thingy" is called a nasal cushion. The other "thingys" are called pillows. You're funny!!

I have only used the pillows and like them alot. It does lose a seal when I turn over as I side sleep either side. I guess thats just part of the game. Hang in there and its bound to get better.....jim

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:35 pm

Thanks JimBassett, for the clarification on the pillows/cushion. O.K., so I'm using a cushion, AND I'm up to speed with the lingo.

I am pretty funny, but unfortunately I'm funnier when I'm not trying to be.

Yeah, you're right about the least little movement seeming to unseal it. I'm a side sleeper too, and spin around like a rotissurie chicken all night.

(Lot of reference to chickens here, I'm noticing).

If I come up with a way to tape my hand to the headgear for extra pressure to keep that little sucker on my nose, I'll get back to you.

___H · Post by **___H** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:50 pm

I've found that going UP a size with the nasal pillows seems to work better with the OptiLife (for me). I was orignally fitted with the Medium pillows at the sleep center, but have had better results with eliminating leaks as well as improved comfort using the Large pillows. I am able to wear the mask very loosely with this combination. Everybody is different, so what works for me may not for you - but it is worth a shot!

I know all about the rotisserie thing. I've managed to wrap the hose around myself more than once.

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:50 pm

I'm using the Optilife at 14 cm, no APAP. Sometimes it helps to be able to get the mask adjusted for the higher pressure. Then when it goes up during the night it won't feel like it's blowing off your face. Try making the straps just a little bit tighter at the lower pressure to see if this holds the seal all night.

I also don't have any problem with side sleeping or moving around. The Optilife has been really great in that respect...

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:51 pm

O.K. So I think my brain is more damaged than I originally thought.
(I had a really bad night last night). I'm sticking with that excuse.

I posted earlier that I was using an Optilife mask.
I have no idea why I wrote that....it's a Comfortlite!!!

Sorry!!!