A-FLEX w/ Cmfrt 2-Can't sleep, Mask leaking, Side Sleeper

[alanhj13]

I have a new M-Series A-FLEX. This is my 1st CPAP machine. The machine works great, while exhaling there is little back pressure. I can't image a machine without this feature.

My problem is that after almost a week I still cannot fall asleep wearing my Comfort 2 Mask. For a mask it seems to be fairly comfortable but when I turn on my side I hear the mask leaking (intermittent, small spurts of air) and I have to keep adjusting the mask to for it to stop (note below) . I try not to put any pressure on the mask (from pillow) but it still leaks. Maybe it is from my face changing shape with the side of my face on the pillow, I don't know. I already tried tightening the mask but any tighter the mask will be too tight on my face.

Side note: While adjusting the mask outside air gets in and confuses the auto feature. This results in the air pressure increasing making me feel like balloon with all the air blowing in my mouth. The only way to fix this is to restart the machine. So I am also having to deal with this after I try to adjust my mask while trying to stop leaks.

In order for me to get proper sleep, the first 30 minutes are very important. Because of my mask issue I not do not fall asleep during the first 30 minutes and then I am awake most of the night. It's sort of like missing the boat. I am 49 and have been a side sleeper all my life. I am now worried I cannot use this top rated Full Mask (a mouth breather during sleep) for sleeping on my side. Maybe I can try sleeping on my back, but I doubt it. I have tried this many times before and always have to roll over on my side to fall asleep.

Has anyone had this problem? What did you do? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated .
Until then I am stuck trying to fall asleep on my back and eventually rolling over on my side...
I hope this problems gets resolved
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[sepool]

I use a comfort 2 as a full face mask backup. I am using a special pillow - the papillow - it seems to help if I position my head on it just right. I'm a side sleeper, too. However, I do find that I am sleeping on my back more and more when I never did before CPAP.

Sam

[OutaSync]

Fourteen masks, 4 different pillows and one year later, I still have that problem. The CPAP CAP helps a little by holding the hose onto the cap, but I can't use it anymore because the 8 layers of material in a wad on the back of my head while trying to sleep on my back was more than I could take. I will say that the Activa leaks more quietly than all the others and sometimes I can sleep through it for awhile. Stay On glue helps a little, too. It must be the shape of my face because it always leaks around my smile lines. Mack'e silicone ear plugs around the edges of the mask do not help at all. Sticking them in my ears so I can't hear the leaks might be a better idea.

Good luck!

Bev

[gasp]

I use a Tempurpedic pillow that works well when I side sleep with my FF Quattro. All I do is push in the pillow where the mask lays and the pillow stays indented, providing a space for the mask.

However, I will say that I've become particularly well trained at doing things in the night without realizing I'm awake if I am. I can adjust my hose when I turn over in some masks, push my pillow, reseat my nasal pillows, and other tricks according to my husband and be asleep (not responding to him). For some, maybe waking up to adjust the pillow would be a bit much and the pap pillow would be a better choice.

[Wulfman]

As far as a sleeping pillow goes, I'd recommend the Chiroflow water-based pillow. You don't sink into it like other pillows and it doesn't screw up you mask like others do. You adjust the amount of water so that your head, neck and spine are in better alignment. I've been using mine for a number of years before I started on CPAP therapy.

Den

[CorgiGirl]

I also had trouble with the Comfort2. But I'm really sold on the Fisher and Paykel Flexifit 432. It's a full face and has a soft cushion inside the seal. I'm not having any leaking when lying on my side on a regular pillow. Give it a try, if you can. But be careful with the sizing tool. According to it, I needed a medium, so that's what I ordered first. It's too short and I need a large. Fortunately, I didn't have to order the whole mask to get the large size -- all sizes of the cushion and seal fit the plastic part of the mask. Good luck and hang in there.

[gasp]

As far as a sleeping pillow goes, I'd recommend the Chiroflow water-based pillow. You don't sink into it like other pillows and it doesn't screw up you mask like others do. You adjust the amount of water so that your head, neck and spine are in better alignment. I've been using mine for a number of years before I started on CPAP therapy.

Den

Does it need to be maintenanced? Is it cold? Does it rock and roll like a waterbed or feel stable?

[rested gal]

The PAPillow works well for me. I rarely have to use a FF mask, but when I do, the contoured edge gives room for the mask to hang off the side for a sidesleeper like me. I like the "double edge" PAPillow show here:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/papill ... illow.html

[Snoredog]

what is your Minimum and Maximum pressure set to? If it was set up by someone else, it is probably 4-20 perfect setting for failure.

4cm won't be high enough, you will probably starve for air just to breathe normally. Aflex setting of 2 should be fine but it won't kick in until Minimum pressure reaches 6.5 cm pressure. So if it is set to default, it will take it awhile to kick in.

I would:

-check your Minimum pressure and set it to at least 6.0 to 6.5 cm pressure, leave Max at 20.
-while you are in there set up a Ramp timer of 30 minutes and pressure of 6.5.
-get some of those soft foam ear plugs and use them, try a TylenolPM before laying down to compensate for the mask/noise.

[Wulfman]

As far as a sleeping pillow goes, I'd recommend the Chiroflow water-based pillow. You don't sink into it like other pillows and it doesn't screw up you mask like others do. You adjust the amount of water so that your head, neck and spine are in better alignment. I've been using mine for a number of years before I started on CPAP therapy.

Den

Does it need to be maintenanced? Is it cold? Does it rock and roll like a waterbed or feel stable?

Periodically wash it. Probably a good idea to drain the water when throwing it in the washer. Hang up to dry.....then refill with distilled water (with the amount that works for you).
Not cold. Doesn't "rock and roll" and is actually somewhat shape-able.

One of the other "tricks" that I do with mine is to wrap a medium-sized bath towel over it. I started doing this in my pre-CPAP days when I had "head sweating" (apnea symptom). The towel absorbed most of the moisture and extended the time between having to wash the pillow. I continued using that procedure after starting CPAP and found that the towel material also helps to anchor the mask to my face.....in other words, things don't slide around as much.

http://www.chiroflow.com/en/index.html

Den

[ww]

I have a new M-Series A-FLEX. This is my 1st CPAP machine. The machine works great, while exhaling there is little back pressure. I can't image a machine without this feature.

My problem is that after almost a week I still cannot fall asleep wearing my Comfort 2 Mask. For a mask it seems to be fairly comfortable but when I turn on my side I hear the mask leaking (intermittent, small spurts of air) and I have to keep adjusting the mask to for it to stop (note below) . I try not to put any pressure on the mask (from pillow) but it still leaks. Maybe it is from my face changing shape with the side of my face on the pillow, I don't know. I already tried tightening the mask but any tighter the mask will be too tight on my face.

Side note: While adjusting the mask outside air gets in and confuses the auto feature. This results in the air pressure increasing making me feel like balloon with all the air blowing in my mouth. The only way to fix this is to restart the machine. So I am also having to deal with this after I try to adjust my mask while trying to stop leaks.

In order for me to get proper sleep, the first 30 minutes are very important. Because of my mask issue I not do not fall asleep during the first 30 minutes and then I am awake most of the night. It's sort of like missing the boat. I am 49 and have been a side sleeper all my life. I am now worried I cannot use this top rated Full Mask (a mouth breather during sleep) for sleeping on my side. Maybe I can try sleeping on my back, but I doubt it. I have tried this many times before and always have to roll over on my side to fall asleep.

Has anyone had this problem? What did you do? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated .
Until then I am stuck trying to fall asleep on my back and eventually rolling over on my side...
I hope this problems gets resolved
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I sure wouldn't call the Comfortful2 mask a top rated mask! It is not comfortable and mine would never work properly. I beat a path back to my DME and had them get me a ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face in a Small with standard cushion. There are actually 6 combinations so they use a 3D template to get the right one. Get the smallest one that will just cover your mouth and it won't leak in your eyes. They first tried a medium and it leaked air into my eyes because it was too large, although a medium mask of several other types fit ok. They did it by looking at your face instead of using the proper templates. Now I can sleep on my back or side and not fool with the mask all night. Also see what pressure range they set for your machine. Big ranges are doomed to failure. Mine was originally titrated to 7 cm, but actually works well now set to 11 min and 15 max. Yes, Aflex works nice for many of us!

[alanhj13]

THANK YOU ALL for the input and recommendations. I actually had purchased a Hudson Medical SleePAP pillow with my A FLEX and used it last night. Lying on my side, I put the arm portion of the pillow below my chin and sort of hung my face/mask over the curved part are the pillow. SInce the pillow is firm this actually stopped my mask from leaking. Finally, I was able to fall asleep wearing my mask while lying on my side.

My min. setting was low (factory setting) and I have bumped it up as some of you recommended...good stuff. I will even try lowering my max a tad and see what works best. I also appreciate the pillow and mask recommendations. It's good to know I have other options to the Comfort 2 Mask. From what I have read many of you have tried few masks to finally find one you like. With all the awesome support I am sure I will eventually get everything just right.

THANKS AGAIN!

[gasp]

THANK YOU ALL for the input and recommendations. I actually had purchased a Hudson Medical SleePAP pillow with my A FLEX and used it last night. Lying on my side, I put the arm portion of the pillow below my chin and sort of hung my face/mask over the curved part are the pillow. SInce the pillow is firm this actually stopped my mask from leaking. Finally, I was able to fall asleep wearing my mask while lying on my side.

My min. setting was low (factory setting) and I have bumped it up as some of you recommended...good stuff. I will even try lowering my max a tad and see what works best. I also appreciate the pillow and mask recommendations. It's good to know I have other options to the Comfort 2 Mask. From what I have read many of you have tried few masks to finally find one you like. With all the awesome support I am sure I will eventually get everything just right.

THANKS AGAIN!

Yeah! Glad you were able to sleep on your side without major leaks.