Tiration Study last night, mask hurt like crazy, panicking

sbr3500 · Post by **sbr3500** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:01 am

I am 31 and not overweight and not happy about this. Having said that, after learning I had 34 episodes per minute I realized I needed to simply be positive.

I had my tiration study last night and liked the full mask better (I think I am a mouth breather). But, I think it was too small or too tight or something. The top of my nose feels like I was struck by something or punched and the pressure really wore on me. I slept 3 hours supposedly. I have a red mark on the bridge of my nose the size of a dime and it's a little swollen and looks like its going to be black and blue.

Is it fair to assume that this was just the mask and when I get my results by and shop for equipment that I will find a mask that does not hurt my nose? It was unreal. Are there masks our there that don't actually put any pressure on the bridge of your nose? I was really discouraged. It didn't seem that bad at first and then in the middle of the night it became unbearable. But, I was simply focusing on trying to sleep so they would have the necessary information to know what to set my CPAP at. I realize doing this at home has to be easier (without all the extra hook-ups) … but the sleep clinic gave me the mask and said it's a top of the line Respironics. (I think .. I am work right now feeling real tired and the mask is at home) … I felt like tossing the mask out my car window on the way home this morning my nose hurt so bad and still does. No way can I use this mask.

Sorry for the rambling message but I am freaking out.

I'd love help and advice on mask that avoid the bridge of your nose the most.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:12 am

OK, I'm up on my pedestal. Ask for an Activa by Resmed. It is the (IMHO) very first mask a newbie should use. It is not full face mask as they don't make it yet, but you will have the highest chance of compliance, is the only one that can be worn loose and therefore not hurt, and will not bother the bridge of your nose. You will be glad you did or you will have to live with the tightness and pain the other masks will require. The other option would be to try nadsl pillows like the Swift and Breeze,but the best advise I can give again IMHO is to start with the Activa.

HisServ · Post by **HisServ** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:16 am

"I am 31 and not overweight and not happy about this. Having said that, after learning I had 34 episodes per minute I realized I needed to simply be positive."

You're not happy you're not overweight??? You could fix that very easily you know! Just kidding... I just wanted to through a little humor in there....

Good luck in your treatment... there's a lot of people here with lots of good advice. Don't be afraid to ask questions and look at past posts!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:18 am

Ah... those top of the line Respironics masks.....

Let's put it this way:
Many, possibley most, new users are given one or another kind of Respironics masks.

The some of them become dissatisfied, freak out, search on the net, and find the board.

And then they discover they are not alone. I have the impression that the majority of posters who started with a Respironics mask no longer use it...

A few rules about masks:
1. They're like shoes: what fits one fact will not fit another. One person absolute favorite is the other`s absolute horror.

2. They have to be comforatble - no ifs and buts about it. What you are describing is unacceptable - the mask was probably tied on much too tight.

3. If you use the search button (top second from right) for "masks" with Rested Gal as author, you find plenty of suggestion and explanations.

4. No mask feels like your favorite slipper in the beginning, but you don't have to accept anything they throw at you.

Welcome and good luck!

O..

sbr3500 · Post by **sbr3500** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:22 am

What about this mask???

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/total- ... onics.html

The Respironics total face mask? It looks like it puts a lot less pressure on the nose and is some ways less claustrophobic

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:30 am

sbr3500:

You've just been given advice from two of the most knowledgable (and nicest) people on this site, Rock & Roll and Ozij (nice comparison, O, to shoes-now everyone knows for sure you're a woman!!!). They have both been around the block with these issues and have given you very insightful information. One of the other "sages" you haven't heard from on this issue is, as Ozij mentioned, Restedgal who will make a mask work for her at all costs. O mentioned looking at some of her posts on this site as to what she's done to conform different masks to meet her needs. Truly, as she puts it, a "lab rat" when it comes to working with masks.

And, YES, the sleep study RTs put those masks on so tight, almost as if they are getting back at their spouses for an argument earlier in the day and are using your face to strangle the life out of them. They make them way too tight.

The only other input I can give is, as per R&R's and other's advice for masks to use in the beginning, my second mask was the Activa (wore the Oracle for one week-don't ask). I used the Activa for six weeks. It is a great starting point. Am now on the Swift and absolutely love it, but nasal pillows may not be the thing for you.

Good luck and let us all know how you're doing.

sbr3500 · Post by **sbr3500** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:41 am

I am shocked at how thoughtful and supportive everyone on this boartd is.
Thank you so much.

I just looked up this Nasal Pillow System and that looks great. The least intrusive thing i have seen.

What's the downside? Looks to good to be true. (Money is no object for me based on my experience last night ... I will pay anything to feel awake again and have energy as soon as possible)

yawn · Post by **yawn** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 9:00 am

Welcome to the Board and hang in there...you'll get ALL the help you need here. I totally agree with what everybody else is saying. I've tried tons of masks and my favorites are:
The Active - for a mask...super comfortable, stays sealed, you can wear the headgear LOOSE...you don't want it tight! Even works well if you sleep on your side.
The Swift - for nasal interface..I've been using one for 2 nights now and really love it. I had to make some "modifications" though (most masks seem to need some type of tweaking). I found the swift to be very loud the 1st night and was given a suggestion to fix the noise and it worked great!!!!! Just needed a little scotch tape. Also, use the largest nasal pillows....not the ones that 'fit" the inside of your nose. It's a great interface for side sleepers
So...talk to your DME or RT about these 2 masks. You tell them what you want, don't let them tell you what they think you need.
Whatever you end up chosing, ASK QUESTIONS....there are many people here that are happy to share their experiences with you. Together, we will all conquer this!!!!
I hope you can get some sleep tonight! ..Amy
P.S. if you're a little confused by all the "lingo" used here, just click on CPAPopedia icon (above) and you'll find a sort of dictionary of terms.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 9:04 am

Amy,
What about Scotch tape???

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:35 am

sbr3500 wrote:I just looked up this Nasal Pillow System and that looks great. The least intrusive thing i have seen.

What's the downside? Looks to good to be true. (Money is no object for me based on my experience last night ... I will pay anything to feel awake again and have energy as soon as possible)

One night with the Swift and no downside yet. I call it my "nose snorkel" (wearing the tube to the top).

OK, my wife laughed at me but then I showed her some of the alternatives I could have tried and she sobered right up!

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:46 am

Sleepless on LI wrote:Amy,
What about Scotch tape???

Check out this thread: viewtopic.php?t=3991

sinclaj · Post by **sinclaj** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:34 pm

I have been using the Swift for 6 months and have 100% compliance. I find it to be comfortable, and way more unabtrusive than a "regular" mask. Just resist the temptation of tightening it too much, or it can cause some pain.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:24 pm

WAF:

I looked at that link and I'm still a bit confused. Must be a thick person...but am I to understand that this person took tape and taped where the slit part goes into the end cap on both ends, the hose end and the snap on end? I am so confused...

Maybe I need to change my name to Clueless on LI???

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:49 pm

Sleepless on LI wrote:WAF:

I looked at that link and I'm still a bit confused. Must be a thick person...but am I to understand that this person took tape and taped where the slit part goes into the end cap on both ends, the hose end and the snap on end? I am so confused...

Well, that's how I interpretted that post, but now I'm not sure.

Maybe I need to change my name to Clueless on LI???

On re-reading I'd say there's more than one possible interpretation, so you're no more clueless than the rest of us.

Unless and until my Swift starts making noise I won't know where it needs this fix.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:50 pm

I had my tiration study last night and liked the full mask better (I think I am a mouth breather). But, I think it was too small or too tight or something. The top of my nose feels like I was struck by something or punched and the pressure really wore on me. I slept 3 hours supposedly. I have a red mark on the bridge of my nose the size of a dime and it's a little swollen and looks like its going to be black and blue.

sbr, I don't mean to laugh (what you experienced isn't funny at all!) but all through that paragraph I was thinking, "Bet'cha it was a Respironics ComfortFull."

Lo, and behold, just a bit farther down in your post... LOL!!

I echo the great suggestions of the others. Do try the Swift and the Activa, if you don't actually leak (or gush) treatment air out of your mouth. Heck, even if you do leak, there are things you can try to stop the mouth leaks. Tape over the lips is one of the surest ways. It's definitely worth finding solutions to mouth air leaking in order to wear the more comfortable interfaces.

Or, try another brand of full face mask like the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF. Feels totally different from the "Comfort" Full they used on you during the study.

If you do go to a DME to try the masks, take your pillow with you and forget dignity during the fitting. Lie down on the floor if they don't have a bed or couch, make them hook up a machine at your prescribed pressure, roll around in all your favorite sleeping positions. Make their day...lol...it will give them something to talk about later..."You won't believe the crazy customer we had this morning."

If the Ultra Mirage FF cushion size feels ok, but it leaks up toward your eyes and no amount of adjusting the forehead support angle helps, have them try the other cushion shape in the same size. The shapes are "standard" and "shallow".

Good luck!

Tiration Study last night, mask hurt like crazy, panicking

Tiration Study last night, mask hurt like crazy, panicking

Nasal Pillows