Tired and cranky from fighting with the mask

[ewl]

Hi:
Well, I am one day short of finishing my first week of cpap. Getting used to the pressure was not as hard as I thought, and I've been getting 8+ hours a night with it on with an average AHI of 2 and a leak rate of 33 (mask leak is about 25 I think). But last night I was about ready to heave the mask out the window. The first few nights it was not bad-- some fussing but generally ok, but the last couple of nights-- wow. Seemed like every time I moved even a little, a new leak sprang up, so I kept on tossing and turning and trying to get it right. Big red mark on the bridge of my nose all day long, but if I adjust the bridge gizmo outwards I get bad leaks under the eyes. What's worse, I've got bad sinus pain over/behind my eyes that I had before the cpap (sinus infection maybe) but the leaks have really made it hurt more. Stop the leaks, get the red mark back. I know I can't expect everything to go great right off the bat. But today I'm tired and cranky, a bit discouraged. Should I give this mask a bit longer or call and try to get something else (like ?). I haven't tried the boiling to fit your face thing; does that help much?
Well... thanks for listening...

[frustratedmary]

You sound like me. I have had many nights like yours. I've been on cpap now 3 months and Iv'e tried 6 masks. The mask you're on I tried but it felt heavy on my face. The one I now think I'm going to keep is the Comfort lite 2. My equipment store lets me exchange masks as long as I haven't kept it for more than 30 days. Yours might be the same. Then you can see what's out there. Keep trying you will be a success story soon.

[DarkSideOfTheMoon]

I had the same mask as you and I had a hard time with it. It actually fit worse and had more leaks after I boiled it. So I boiled it again and let it cool without putting it on my face. I ended up with a Fishel and Paykel mask which has a smaller footprint on my face. The petite worked well for me because I have a small nose. It isn't as "cushy" but it cut down my leaks. The forehead piece also wasn't as comfortable but I put on a headband to protect my forehead from lines. It just is like a nose cozy so it doesn't push into my eyes or teeth.
I know what you mean. I have had beautiful nights sleep and then others where nothing went right. Last night was a bad night for me. Sweaty, mask pulling to one side, felt extra tight, my face hurt. The night before not a single issue. I'd stil take a bad CPAP night over one without it though. I hope that helps.

Cathy

[ewl]

Thanks much for the encouragement! I'm going to keep at it. Maybe I'll try boiling it. What the heck. Also hoping that the Pursleep aromatherapy kit I ordered will help make the experience slightly more tolerable.

What's the wisdom about using nasal pillows when you have a deviated septum? Does it matter? They intrigue me, but I've seen people saying both that pillows are GOOD for deviated septums, and others (incl. my DME) saying they're not. Mine is moderate-- I can breathe through that side, and it doesn't make me breathe through my mouth. Do pillows blast the air so strongly that it'd be apt to get sore?

[Muse-Inc]

...Do pillows blast the air so strongly that it'd be apt to get sore?

Depends on your pressure. Mine was 11 and after getting used to that pressure in the beginnning (any is too much in the beginning ), it was OK. I wear one of the least bulky masks made.

[Marietjie]

Do pillows blast the air so strongly that it'd be apt to get sore?

No ! use Lansinoh nipple cream and
humidifier - that solves sore nose problems.
GoodLuck !

[ewl]

Thanks! I may check out pillows... of course, after my rant yesterday, last night I had the best sleep all week! Go figure.