Frustrated and discouraged!

[Marpon]

After my family threatened to oust me from the house (just kidding, sort of) and complaining about my snoring and narcolepsy during the day (I would instantaneously fall asleep while talking to somebody), I decided to see a sleep disorder specialist. Did the study and, yeah, sleep apnea. I was averaging 20.3 events per hour, waking fully 5 or 6 times per night, dry mouth, etc. I went for the second study and simply could not tolerate the mask. They sent me home after about two hours when I told them I simply could not do it. So, the doctor set me up with an auto cpap. Lots of electronics, humidifier, warmer, etc. Nice machine. The problem is, I just cannot tolerated the full face mask. It is uncomfortable, claustrophobic, and side and stomach sleeping (which is what I do) is impossible. I am supposed to "desensitize" myself by wearing it during the day, but to be honest, I really don't want anyone to see what this looks like. I have had this for only two weeks, and the very best I have done is two hours with no sleep at all. Am I just being paranoid? Would a different mask with more flexibility be better. I hate the forehead piece, but when I try to adjust it, I get leakage all over the place. Has anyone experienced this, or am I just doomed to failure?

[kteague]

It is not unusual for the first mask to not be the best mask for someone. If you were to register and list your equipment there might be some tips to help you with the mask you have or for side sleeping. We do have full face mask users who side sleep, so maybe even the type of sleeping pillow used could make a difference. Would be interesting to hear from full face mask users who stomach sleep as to what works for them. Were you given a full face mask due to mouth breathing? There are other styles and masks that accomodate even stomach sleeping, but any mouth breathing would have to be resolved. I may not be in the majority on this as I've read some have successfully changed their sleep style to accomodate their masks. But I think this treatment is hard enough to get used to and being able to sleep in the position one has slept in all their life helps get thru the adjustment phase. Best wishes in working it out so you can begin to get sufficient sleep with therapeutic treatment.

[fsmitty]

You might want to go back to your DME and try another mask. I have been on CPAP for a little over 2 weeks and in that time had to return one mask. My doctor prescribed me a full face Mirage Quattro. This mask caused the same problems like you are describing with leaks etc. The biggest problem was the forehead piece that dug into my head causing some welts in the morning. Also my bridge suffered some nasty sores which was helped with some moleskin tape. What broke it for me was the leaks as I could never get those under control. The doctor showed me another ful face mask that hooks under the chin, this one look promising. However, by doing some research on this forum, I went in and asked for the Mirage Liberty. It consists of two nasal plugs and a small mouthpiece. I need the mouthpiece as I am a mouth breather or that is what they told me. Anyhow, the leaks are easier to adjust out and I like the freedom of not having anything around the top of my nose and forehead. You might want to give this type of mask a try.

Best of luck as I feel your frustration as I have been there.

[TrueBlue]

You're not alone believe me! I have struggled with nasal masks and my one night with a full face mask was an absolute disaster ! I was so fed up with the dents on my face, leaks and general feeling of being uncomfortable during the night that I felt like giving it all up. However, I am now using nasal pillows and love the feeling of freedom they give me. I've had a few problems with them but I'm think I'm gradually getting on top of it all now - thanks big time to this website and the invaluable help and information here. Keep trying different masks - there's one out there that will be right for you - you've just got to find it. Very much trial and error but worth the effort. Good luck !

[jweeks]

... but to be honest, I really don't want anyone to see what this looks like.
... Am I just being paranoid?

Hi,

Maybe not paranoid, but certainly hung up on something. If you had a broken leg, would you be concerned about how the cast looked? If you needed a pacemaker, would you be worried about what other people would think? Same goes for CPAP. This is a device that treats a life-threatening condition. It is a beautiful machine. You should be grateful that it can save you from an early death rather than worrying about whether or not it is color coordinated with your outfit.

And if you do want something to be paranoid about, ask yourself if you want people to see you in a casket after an early death from a stroke or heart attack brought on by the low blood oxygen levels caused by your serious OSA. Perhaps you want to educate yourself a bit more, and understand that your health is a walking time bomb ready to explode if you don't find a successful treatment for this illness.

-john-

[Pugsy]

The problem is, I just cannot tolerated the full face mask. It is uncomfortable, claustrophobic, and side and stomach sleeping (which is what I do) is impossible.

Try a different mask. Try something with less on your face like one of the nasal pillow mask systems. If you are a serious mouth breather try the Hybrid or ResMed Liberty. These will get the stuff off your forehead and nose and minimize the chance for claustrophobia to sneak in. Optilife nasal system even offers little cushions that go against your nose instead of the nasal pillows which go slightly in the nostril. There are any number of other choices available to try.

Ditch the "I can't" thoughts and replace with "if this mask doesn't work I will try another kind".

[carbonman]

The problem is, I just cannot tolerated the full face mask.

Gee, sure wish I could remember stuff.
Wow, sure wish I had some cognitive ablilty.
Gee, sure wish I had my coordination back.
Boy, I wish I could bring my blood pressure down.
Too bad I have an enlarged heart problem.
Sure wish I could loose this weight.
Too bad I can't stay awake at my job.
Sure wish I could play w/my kids.

Wow, too bad I had a stroke.
Boy, this diabetes and insulin thing is sure a PTA.
I'll bet I would feel a lot better if I wasn't so tired and depressed.

....but, atleast I don't have to wear that annoying mask thingie.