Starting to figure this out

[sleepyb]

This site has been great. First post but I've been reading and learning since April when I finally convinced a Dr that I needed a sleep study. (took 5 years of asking) Results were Severe Apnea 53 AHI with 90 AHI on my back. I was given a basic CPAP machine the next day but it was not working very well. The mask kept blowing in my eyes. I am a side sleeper mostly so I kept knocking my mask and it would leak badly Also felt like I was breathing through a straw on ramp set from 5 to 10. Started to read on this forum and I asked the DME if I could to exchange for a data capable machine.... you know the drill. Took almost 3 months but I got my prescription changed, returned the rented machine, went to a different DME that only sells Remstar auto and Resmed S8/S9 auto. (I got really lucky he is a therapist that also uses cpap.) Got the Remstar Auto (wanted the S9 but he said he had just returned a couple and wanted to find out why they were failing before he sold any more of them). Found that my pressure 90% was 13 on my back and 10 on my side. The machine is set for 8/13 Apap w/ A-flex. I still don't have software (need to save up some money hopefully next week) or the detailed manual on how to set it. (If someone could help with the detailed manual that would be great). My AHI is around 4 so it would be nice to be able to change the settings a little. I got the swift LT. like it, no more leaks, but I wish it was higher off of my ear. (it presses like glasses on my ears). Also I found that the nose pillow fills with water over the night and when I roll over I get a nose full of water. Any cure for that? Through all that, I don't think I have ever felt this awake. I am actually starting to remember things.

[Julie]

Hi, have you tried turning down your humidifier so less water goes into your mask? And have you considered that you could be breathing with your mouth open once asleep and losing all the cpap air that way, for which a trial of taping, and/or a FF mask could be an answer? What about trying a little piece of foam where the mask hurts your ears?

[sleepyb]

I think you might be right about opening my mouth. I don't know about tape. The thought does not appeal to me. I'll try it though. Any suggestions on what kind?
I have messed with the humiditiy and no longer have water in the hose but I still have water just in the pillow. I was told not to lower it too much because my nose dries out and closes. Maybe the tape will help with that also?
I don't know how I'd get foam between my ear and the strap. I think that would cause more pressure. As it is I have to lift the strap so that it is angled more towards the top of my head than straight back.

[Julie]

There are various kinds of tape people use, so rather than my guessing at a couple, try doing a search here on it and see what comes up (if that doesn't work, let me know). I just thought a small pad, spreading out the pressure on your ear, might help - I presume you've played with the gear otherwise, but I would look into FF masks on Cpap.com because it gives an amazing amount of info. on all of them, including pix and which ones are popular, etc. etc.

[Janknitz]

I'm not sure you have the headgear adjusted correctly if it's bothering your ear. Check the fitting guide here http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/multime ... 50x500.swf to make sure you are putting it on correctly. In the "troubleshooting" section toward the end of the slide show it tells you how to adjust the headgear if it's too close to your ears.

I hope you get it figured out.

[DreamOn]

sleepyb, I just sent you a PM (private message) with the information you requested and some suggestions.

[Wulfman]

sleepyb, I just sent you a PM (private message) with the information you requested and some suggestions.

Well, he's got more than one of them then. I know he hasn't opened mine yet, which I sent some time ago.


Den

[sleepyb]

Thanks Janknitz. The straps are off my ears Guess it would have been good to read the instructions
Thanks also DreamOn for the manual. It will be a good read tonight if I can snatch the computer away from the kids.
And Wulfman. wow, you just ask and all sorts of help appears. This is great

[chunkyfrog]

I snagged a 8" remnant of fuzzy microfiber at the fabric store.
Whenever I have a little boo-boo, I cut off a little chunk and wrap it wherever I need a little cushion.
it works like a charm. And the little scraps of soft fabric go in the wash with the socks.
Good luck, and hang in there.

[sleepyb]

Ok, I taped my mouth, lowered the Humidity, upped the bottom pressure to 9, adjusted the straps on the head gear... and actually had a pretty good night sleep
Only problem was I woke with a very dry throat and my nose was swollen up and was sore. I guess I better rethink adjusting the humidity.
Dreamed last night though so I think I am on the right track.
I like the fuzzy microfiber idea. I think I'll get some of that.