One week after Dx

[xenablue]

Ok, it's been 7 sleeps now and I go one step forwards, 2 back.

I have 3 dilemmas that I see:
1. I get a slight headache right after putting my nasal mask on, until about 20 minutes after I take it off. It's not too snug - I've messed with it a LOT to have it tight enough to not move, to as loose as possible (but then I get major leakes).
2. I have a bit of a problem with having things on my face, and the worst of it is where the mask is across the bridge of my nose and forehead - feels like my head's in a vice.
3. I have moderate sinus problems for much of the year - I use prescription nasal spray and am thinking of taking some Zyrtec to help more. Last night I woke up feeling I just wasn't getting enough air and noticed my nasal passages were a bit constricted (not congestion, but like they were closed up a bit), so breathing through my nose was hard work.

My questions is:
As I'm really not liking the mask against the bridge of my nose or forehead, and nasal pillows are probably not an option due to my sinus issues - what options should I ask my respiratory specialist about?

Have looked on this site a lot and love the idea of nasal pillows, but is it feasible to request a FFM with the nasal pillows?

Sorry to sound like such a newbie...but I am

I really appreciate the input from people here.

Cheers,
Xena

[2ndGenCPAPgal]

Hi Xena and welcome!

It sounds like one of the "hybrid" type masks would be something that might work for you. One is actually called "Hybrid" and the other is "Mirage Liberty." These masks have nasal pillows but also another "piece" that goes over the mouth. Neither have anything on the bridge of the nose or forehead.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/hybrid-cpap-mask.php

What worked for me when I would get mask headaches was to make it so that the forehead piece wasn't even touching my forehead unless I "leaned" into it. I accomplished this by keeping the forehead piece adjusted out as far as I could and keeping the top straps really loose. I manage leaks with the bottom straps and adjusting the position of the mask. I have a FFM so I'm not sure if this would also work for a nasal mask.

[BlackSpinner]

I second the hybrid solution. I have one too and my ENT felt my sinus issues would improve with nasal pillows but since I mouth breath a lot this keeps things under control. The ENT was right, getting warm humid clean air shoved up my nose has done wonders for them.

[Janknitz]

Try adjusting your humidifier. Too much humidity gives me a wicked headache and stuffed nose, too little and I'm dried out with a sore throat. It took me a bit of fiddling to find that "sweet spot".

Zyrtec is a good idea as long as your doctor approves. I take generic Claritin, every day, as suggested by my doctor.

You might try a saline nasal rinse, too. I'm not into the whole flushing out the sinuses thing, but I had good results just spraying some saline mist and then blowing my nose really well.

Have you considered a nasal pillow mask? With those, there's nothing touching the bridge of your nose or your forhead. They are lightweight, and comfortable. I have noticed that they really help me keep my nose clear, too.

[xenablue]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

2ndGenCPAPgal, I've looked at the hybrid masks and think they may be a winner - even though the RS said nasal pillows probably wouldn't work with my sinus trouble, I thought they'd possibly help keep them clear.....

I did mess with all the adjustments on the forehead piece and loosened it and the straps as much as possible - I'm wondering if even that slight pressure on my forehead and bridge of my nose is making sinuses worse..... BlackSpinner - maybe my thought might be right LOL.

My doctors OK'd Zyrtec with all my other meds - I hardly ever use it, but think I will starting tonight.

Jankknitz - yes, started messing with the humidity settings and have it on 4.0 right now, started at 3.0, so maybe more playing around with that too.

Geez... this is way harder than my diabetes Dx to manage.... but I'm determined to make this work, dammit!

Cheers,
Xena

[chunkyfrog]

Has anyone EVER had this kind of help from a 'provider'?
Yay for our side!

[xenablue]

I second that chunkyfrog!
The day I was Dx'd with diabetes, I went to the ADA site, joined the messageboards as I fumbled with my shiny new BG test kit and learned all I need to know.

With my Dx a week ago with OSA, my thoughts were the same - come here to learn and ask (actually, I cheated and came here a week or so BEFORE actual Dx cuz when I was fitted with a CPAP during my sleep study, figured I'd be coming here anyway).

As I suspected, here is where all my answers are - with the wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly people who live with this 24/7.

Cheers to you all!

Xena

[jabman]

I second that chunkyfrog!
The day I was Dx'd with diabetes, I went to the ADA site, joined the messageboards as I fumbled with my shiny new BG test kit and learned all I need to know.

With my Dx a week ago with OSA, my thoughts were the same - come here to learn and ask (actually, I cheated and came here a week or so BEFORE actual Dx cuz when I was fitted with a CPAP during my sleep study, figured I'd be coming here anyway).

As I suspected, here is where all my answers are - with the wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly people who live with this 24/7.

Cheers to you all!

Xena

I want to commend you for your great attitude on working to figure this out, you will get there.

[xenablue]

I second that chunkyfrog!
The day I was Dx'd with diabetes, I went to the ADA site, joined the messageboards as I fumbled with my shiny new BG test kit and learned all I need to know.

With my Dx a week ago with OSA, my thoughts were the same - come here to learn and ask (actually, I cheated and came here a week or so BEFORE actual Dx cuz when I was fitted with a CPAP during my sleep study, figured I'd be coming here anyway).

As I suspected, here is where all my answers are - with the wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly people who live with this 24/7.

Cheers to you all!

Xena

I want to commend you for your great attitude on working to figure this out, you will get there.

Thanks for the encouraging words, jabman - I just responded to YOUR post on the other boards LOL.

Cheers,
Xena

[xenablue]

Thanks to you all - I contacted my respiratory specialist and he is arranging an exchange of my current mask with a hybrid YAYYYY!!!! Not sure how quickly that will happen - hopefully tomorrow so I can spend the weekend getting accustomed to it.

Cheers,
Xena