I'm back and I'm whining

[OCNorsk]

I thought I would give everyone a break from my whining. I am still totally struggling with my CPAP after three years, or forty... I forget. The air blowing in my head gives me a headache. I taped my mouth shut and I took the skin off my lip among other mini disasters. I just saw an article on UARS and I'm wondering if that's part of my problem. I recall that several people tried the dental device and didn't like it. Maybe the ones that did aren't on the forum anymore. Bottom line, I think I read that the dental device hurts, which I'm not doing. And I don't remember what it's called.

Thank you for any help.

[aguest]

Instead of taping your mouth, have you tried a full face mask? What pressure are you using? Give us some detail if possible. You shouldn't still be suffering after 3 years. Do you have a copy of your sleep study...any suggestion of 'upper airway resistance ' in that?

[OCNorsk]

I was tested on a FFM but that wasn't what they prescribed. I don't think I have a copy of the sleep study. I went back to the orig. dr a few months ago and it was a very not satisfying 15 second appt. I'll go look among the "stuff" and see if I can find the sleep study. I've also gained about 15 pounds since then.... oooo that hurts to admit.

[Julie]

Hi... If you are a mouth breather when you're asleep, you do need to do something, but whether you get a full face mask is your choice, not a matter of prescription - that's only for the machine, though at the beginning, you get 'a' mask prescribed so you can get started. Now - you do need an MD to write a script to get another mask, but it's for reasons having nothing to do with your treatment, only the dealer's business. SO, if you first get a DME to let you try various FF masks in different sizes, hopefully lying down, and you find one you like, then get your MD to write a script for that - I'm sure they'll be happy to see you're trying to maximize your treatment! As far as taping goes, there are various kinds of tape (not 'duct' or the white kind for bandages) that won't hurt when you take them off, e.g. blue painter's tape (really!), or 3M micropore tape from the drugstore, and others (do a forum search here on 'taping' for more info).

[OCNorsk]

I'm actually a tape princess. I have several types. My most exciting experience was with the denture strips.

Thanks for the hint. I will contact the DME and see what they say. They have given me different masks to try in the past, none of which I liked. I know I have asked about the FFM in the past and was told.... something. Well, whatever it was I didn't get a FFM.

[Sirca]

Since you've been using nasal pillows, one of the hybrids might be a good choice. The Hybrid was my fourth mask after a couple nasal masks and a nasal pillow mask. I often have problems with nasal congestion and rarely made it through the night with the first three. Made it through an entire night the first time I used the Hybrid, and that was also my first night with an AHI below 5. I haven't been using it very long (under a week), but am very happy with it so far.

[idamtnboy]

You know, after reading the number of posts on here where folks are having real issues making peace with their xPAP therapy I am grateful for how easy my experience has been. In my first visit at 30 days w/ the sleep doc actually sounded a bit amazed at how well I was doing. Went from serious apnea problem to no problem. No leaks to worry about. Variable pressure from 6 to 14 and almost never hit 14 so he set it fixed at 9. I'm still on my first nasal pillow & headgear, Swift LT. And on top of all that I'm feeling better! This is not to brag in the least bit but just to say I am humbly thankful for how well it has worked out for me. I wish everyone could have as good an experience as I've had.

[OCNorsk]

I am probably the only person I know who WANTED CPAP. I was thrilled when I was prescribed a machine. That's probably why I haven't given up. That and the help I've gotten from this forum.

I don't know what a hybrid is, but I have the Swift FX, too... is that a hybrid? Probably not. I've also got the mask that goes over your nose and I did the boiling and the fitting with that. I tried those things that go up into your nose.

[cflame1]

a hybrid has both nasal pillows and a mouth cushion.

[Julie]

Go to Cpap.com and type in Hybrid in the search bar...

[pdean44]

I have not tried a hybrid yet. 2 weeks ago I went from the mirage activa nasal to the quattro full face.

I just could not get the nasal mask to work for me. I could not stop the mouth breathing.

The full face mask has been more difficult for me to get up and seal properly. I have been tinkering for 2 weeks and think i finally found the setup that will work well for me.

I refuse to give up on this therapy I know i benefit from it.
One of the masks will be just the right one for you. I hope you find it soon.

I am hoping i will finally get full treatment with this mask.

Good luck!

[ozij]

A Hybrid mask looks like this:




I had to switch to one from my nasal pillows mask.

I like it very much.

Try it.

[OCNorsk]

Thank you for your help.

I'll let you know what ends up working for me. I know I can't be the only one with this going on. I feel like 50% the air goes directly from the nose into the sinuses. Even though I've turned the humidity up to 5, it feels dry.