What a difference a mask makes

[napmaster]

I was complaining to you guys about the terrible time I had with a hybrid type mask (Mirage Liberty). When I get into deep sleep, I start mouth breathing. The mask was basically okay. However, my mouth was extremely dry (that woke me up) and I had some leaks at the pillows and lower on the face as the night progressed (also woke me up). Even with the humidifier on 5 (System One off), it was still really dry.

I think the type of mask that covers my mouth is probably the right choice unless I can get a chin strap to work. The first one didn't. I just ordered the PAPcap. We'll see how that works out.

I will still probably, eventually get the hang of the hybrid type. But, I was very tired and my total AHI was about 24. Since I already has success taping my mouth and using the Zest mask (the Zest made my nose sore), I thought with fewer places to seal, a nose pillow type would be worth a try. Browsing around here, I decided to give the Swift FX a go. The local DME had me fitted with the medium pillow and no leaks in just moments. I put a small amount of Lansinoh inside the edge of my nostrils so I wouldn't get new irritations forming. I taped my mouth. Then, I slept from 11pm to 4am without being aware of anything. It was great! I woke up a couple more times before 8. But nothing big. I did the same thing again last night.

I checked my data just now and it showed that my AHI for the first night with the FX was 4.6 and the second night was 5.2. That's the best success I've had so far. Those are total AHI numbers. Clear airway apneas are the largest contributor by far.

With only limited success so far, it was a real encouragement to get something to work. I hope I can keep the trend going!

[Bones]

I'm glad you've got something working for you. I hope it continues.

[kamps2299@hotmail.com]

hi im de same story been thru 5 mask type used old head gear for chin atrap im sleeping 5 to 6 hrs most nights i also have insomnia and the noise from the blowing would keep me awake assistant turned it to 4 but ive noticed it is on 8 when i wake i have obstruction or collape of air tube so im still working and learning to use and call for advice good luck wish we all had a talk group!!

[brazospearl]

Good for you, napmaster! Hope your success continues!

[rested gal]

hi im de same story been thru 5 mask type used old head gear for chin atrap im sleeping 5 to 6 hrs most nights i also have insomnia and the noise from the blowing would keep me awake assistant turned it to 4 but ive noticed it is on 8 when i wake i have obstruction or collape of air tube so im still working and learning to use and call for advice good luck wish we all had a talk group!!

The "4" you mentioned the "assistant" set the machine for (since you had said the blowing noise was making it difficult for you to go to sleep) is probably a starting pressure for "ramp" -- to let the machine slowly work its way up to your prescribed pressure. The idea being that less pressure/less noise might let you drift on off to sleep before the machine gets up to the higher prescribed pressure. Just a guess, and I'm assuming they gave you a CPAP machine rather than an autopap or some other type of machine. Also am assuming they told you to hit the "ramp" button any time you wake up with the pressure or noise of the pressure bothering you, to make it drop back down to 4 for a fresh start.