Newbie to the CPAP

[fishhunter911]

After suffering feeling like a zombie for the past, what feels like decades, I was finally diagnosed with Severe OSA. I just received my CPAP on this past Monday. The first night was miserable, the second night seemed better, last night was pure hell. I woke this morning feeling like I have not slept in months even though my wife says my snoring has all but stopped and I seem to be sleeping better. I just wish I felt that way. I know it is going to be worse before it get better as I get used to it. I use the Resmed Swift FX nasal with headgear. At first it seemed comfy, but now the inside edges of my nostrils are killing me. Again, I am told this will get better with time.

I guess I am just venting, hoping it will make me feel better.

Has anyone used this mask and changed to something different that is more comfy?

Thanks for listening to be moan and groan. I feels good to be able to let it out to people who can relate to this.

Joe

[Pugsy]

Add a bit of Lansinoh (ointment used by breast feeding mom's to keep nipples from hurting) found in baby aisle at WalMart to your nostrils.

Loosen the top strap and/or try different size nasal pillow. This mask should not cause pain when used properly. Most people make the mistake of having it too tight.

Give this a read to help with fitting.http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/swift- ... ing-guide/

Welcome to the forum. This will all get easier with time and experience.

[fishhunter911]

I thought about the ointment, but thought it would cause the pillows to slide. I see that was also noted in that link.

The fitment guide is fantastic!! I cannot wait to try it when I get home. Thanks you very much!

[Pugsy]

Lansinoh is actually very, very thick and quite tacky. If you use a lot (huge gob) it might cause some sliding around as body temp sort of melts the ointment.

I suggest you use the ointment liberally during the day to help heal existing soreness and sparingly at night.

At most the nasal pillows should only cause minor tenderness until you get used to them. Anything else at it is too tight or wrong size nasal pillow.

This little comfort item is awesome.
http://www.padacheek.com/PACSwiftII_Barrel_cozy.html

I got it last winter to help with rainout in pillow from the moisture in my breath. I immediately decided it would be used all year long. I really had no problems with nasal pillows but this little comfort item takes it to a whole new level.
Pdacheek products were developed by Karen who is also cpap user herself.

[robysue]

fishhunter911,

Welcome to the forum!. Yes, the beginning is tough. With a bit of luck, however, the worst should be behind you in a few weeks to a few months. Having realistic expectations helps during the adjustment period. Just keep working at the issues as they crop up.

I guess I am just venting, hoping it will make me feel better. ... Thanks for listening to be moan and groan. I feels good to be able to let it out to people who can relate to this.

That's part of what we're here for!

Has anyone used this mask and changed to something different that is more comfy?

Masks are in the nose of the beholder. For me, the Swift FX works really well in terms of comfy-ness. But it's not the mask for everybody. If you want to stick with nasal pillows, you might find a Swift LT or an Opus 360 a bit more comfortable. It all depends on how those masks' pillows and frames fit your nose and head.

[ameriken]

though my wife says my snoring has all but stopped and I seem to be sleeping better. I just wish I felt that way.

Take some comfort in what your wife tells you and by what she sees in you. I've been on the machine for 3 weeks now, and my wife has been an inspiration. Very often I don't think I'm getting better and I feel like crap. I'll ask her if she thinks it's working and she says she can see a big difference in my behavior. She says I am acting far better than I did before I got on the machine. I was very often grumpy and even more, I was 'dead', so to speak....she felt I 'wasn't there' many times. Now she says she can see a big difference, I'm not as pale as I was before, and as she says "I've got my husband back".

[Pugsy]

Try to be patient about your expectations of seeing marked improvement in how you feel. While a few are lucky enough to see an overnight miracle, most of us had to be content with very gradual improvement.

It will get easier. You will get more hours of sleep. It just takes time to get adjusted. I was nearly 3 weeks before I saw any change and then it was only the cessation of hourly pee breaks during the night. Took much, much longer for energy levels to perk up.

[fishhunter911]

Pugsy thank you very much for the info on the lotion and the link to the adjusting instructions. I got the lotion and readjusted the mask.. MUCH better night lastnight.

ameriken, thank you for the words of wisdom. I guess I was just expecting a over night result.