Ima newb....

[Meowser]

Hello!!!

newb here....

Name's Alicia.... 29 y/o female in NC/VA area...

Nice to meet ya'll! I've been lurking around today and decided to muster up and introduce myself.

I had my sleep study last week and got the fateful call today.... I knew that if I had to have the machine put on me during my study that I had it, but today when I heard those words that it was confirmed, my heart sank.

I know that this is going to help me... I'm tired of being tired... ya know?

Well, I'm getting the S9 Elite with humidifier... I haven't been called yet to get my equipment.... which is coming from Apria.

I'm curious as to any recommendation for masks.... I'm getting a over the nose mask but I am unsure which one. I got irritated from the one they put on me at the sleep center.... and I dont want that to be an usual occurrence.

What should I do before putting the mask on.... any specific ones that lower irritation... etc.... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Breathe Jimbo]

Apart from the possibility of leaks, your biggest issue is likely to be irritation of the bridge of your nose. You can use a bandaid, a tiny amount of Lanisoh, or other options (which others will suggest). I switched to the ResMed Swift LT nasal pillows after a few days and have never looked back.

[BlackSpinner]

You will have 30 days in which you can switch out the mask FOR FREE. This is via the manufactures so don't let them con you.

You could also insist on trying different masks right there. Insist that they put the machine on at your pressure, lay down on the floor and try it on. That is the only way to test if it really fits. It is a lot like buying shoes for a marathon, you need to run in them!

[Carl LaFong]

First off, your heart should not be sinking. It should be buoyed and uplifted because the demon has been exposed and you're on your way to a better life.

You might consider nasal pillows. I've found them to be very comfortable and effective.

Welcome to the Hosehead Nation!

[jamiswolf]

Meowser,
Must be a cat person. Getting a diagnosis is a double edged sword. Nice to know something can be done about the symptoms but now you have to deal with treatment and all that entails.

For some it goes very smoothly. My sister-in-law is like that. She took to treatment smoothly and loves it. Been doing it for 8 years. she uses the Flexfit405 nasal mask and has no issues with it at pressure of 10cmH2O.

Mask fit is very individualistic and I'd recommend to keep trying till you get one that is comfortable and minimal leaks.

I've used several. Comfortgel Blue, for me is a slight sacrifice...not real comfortable but seals great.

I have one which I don't know much about. It's respironics and has multiple seals. One triangular one inside the outside seals. It really floats on your face and is very comfortable.

Some people swear by nasal pillows. So keep an open mind and hang in there. Treatment is definitely better then no treatment.
Jamis

PS I looked up that Respironics mask and it's called the Easy Life model. very comfortable when adjusted properly (not too tight).

[Meowser]

Thank you for the responses so far....

I'm typically a side sleeper once i get comfy, so will that affect anything like getting a good seal?

Nasal pillows.... pros? cons?

[Lizistired]

I'm a side sleeper and turn over alot. The pillows are smaller so there is less mask for your bed pillow to interfere with. I would definately get them to let you try the Swift FX or LT first. The FX is lighter and smaller, the LT has heavier side straps but is more stable. I use both.

[Cuda]

I would try the Swift FX unless you are a mouth breather at night. Turns out I am so I have to use the Quattro FX while I work that out. Try as many as you can.

[Pugsy]

Nasal pillows.... pros? cons?

Only mask type I have ever used except for a few experiments. Even the titration study. So obviously I can't say much bad about them. I don't own any other mask now.. only the Swift FX. I have used the Swift LT in the past and used it till I got the FX. The "less on my face" was worth giving up the maybe a little more stable LT.

The only drawback I can think of would be if you happen to be a serious mouth breather with major nasal congestion problems because the mouth needs to stay shut for the pillows to be effective.. But even then there are some things to do to try to make it work.

[Carl LaFong]

I'm typically a side sleeper once i get comfy, so will that affect anything like getting a good seal?

Nasal pillows.... pros? cons?

The key is proper adjustment and mask fit whichever you choose. I start on my side but end up on my back (yeah, good!). I felt claustrophobic with the nasal mask. Nasal pilows have been solid performers for me. Just get 'em positioned right and you're good to go and will hardly notice you're wearing them. My two cents.

[Pugsy]

ust get 'em positioned right and you're good to go and will hardly notice you're wearing them.

This is true.

The most common problem with nasal pillows is that people think they have to be enormously tight to seal well when actually the opposite is true. Too tight causes pain, red nose, leaks and general all around misery.
There are several brands to choose from and everyone one of them will have some loyal users. What works for one person may not work for the next but that is the way with any mask.

From the physics aspect of it they are easier to seal because of the minimal skin surface contact when compare to other mask types.

Here is a link to some masks videos. Might help Meowser to see the options up close..
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/masks.html

[ems]

Definitely try the nasal pillows! See below for the one I use.

I'm a side sleeper also... people who sleep on their back or stomach have a more difficult time with sleep apnea/CPAP.

Also purchased a memory foam pillow. I find it wonderful for use with the nasal pillows. I tuck the pillow under my neck which provides great support as well.

Best of luck!

[Emilia]

Welcome, Meowser! We have lots of members owned by their cats here..... as you can see, I have a blue-eyed beauty, too. I don't have much else to add to what everyone has said except I, too, use the Swift LT for Her and love it. I am also a side sleeper and have little to no leaks or issues with the mask. The key is not to make the headgear too tight....nasal pillows just sit against the nostrils with the very end points inside the nose and the wider part snugly against the openings. To avoid any irritation, be sure to get some Lansinoh lanolin (find it on the baby aisle) to use from the first night....and you won't have have any problems. Just a tiny little dab is all you need. I learned about it here before using the mask, and I have used it every night without fail and have never had any soreness at all.

Good luck.... keep us posted on your progress.

[Meowser]

Thank you guys soo much!!

I will definitely try the nasal pillows. I'm not claustrophobic too much but do not having anything over my face.... did a lot of mask wearing when i was in the Navy for drills.

Question... does the support straps on those lay on your face? Just curious....

Will definitely try the lanolin if I choose the pillows.... my plan is to also invest in a memory foam pillow....

I'm a slight mouth breather but when I did my study and the mask was on, I didn't have too many issues, but maybe because before I fell back asleep I tried to make a conscious effort to keep my mouth closed. LOL

The nasal one I had wasn't that bad.... I'm anxious to get my machine so i can start sleeping better.... how long does it usually take once a script has been written and sent to the DME till I get my equipment?


Yup, I'm a cat person... I have 3 beautiful diva Siamese kitties.... they're spoiled rotten....

[Meowser]

I heard / read that is possible to use aromatherapy with your machines.... how do you do that and who's used it and it worked for them?