Howdy

[sloweddi]

Howdy,

I started on my machine almost 3 weeks ago and I have had nothing but problems. Not with the machine, as far as I know, but with the masks. I have both the full face and nose masks. I have been using the full face mask most of the time... for about 2+ hrs a night. I just can not get use to the mask. I do all the exercises that are recommended, I wear the mask during the day, while reading or watching a movie. I run the machine so I can get use to the air. I use a nasal spray to cut down on the congestion. I even went through all the different settings for the humidifier to see which was the best for me. No luck. The nose blocks up, I take off the mask to clear my throat and the next thing I know it is morning. Once I even found the mask completely taken apart and placed in its holder with no knowledge of doing this.
So lets switch to the nose mask. Woke up out of sync with the machine trying to breath through my mouth to get air, and we know how well that works! So that one is out.

I am waiting for the tech at our local V.A. to get back to me with suggestions (a lot of troops came home for the holidays and they are inundated so I understand the wait). Any suggestions ??

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

Could you please take the time to add your equipment to your profile? It will help us help you better.
Here's how...please use text option as the pictures all look alike and we can't see model names and model names are important. wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile

One thing sticks out...you say you use a nasal spray for congestion. Which nasal spray? How often do you use it? Do you normally breathe through your nose just fine during the day or do you have problems with congestion during the day also like with chronic congestion or allergies?

Do you use a humidifier with your machine? If so at what setting?

What do you feel is your main problem? The congestion making it difficult to breathe during the night or something else?

[sloweddi]

I thought I put it all in but I will look again.
Pretty much the same set up you have. I have the Mirage Quattro full mask but I have no special pillows.
I am using the prescription Flo-nas 2-3 times a day. The humidifier is either set on 2 or 3.

When the nose blocks up and the nasal drip starts, it is a coughing jag so the mask comes off. I tried to ride it out but no go.
Mostly the problem is congestion. I have a nasal cyst that I know is causing some problems but usually its ok.

Being somewhat computer literate (No, I will not fix your computer )I downloaded Sleepyhead and tried to look at the data to see if there was a pattern. I can see info on the sd card, and I made a backup on the HD, but the software sez no data available.

[BlackSpinner]

If that is you in your avatar then I would say your mask is much too big.

[sloweddi]

Yup thats me!! The V.A. did a very careful measurement and came up with the mask. The camera is not the best so it might appear larger than it actually is.

In speaking with people I guess I am lucky I got in. There is currently an 8-12 mo waiting time for the sleep study.

[Pugsy]

I downloaded Sleepyhead and tried to look at the data to see if there was a pattern. I can see info on the sd card, and I made a backup on the HD, but the software sez no data available.

Most common error when downloading data to SleepyHead is the navigation to the drive where the SD card is. Most people go to the PSeries folder and that is one step too far. You actually only want the drive letter showing in the Directory line. See if that fixes your problem.



I can see your equipment now...I could not see it when I wrote the first post.

If your congestion starts after being on the machine for a couple of hours...perhaps an adjustment in the humidifier setting. Some people need more added moisture and some people need less. Only way to know is to try different settings. You might also check on taking some time of decongestant at bed time if you can take decongestants ok.

Is this mask the only one you have?

[MaxDarkside]

When taking decongestants, if I want to sleep I don't take any containing Pseudoephedrine or Phenylephrine. Pseudoephedrine wires me up and spins me like a top and sleep would be out of the question unless I was exhausted. Phenylephrine's effect on me is about 1/3rd as bad, but still wires me some.

[sloweddi]

@Pugsy : Yup, that is the error in loading my data into Sleepyhead. Works great now. I just have to figure out what is what. But according to the charts my most sleep was 4:50 and my least was :28 on the machine.

@Max Darkside : I am on a semi strict schedule so I leave plenty of time between nasal spray and sleep.
We do have some of the same problems. I have my attack at home(Friday), thought it was the worst case of heartburn I ever had. Called the local VA clinic on Tuesday and went in that night for double bypass. Gave me a cath lab instead because of the diabetes 100% occlusion of the RCA, 70% of the LAD

[MaxDarkside]

Hi Sloweddi,

I didn't have a heart attack, thank goodness. I didn't have any pain at all. I was alone, so I didn't get a chest zap either. Actually, the opposite. PURE EUPHORIA. It was wonderful (tho deadly). I self-resolved somehow (about 0.1% chance of that) by fighting it hard, I think the adrenalin was huge, so I restarted rhythm, I got up off the ground and walked away feeling absolutely normal. The doctors called it a "Significant Arrhythmic Event", the nurses say, yes, it was likely ventricular fibrillation.

Sorry you had the pain of an attack and surgery / bypass, but probably good, health-wise.

[carbonman]

If that is you in your avatar then I would say your mask is much too big.

Yup thats me!! The V.A. did a very careful measurement and came up with the mask.

I agree w/BlackSpinner.
Not to diss the VA, but you are the one that needs
to be the final judge on what fits and what doesn't.
It's your life.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34880

[sloweddi]

If anything, once my mouth drops open, the mask is too small. But just by a little bit. I am not complaining (well not a lot) as all this health care is free. That includes all the equipment, clinic/hospital visits, my Cath lab, ALL my meds (12 at last count). This includes podiatry and optometry but not dental

[Elizabeth1144]

What is this man, I am fine but I don't understand properly what is this thread about, Please let me know thanks. By the way do any knows what problems if anyone can't sleep proper.

[NotSleepingBeauty]

Welcome to the forum! I assume you are a veteran, hence the VA. If so, thank you for your service to our country.

[Sheriff Buford]

Since you are relatively new at this, expect to encounter problems and "attack" each problem one at a time. Most folks go thru several masks until they find "the one" for them. Over the years, I have noticed that people have had trouble with the Quatro full face mask. Try a different brand. What ever happens: don't give up until you find the right mask for you.

Sheriff

[osmium sleeper]

I too, was fitted incorrectly for the Mirage Quattro and Quattro FX. Here is a fitting Template for the Mirage Quattro... Just make sure that you verify the scale of the printed template with a ruler. http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... mplate.pdf