(Old) Newbie Question(s)

[Leisesturm]

I've been using a ResMed S9 with humidifier and heated hose and Quattro full face mask for 15 to 18 months. I have been very, very compliant because before CPAP I was sleeping in the guest bedroom, now I get to sleep everynight with my sweetie. We are very, very poor and there never was any sleep study or DME's (whatever that is). We got good equipment because there wasn't going to be any "experimenting". It had to work first time. I think my mask (large) is a little too big which is surprising because I am "large" in everything else in life. I used the template they supplied and it confirmed "large". Nevertheless the rim of the mask sits right under my eyes and if I wake up in the night my eyes will be full of sweat. I've taken to bringing a damp washcloth to bed to wipe the sweat out of my eyes which is harder than it sounds because there isn't much room to get even a fingertip close to my eyelid with the mask on. I waived mask insurance so I am living with my mistake.

That wasn't the reason for posting but I guess I needed to... vent? From the first time using the CPAP I felt like I was suffocating. I couldn't understand why and how it could be so hard to breathe with a machine literally pushing the air down your throat. I got some relief keeping the temp low (now I just keep it off). I suffered like this for a year (at least I didn't snore anymore) but one day took the filter out to wash it. I put the clean filter back in and on a whim used the CPAP with no filter in place. Its been six months or more and I can't bring myself to put the filter back in. Breathing with no filter in is GREAT! I just worry that I may be a. harming the machine and b. harming myself. I can't find any other discussions about using CPAP machines without their air filters. Any thoughts?

H

[jamiswolf]

L,
I'll tell you this because if I don't, someone else will. Put your equipment in your profile so we can respond with more understanding.

Regarding your Quattro fit issue...can't you move the mask down a bit so it doesn't impinge on your eyes like that? Also consider using a Pad-a-cheek gasket between your skin and the mask. I (and others) make our own from old T shirt fabric. That will absorb sweat and skin oil and help your mask seal better. Use search and you'll find more info.

If removing the filter made such a dramatic difference, I'd suspect a dirty filter. What pressures are you running? I personally don't think running cpap w/o a filter is an issue...but it depends on your environment. Better to use a filter and somehow, I don't think the filter is the issue...but I don't have enough info.
J

[teknomom]

As Jamiswolf asked - What pressure are you using? Is your S9 a CPAP, APAP? Does EPR make a difference? I feel like I'm not able to breathe well at higher humidities - others can't stand low humidity. Have you adjusted the humidity to your comfort? Maybe that's what you meant by the "temp" or did you mean room temp? Some with better knowledge of your machine will help, I'm sure. They'll probably ask all these questions, too. I'm sure it's very frustrating with no one to help (doctor or DME). PS: DME is code for Durable Medical Equipment and usually refers to the business that sold you the machine.