New to CPAP

[Panchali]

Hello,

I'm new to CPAP. Well it's been 2 months now. I started with a trial machine. FABULOUS. Had that for a month before I decided it was changing my life and I had to buy one. Took about 2 weeks to get use to the machine but 4 hrs of sleep a night was making a difference.

Got my real machine after the trial was over. Things have gone downhill since then. I couldn't get the same machine as the trial - discontinued. Heres what I have: ResMed Series 9, H5i Humidifier, F&P Zest Mask and a ResMed Heated Tube.

Was getting rainout, got heated tube. (Setting at 80F) (Room Temp is about 74F) Still getting some but it's not as bad. Lots of blowing as the mask comes off my face at night when I roll over. If I sleep any tighter with the headgear I get a terrible headache from the pressure on my forehead. I sleep on a memory foam special neck contoured pillow that I've been using for 20 years (yes it gets replaced, no it's not a cpap pillow). Can't sleep on a normal pillow. I'm not a back sleeper due to pain so it's usually on my side.


I've had the EPR turned off and the blowing is better but still happens. I don't feel I'm getting a good night sleep anymore and I'm still getting about the 4-6 hrs with the machine. I am certainly better than before CPAP but I want to feel like I did the first month after I got use to it.

Any suggestions? I have to make this work. I can't go back to the chronic pain I had before where I could barely move.

[Mary Z]

Many of us have tried many masks before finding the one that works. Be sure not to overtighten. Did you have a big pressure change? I wonder why the mask is blowing off now when it didn't during the trial period? It's worth sticking to it- trying to get things right. Some things to try- mask liners- RemZzzs, Quietus, Pad-A-Cheek. The silicone seal. Take Macks silicone ear plugs, soften some in your palms, roll into string pencil size, place around edge of mask where it meets your face. Good Luck, welcome.

[robysue]

Panchali,

How old is the mask cushion? Have you been using the same cushion the whole time? If so, it may be that you simply need a new cushion.

And what was the trial machine? Was it a Resmed S8 or was it a Respironics machine? Or something else? If the trial machine was not made by ResMed, you might just be one of the minority of people who prefer a different company's exhalation relief system.

[Sloop]

Panchali,

And what was the trial machine? Was it a Resmed S8 or was it a Respironics machine? Or something else? If the trial machine was not made by ResMed, you might just be one of the minority of people who prefer a different company's exhalation relief system.

That's true. I have no experience with ResMed machines -- but over 20 years with the Respironics line and C-Flex. C-Flex is incredibly soothing.

Also Panchali, you certainly ought to be able to find a mask that seals good without a lot of headgear tension. Have you tried the ResMed ACTIVA line? That mask was revolutionary in its design of loose-fitting headgear.

[Panchali]

Looking for my paperwork to see what the trial machine was. It was either the ResMed or Respironics. I am pretty sure it was the S8 and that's why they moved me to the S9.

The mask has been in use since April 29th. Do they really wear out every 2.5 months?

I am looking into the pads as suggested but have not been able to get anywhere and am not sure what to order online.

My new issue is that I've got a hissing sound from the mask now and after an hour of it continually waking me I can't tolerate it and toss the mask on the table. It's waking my spouse now and he's not a happy person. I don't know if it's a not sealed properly hiss or if there is a problem. I've tried some stuff during the day with it but I don't nap so I can't recreate the sound. I can't say at 1am or 2 am my eyes are open enough to "see" if there is a problem. I have disassembled everything and reassembled a few times.

Hoping tonight is better.

[Julie]

Hi -

1) If your machine's on a higher level than you, you'll get rainout... tho' could still get it due to other factors, but water can't run uphill.

2) Google Pad-a-Cheek - you'll find the pads.

3) As far as the hiss goes, are you 100% sure it's not coming from e.g. a tiny cut in the hose just where it meets the mask? Or a hole your cat made? I get hissing when my little plastic doohickey with all the CO2 vent holes gets out of place and I have to get it back in properly. Try duct tape (but don't cover the vent holes!).

4) Hope you do have a better night.

[Panchali]

Machine is on a table that is even with my bed. Had read that on the forums when I started. This place is great for getting started.

I googled your idea. See the pads and have decided that since all of them come from the US and I'm in canada I can attempt to make one. The photos are detailed enough and that will be my next step. Limited budget makes me want to keep the costs down in trying all these solutions till I get one that works.

I did check the hose. Since I just spent $60 on it I was concerned I'd broken it already but the hiss is definately coming from the mask. I have adjusted the "thingy" over the holes again as that might have been the problem. Put a new one in - filters are cheap, and we'll give it another go tonight.

Thank you to all those who commented. I appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

[Pugsy]

The mask has been in use since April 29th. Do they really wear out every 2.5 months?

Some wear out in 30 days...some wear out in 6 months and some people can use same mask for a year or more.
Insurance companies normally allow a new replacement cushion once a month. Even Medicare.
It is possible that you need a new cushion. The headgear is probably fine.

Maybe one of these.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

[jweeks]

Machine is on a table that is even with my bed. Had read that on the forums when I started. This place is great for getting started.

Hi,

I keep my machine on a milk crate that sits on the floor. The machine is 18 inches below my mattress (I have a Select Comfort with 6 inches of memory foam). I route the house up between the mattress and my headboard, and push pillows up against my headborad to secure the hose. That has several effects...the hose is almost vertical so it helps prevent rain out, the pillows hold it in place, and I can roll over without the hose getting in the way. I run at a fairly high level of humidity (just shy of half way up on the dial). I have BiPAP, so I don't need EPR, but I'd suggest using EPR if you are not already doing so.

As far as a mask goes, I'd go for the smallest and lightest thing you can get. I use s Swift LT. I couldn't get a Swift FX to work, but that is even smaller. The only issue with pillow masks is finding a way to keep your mouth shut. I use tape. It is worth the hassle and the small potential risk in order to have such a small and light mask.

-john-

[Panchali]

Well after 2 hrs I'm awake again and searching for more answers. This time I woke up unable to breath or swallow because my mouth was open and dry. I had to get out of bed for water.

I have the EPR turned off because I couldn't sleep more than 2 hrs with it on. I was removing the mask and didn't even know I was doing it. With the EPR off I usually get 4-5 hrs.

In Ontario the ADP program covers the cost of $780 towards the machine. The rest you are responsible for. Luckily I have some coverage with my husbands work. They covered the rest of the start up ($719). I can get 2 masks a year. Anything else i'm responsible for - which means it better last. One month in and I've spent 3 trips to a store that is 45 min (one way) away for them to try to assist with my issues, $60 in extra tubing and more sleepless nights.

I think I'm about to put it all back in the beatiful travel case and cut my losses.

[locust78]

For many of us, the initial introduction to CPAP therapy was a little bumpy. It took me several months to get all the bugs worked out. Try not to get discouraged. I think you'll find, as many of us here have, that the effort is worth the reward.

Here's a low-tech solution to keeping the mouth shut for side-sleepers: Hug a pillow and have the top of the pillow pressing against the bottom of your jaw. Make sure that there's enough pressure to keep your jaw shut but not so much that it's uncomfortable.

[Julie]

Unless the F&P Zest IS a full face mask, my obvious question would be why you aren't wearing one if you wake up with a dry mouth?

[Pugsy]

Your F & P Zest is an over the nose only mask.
Dry mouth means at least some mouth breathing and it very possibly large enough that it could be impacting therapy.
You need to get the software and evaluate your therapy to know for sure.
You can use SleepyHead and I have all its links in my signature line at the bottom left of my post here.

ResMed machines report excess or unintentional leak. If your leaks are above 24 L/min for much of the night then your therapy is likely compromised. Loss of pressure and loss of the machine's ability to sense the events properly.

Mask fit, leaks, discomfort, etc...are the hardest part to this therapy.
Parts do need replacing and they are expensive. Headgear normally will last a long time with proper care but the silicone in the cushions (of whatever mask model) does break down with age, skin oils, and even washing. 2 1/2 months on one cushion...it very likely is getting tired. Only way to know for sure is get a replacement and give it a try.

[Panchali]

Installed Sleepyhead. I only have a frew boxes that show up, nothing like what's posted on this website. All the lines are straight except usages which is all over the place. Everything looks perfect according to it.

So the machine is getting unplugged and in September or October when the weather changes I'll give it another go. I've had enough of air in my face, mask blowing apart, headaches, and the other complaints I came here to get solved. It's something different every night. And I tried one of those mask liners. It was terrible. Didn't even make 5 min on the machine

For all the people on this forum I guess I expected more suggestions and support.Thank you to those who took the time to answer me with help and support. I suppose this is all my own fault for not buying right away and using a trial machine. All these issues started when I got the new machine because the monthly trial was AMAZING!

I'll be closing my account now as I did not find the answers I needed to continue. Best of luck to everyone in their sleep.

[49er]

Hi,

I am surprised by your response as it seems everyone who responded was very supportive and tried to offer suggestions.

As one who has also greatly struggled with adjusting to cpap treatment, I do understand your frustrations. But folks on this board unfortunately don't have miracle powers to transform our situations as much as we wish that could happen.

I do support you taking a break from cpap treatment until you are ready to start again. Barry Krakow, in his book, Sound Mind, Sound Sleep, advises doing this when the treatment has caused extreme frustrations.

Good luck to you.

49er

Installed Sleepyhead. I only have a frew boxes that show up, nothing like what's posted on this website. All the lines are straight except usages which is all over the place. Everything looks perfect according to it.

So the machine is getting unplugged and in September or October when the weather changes I'll give it another go. I've had enough of air in my face, mask blowing apart, headaches, and the other complaints I came here to get solved. It's something different every night. And I tried one of those mask liners. It was terrible. Didn't even make 5 min on the machine

For all the people on this forum I guess I expected more suggestions and support.Thank you to those who took the time to answer me with help and support. I suppose this is all my own fault for not buying right away and using a trial machine. All these issues started when I got the new machine because the monthly trial was AMAZING!

I'll be closing my account now as I did not find the answers I needed to continue. Best of luck to everyone in their sleep.