feel like giving up on cpap... Update!

[yoyoyomonica]

I cant breathe through my nose. and the mask almost reaches my bottom lip.

Can you explain this? DO you mean that the mask is not covering your mouth completely? If you are using the Quattro FX, that is a full face mask, and should cover your mouth, even if it is open. The lower seal should fit into the dent between your lower lip and chin.

Another mask you may want to try is one of the hybrid models. Pillows for the nose and still covers your mouth for mouth breathing.

I am using the mask over my nose and mouth
it pinches at the bridge of the nose. and the mask only goes down to just barely below my bottom lip. I go back on thursday for another refitting. I just called the. I will ask about the hybrid models. Thank you.

[yoyoyomonica]

In addtion to trying the nasal strips ( which open only the nostrils); you can try to reduce any swelling in your nasal passages with a NetiPot. When my allergies kick my b. ; i kick back by using this product. You can buy it a any pharmacy.

I would love to use a neti pot. I have one. have tried it many times in so many positions. It always goes down my throat. I cant get it to come out the other side at all. I am starting to wonder if something is wrong with my nose.

[Phil_in_CA]

I use a NetiPot and I had a bit of trouble getting the water to come out right, too...

it's all in the angle of your head, of course, but I found the most important thing, for me, was to keep my mouth open and breathe through my mouth as normally as possible.

I have to move my head tipped forward and back as well as side to side to get it coming out the other nostril. I find that I have to lean forward and tilt my head down a bunch! It took a lot of practice.

It does help when I am congested, so maybe you might try again and don't be afraid the swivel your head slowly to find the "sweet spot" where the water will flow (remember to keep your mouth open and breathe normally). Try again.

Phil

[yoyoyomonica]

I use a NetiPot and I had a bit of trouble getting the water to come out right, too...

it's all in the angle of your head, of course, but I found the most important thing, for me, was to keep my mouth open and breathe through my mouth as normally as possible.

I have to move my head tipped forward and back as well as side to side to get it coming out the other nostril. I find that I have to lean forward and tilt my head down a bunch! It took a lot of practice.

It does help when I am congested, so maybe you might try again and don't be afraid the swivel your head slowly to find the "sweet spot" where the water will flow (remember to keep your mouth open and breathe normally). Try again.

Phil

Ok I will do that. Thanks for the tips.

[cosmo]

I use a NetiPot and I had a bit of trouble getting the water to come out right, too...

it's all in the angle of your head, of course, but I found the most important thing, for me, was to keep my mouth open and breathe through my mouth as normally as possible.

This bottle is pretty easy. You just squeeze and no angle is needed. I usually can only do one side at a time due to congestion. One side is blocked too much so I have to wait until later when the congestion switches sides to finish off. Squeeze bottles allows you to create a little water pressure also.

I have a large waterpik type machine that I paid around $90 for nasal rinse, but these bottles are easier.

There are videos on youtube about these bottles.

[yoyoyomonica]

Here is a update. After talking to my doctor and DME rep (at my husbands job) they did say it will take a good 6 months to notice alot of differences and changes. I was then told to come back in for a mask refitting. So now I am using the mirage quattro and it fits so much better. I took a nap with it today and I like it way better then the mirage quattro FX. Hooked me up to a heated climate line hose which helped greatly with my teeth sensitivity. I did try the nasal mask again. I just cant get over the nose breathing versus the mouth breathing. Sounded like to much work to retrain. I am starting to come down with something so I am hoping the humidifier will help with the congestion. Can u use vicks or eucalyptus oil in the humidifier tank? The DME said I am 100% compliant so far. not to bad after 9 days. I am keeping a diary running in the background on my computer, keeping track of stuff like my BP and symptoms if there is any changes good or negative, and HEY, I do notice difference in my acid reflux. It is a lot better. I have read that can happen but didnt believe it. Maybe I can avoid that surgery to re construct food pipe.

I appreciate all u guys on this board who have helped me get through this transition. I hope this new mask and heated hose will make things better for me. I am reading like crazy in the forums and learning a lot.

[Pugsy]

Can u use vicks or eucalyptus oil in the humidifier tank?

We don't recommend putting anything in the tank with the water but you can sure put it on a cotton ball (or something similar) and put it right next to the air intake by the filter. It will work just as well (if not better) coming in via the air. Plus if you have it a bit too strong just move it away a little.

[Insomnis]

They didnt send a climateline hose for me. And I have tried the nasal pillow but cant breath through my nose very good. But with this mask I feel like my nose is totally pinched. Is that normal?

Make sure you're not over tightening the mask. I made that mistake, and it made my nose sore for days. It'll also pinch your nose.

[Todzo]

Here is a update. . . The DME said I am 100% compliant so far. not to bad after 9 days. I am keeping a diary running in the background on my computer, keeping track of stuff like my BP and symptoms if there is any changes good or negative, and HEY, I do notice difference in my acid reflux. It is a lot better. I have read that can happen but didnt believe it. Maybe I can avoid that surgery to re construct food pipe.

Yo yoyoyomonica!

You are way ahead of the curve. I believe it is very likely that you will adapt well.

I have come to believe that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment rests on four basic things:

1. Reduce stress. Frankly I believe this is basic. It reduces inflammation so there is more room in the airway. It helps to stabilize the breathing reflexes so the blood gases become more stable as well. I often wonder if OSA may be generated by stress.
2. Establish effective PAP treatment. I really believe that you need to monitor your daily PAP data checking several times a week. Your body will change as it heals and life happens to us all. You need to learn to check for apneas hypopneas and carbon dioxide maintenance issues. You need to learn how to respond to the issues that come up with lifestyle and therapy changes.
3. Move well. 10,000 steps a day, aerobics, and some resistance training recommended. I started with less than a mile a day, a simple step, and some gallon containers filled with water. Using a Personal Trainer is also recommended. I find mine very helpful.
4. Eat well. I am glad to have learned to cook. I am glad that I worked with a dietitian for several years. I did not know how to eat well.

Carry on young lady!

Todzo

BTW – raising the head of your bed a couple of inches may also help a bit with the acid reflux and the PAP therapy as well.