Now I'm just sleep deprived and getting depressed

[NotLazyJustTired]

I didn't read every post in this long thread but here's one tip about FX nasal pillows (if you're still hangin' in there with 'em?). A few years ago the packaging of the FX pillows showed a printed drawing of how to adjust them once they were positioned on one's face, alas it's no longer on the packages. (BTW, this tip made all the difference in how I successfully adapted to the FX pillows). I wish I had photographed the pictures on the package, but I'll try to describe the technique as best I can in words.

Here goes: Once your FX headgear and pillows are positioned on your head and the straps are about the right tension (not too tight, not too loose), using your thumb and forefinger of both hands grab the edges of of the prongs that go into your nostrils and rotate them upwards a few degrees. You'll notice a big or slight pressure difference in respect to how the air enters your nose. (I found the amount of rotation you need depends on the size and shape of your nose) Continue to cock the pillows upwards a little bit at a time until you reach a point where the pillows are not as effectively shooting air into your sinuses and/or they start to get uncomfortable and leak. At that point, start rotating the pillows back down until you reach a happy medium. I can't say why ResMed ceased to include these printed instructions on their packaging but they saved the day for me. Anyway, experiment a bit and see how it goes, then, most importantly, let us know how you fare Also you might want to try Lansinoh to help seal your pillows. One application should last for at least four hours.

Yes Sir, I didn't get those instructions, but I sort of figured this out for myself. Every once in a while I get a little whistle in my left nostril. I think I have a slightly deviated septum, but not enough to require surgery. Anywho, if I fiddle around a bit with the angle as you have described I can tune that whistle right out. Breathing is slightly easier as well. I've also noticed that once I have this dialed in it seems to stay put longer as well.

[Dreamingofsleep]

Hi Panda,
Oh...my story! Last year that was me. I got so discouraged I felt like what good was it? I was not getting any more sleep than without the mask...maybe less. I tried for 6 weeks - two different masks...gave up. I didn't have the education and encouragement I needed. Like...I thought because my blood pressure was okay that the apnea was not seriously hurting me - any more than crappy sleep and I wasn't sure that something else wouldn't help me. Also, I thought since I wasn't having true hypopneas that my condition was not as "serious". So, I went to the DME and signed the AMA sheet and began another year of desperate attempts to find a solution to my sleep disorder. I even tried the Good Morning Snore Solution ...and found ironically that actually it did reduce the apnea events, but my oxygen dropped below acceptable limits for l/2 hour. I started having frequent palpitations and a tiny bit of chest pain. Also my blood pressure would sometimes be pre-hypertensive, I was having muscle twitches...I was getting scared. I have felt so bad that I have had to come home from work, truly could no longer think or function..felt sick too. So, I went to a new DME and got my local doc on board. I began the journey yet again and here I am today.

The new PT sat down with me and explained how the way I breathe is shallow and the oxygen doesn't reach the lungs...just kind of hangs out, lol. Also she explained how at risk I am with my oxygen plummeting she gave me a real education and knew her stuff. I finally got it..."I have no choice" I have to do this!!! She took a lot of time with me, tried different masks and kept adjusting the pressures, and made it easier for me to breathe out...not done before. Afterwards I asked lots of questions and went back several times and talked to them about issues I was having. Then I found this wonderful site it helped me as much or more than the PT. I have hope....I am still working, still not where I want to be, BUT it is better than last time. I have a more comfortable mask...still not perfect but better. I have worn it every night since I began a month and a half ago. I have hope now and you will too just DON"T GIVE UP We do this together

Dreaming

[poppi2]

Here goes: Once your FX headgear and pillows are positioned on your head and the straps are about the right tension (not too tight, not too loose), using your thumb and forefinger of both hands grab the edges of of the prongs that go into your nostrils and rotate them upwards a few degrees. You'll notice a big or slight pressure difference in respect to how the air enters your nose.

Bingo! I just discovered this on my own after using the FX for over six months.

Also, when I use the LT headgear and pillows, I've found that rotating the pillows until I find that magic spot greatly reduces leaks. Earl

ps, Panda, you have a great story going here. I like how you're taking charge of your treatment. Any day now, I'm expecting to read that you've uttered one of those famous Ralph Kramden quotes: "One of these days... POW!!! Right in the kisser!" or "BANG, ZOOM! Straight to the moon!"

[mollete]

Here are graphs from SleepyHead and ResScan from last night.

I don't suppose you feel like exporting that file to dropbox, Google docs, etc.?

[mollete]

I felt like I wasn't getting enough air.

This may not be a "pressure" problem-- this could be a "flow" problem. If the nasal passages are restricted, flow limitation may be fixed, and pressure may not necessarily help (your D/L shows a little bit of Flow Limitation).

Try putting lateral pressure on the cheeks either side of your nose and see if that helps.

That said, from your photo, it looks like you have a good-sized (functional) nose.

Little bit of retrognathia though.

[pandatx]

Molette, thank you so much for the help you are giving me. I don't know how to export to either of those but I'll look into Dropbox today. Do I need your email address? I may have a flow issue. I've had sinus surgery 3 times. Last year I had such bad polyps they had to do "emergency" surgery and then I ended up with a staph infection afterwards. I've had horrendous allergies since I was really little. I feel like I have flow problems my my ENT (I'm looking for a new one) says everything looks "great" since the surgery. I do have a little bit of retrognatia. Wow...you're good (or else its way worse/obvious than I thought and now I'm a little self conscious, lol).

Slept like crap last night. Yanked the mask off at about 1:00. I kept snoring and my husband kept waking me and then he finally went to the guest bedroom. Woke up with that horrible banging headache around 5.

But I'm determined. Today I'll practice with the nasal mask and maybe try that tonight.

Dreaming..thank you so much for sharing your story with me xoxoxoxoo

Poppi..you're funny I am a fiesty little thing so you just may read something along those lines, lol.

[SleepWellCPAP]

Hello Pandatx,

Thanks for posting your progress! Can't wait to hear how well you do with the nasal.

I still say your two dogs are the bomb in those outfits! They probably just sit there and wonder what mom is doing with that tubing and that mask, but they are very laid back and are just going with the flow. Too cool!

Jim

[pandatx]

they are the best little pugs in the world They even have their own Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/siniscalchipugs) since can't imagine everyone doesn't want to see their cuteness all the time

I'll start a new thread tomorrow after sleeping with the nasal mask tonight so this one does't just keep growing. When I had the mask on this morning it left dents on the bridge of my nose (and the sides of the bridge). Are there any tips to minimize that?

[YogaKitty]

They are cute! I just liked their page. Will have to get my sons dog, Zelda to come like it too.

[pandatx]

Aw, thanks! My babies

xoxox

[mollete]

I don't know how to export to either of those but I'll look into Dropbox today. Do I need your email address?

No, just PM the link from Dropbox or Google Docs.

U/L all the files from the datacard (DATALOG, SETTINGS, 2 Identifications and 2 STRs)(ResScan files).