New CPAP and cpaptalk user

[Craiga]

Thank you for this forum to post questions. I will apologize if there is a similar post. I looked for a similar post but did not see any. In a new sleep study, I was diagnosed with severe apnea while sleeping on my back and no apnea sleeping on side (DX: OSA, AHI: 13) . My doctor recommended a Resmed s9 APAP machine with heated humidity with pressure from 8-20. I have chronic congestion, I am claustrophobic, and have had a dry mouth while sleeping prior using to using the CPAP machine. Because of my congestion I typically breath from from my mouth while sleeping. The tech and doctor said full mask would be my best choices. Initially, I was fitted for a Resmed Quattro Mirage the first night was horrible sleep and the second was somewhat improved. I was refitted for Resmed Quattro Air, still no improved sleep. All night I have struggled with very dry mouth, still some claustrophobic feeling and the is getting less. Just looking for some thought and ideas for improved sleep and using the CPAP.

Thanks in advance for any responses,

Craig

[Julie]

Hi - I just PM'd you.

[craiga]

Thanks Julie. I just registered.
Craig

[jamiswolf]

craiga,
Sorry you had to start cpap and are having problems with it. It's not easy so hang in there and work on it problem at a time.

First, I'd suggest making some effort at training yourself to side-sleep since your apnea is less. That's common. People try a variety of tricks including wearing a small backpack or a tennisball sewn into the back of a Tee shirt. Idea is to wake you when you roll onto your back and gradually you'll end up side-sleeping. I propped myself onto my side with a pillow behind my back.

Far as masks, it just takes time to learn to adjust them and use them properly. I went through 5 masks before I found one that worked for me. Which coincidentally is the Quattro.

Lastly, your machine is set at a wide pressure range to allow it to choose the best pressures for you. Later, using machine data, you can narrow those pressures making it easier. It took me many months before I got the hang of it and I suspect most people will report the same.
Good luck,
Jamis

[craiga]

Jamis thanks for the encouragement and tips. I know it will take time to get use to.

Craig

[jamiswolf]

Jamis thanks for the encouragement and tips. I know it will take time to get use to.

Craig

Sure thing Craiga,
Happy to help. One thing you can do tonight...if you have an old Tee shirt you're willing to sacrifice. Make some gaskets that you can wear between your face and the mask. The commercial versions are made by Pad-a-cheek. I cut mine extra large...basically a rectangle that will stick out around your mask at least 1/2" and then cut a nose hole in it. This helps with the seal and comfort. Also, I assume your mask is somewhat similar to the older Quattro, which means it has the double silicone face seal. Think of it as a mini-hovercraft that floats on your face. Too much pressure (meaning straps too tight) and it squashes the cuffs making it uncomfortable and interferes with sealing. I actually use two gaskets...but it depends on how worn out your Tee shirt was.
Good luck,
Jamis

[craiga]

Neat tip.

[baboomski]

It's rarely easy at first. I prefer the nose pillows, and if you can test that I'd give it a try. It will blow through most congestion. Try the Biotene for dry mouth, or it may be that if you try the nose pillows then it won't make any difference.
And don't forget to maintain the cleaning schedule. If not you can develop a lung infection, as I've just had pneumonia.
Good luck.
Also spend some time during the day laying with the equipment, moving around, etc. to get ideas on making things better.

[craiga]

Do you think a nasal pillow would work with chronic congestion/sinusitis?

[Foggy1]

If you don't want to make your own gasket out of t-shirt, you can buy the disposable RemZZZ brand. I use them regularly and it keeps me from getting red marks plus helps maintain the mask seal. The Pad-A-Cheek mask liners have proved too slippery for me, but I love their strap pads.

I also have trouble with congestion, and my apnea is worse when I sleep on my back. I've begun using a foam wedge that raises my head, and it helps considerably. I can comfortably slide sleep while using it as well.

Some people are able to use nasal pillows with congestion. The effectiveness will depend on whether or not you can keep your mouth from opening.

[craiga]

Thanks Foggy and Julie.

[Pugsy]

If you wish to try Remzzz's mask liners Becky will send you a trial package free.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=62662
Send her a private message telling her what mask you are using. She works for Remzzzs and would be glad to send you the trial packages...or anyone else reading this thinking about trying them.
She told me it was okay to provide a link to her profile so people could send her a private message (she will get a notice that she has a private message) asking for a sample. It speeds things up a bit.

[craiga]

I just sent her a e-mail.