My Journey

[gavinpreacher]

I was diagnosed with APNEA, and after my 2nd sleep study I got my first machine. At first, I had an extremely hard time getting used to the Whisp mask. Eventually, over a period of time, I realized that I was getting some quality sleep. I wasn't falling asleep at my desk like i used to and could make it through an entire day feeling in good shape.

The route there- I tried everything, eventually settling on a routine where I would put the mask on and sit back and watch some television. I would relax and get comfortable and when I felt that I was nodding I would lay down on my side. I would sleep for anywhere between 4-5 hours and only wake up once during the night. This lasted for a good bunch of months after lots of experimentation to get there.

Within the last few days I am back to old routine and not able to fall asleep. I find myself fidgeting with the mask constantly, adjusting it on my nose and feeling generally uncomfortable. Someone suggested that I could do with a new nose piece, the one that covers my nose, because maybe the rubber or plastic or whatever it is that makes the seal has lost some of its shape and form whic, in turn, could be making things uncomfortable and causing me to be constantly playing with it and adjusting it. Could this be possible? Coudl it be something that easy?

I was also toying with the idea of trying a totally different kind of mask, like maybe a nasal pillow or even full face mask. Any suggestions? I have a deviated septum also, and wonder how a nasal pillow mask would work with that.

I hope to be able to eventually get back to some good rest.

thanks everyone and have a great day!!!!!

[Day_Dreamer]

Welcome

Please add your equipment to the profile list as well as pressure settings

my experience with the wisp and a deviated septum was not great. The mask would rest on the nostril and reduce my airway even further. I need a mask that does not press against my nose.

[gavinpreacher]

Thank you for the response.

I was thinking about switching to a mask that does not cover my nostrils like the Whisp. When I had my 2nd sleep study done, it was done with a more full mask, like the one you use. I was also considering nasal pillows also, thinking they might work....I need to get the machine information and add it, as I actually misplaced the paperwork on it so I have no idea what machine it is.....

[palerider]

Welcome

Please add your equipment to the profile list as well as pressure settings

and please set it to *text*, all the machines look alike these days.

[Day_Dreamer]

how have your numbers been AHI?

Have they been increasing lately?

I am using the true blue mask now ( I need to adj my profile) it is a bit smaller than the one in my profile. It also has a spring type pressure which is great at preventing leaks and requires very little strap tension. I tried 10 masks and settled on this one. It has made life a bit easier

Our sponsor CPAP.com has a nice return policy on masks should you not like them after 30 days. It costs a bit more but is better than most .com's with regards to returns

[Slartybartfast]

As with so many things in our lives, the human/non-human interface is problematic.
Think Apple vs. PC; Ford vs. Chevy; boxers vs. briefs.

Now, to add another layer of complexity, it's nasal mask vs. FF mask vs. pillows. Where will it end?

[gavinpreacher]

How does one go about adding machine info? Is there a list on here I can look at and maybe find mine?

[Day_Dreamer]

upper left hand corner user control panel

Profile

[gavinpreacher]

okay, thanks. Now I just need to find the paperwork on my machine so I can post it. I misplaced the paperwork and was trying to find a picture of it and can't. I will have to call the place I got it from.

[Day_Dreamer]

Gavin,

Sinus flush and breath rite strips greatly increase the flow capacity of the deviated nostril. Mine is considered collapsed and I still manage to get enough air.

[gavinpreacher]

Dreamer,

thanks for the info. I will have to try one or both of those.

I still think I am going to try a new type of mask. Either a full-face or nasal pillows. Not sure which. The least contact with my face the better, I think. I find myself constantly adjusting and playing, never finding it "just-right", which is really a new development for me.

[Day_Dreamer]

Dreamer,

thanks for the info. I will have to try one or both of those.

I still think I am going to try a new type of mask. Either a full-face or nasal pillows. Not sure which. The least contact with my face the better, I think. I find myself constantly adjusting and playing, never finding it "just-right", which is really a new development for me.

I think you should review your numbers first to find out where you are before you start changing things. I use both every night sometimes 2 x a night if I am congested and wake up. The sinus flush rinses any congestion and the strips open the nose more. They are cheap and I highly recommend their use for air flow restriction issues.

The fact that you were doing OK and now you are not indicates something needs to be tweeked in your settings. Assuming no major life change or life altering event has occurred

[gavinpreacher]

Could it be just that the piece that covers my nose has degraded, lost shape, or something like that? The rubber or plastic or whatever it is that makes the seal is not tight as it used to be, it has stretched or whatever.

I will get the sinus flush and see how that helps air flow. Then I willsee what to do as far as replacement parts for what i already have or maybe a whole new mask. Seems like people have tried many different ones before settling. So maybe I need to try something new.

[Nick Danger]

The recommendation is to replace the mask every 3 months. While I suspect that such frequent replacements are encouraged by the CPAP manufacturers, it is true that the mask degrades over time. It may simply be time to replace your old mask (maybe with the same brand given the apparent success you have had - would be really nice to see your numbers to see if things really were successful).

[Day_Dreamer]

Could it be just that the piece that covers my nose has degraded, lost shape, or something like that? The rubber or plastic or whatever it is that makes the seal is not tight as it used to be, it has stretched or whatever.

I will get the sinus flush and see how that helps air flow. Then I willsee what to do as far as replacement parts for what i already have or maybe a whole new mask. Seems like people have tried many different ones before settling. So maybe I need to try something new.

Sure it could be they usually last a few months. Are you experiencing any leaks? Many people try different ones to get settled in. My understanding is you were kind-of settled in but now, you are not?