Frustrated with re-starting CPAP

I started on a bipap this year for the first time. It took me a while to get adjusted, but I fell in love with it and noticed how much my overall health improved. Unfortunately, since I have Medicare, I had to surrender my machine when I moved out of state. (If I'd had it over 13 months, it wouldn't have been a problem, but it was still a rental, so.)

I had problems with the DME and went nearly a month without a machine. I have one again now, thankfully, and my same mask (a ResMed AirFit F10, size medium, which was working well for me before). Only it seems I have to adjust all over again. Add to that some other frustrations, like as soon as I get to sleep I'm woken by squeaking/whistling, or else the mask shifts and leaks because of sweat that builds up.

I have been lubricating the elbow since I read that causes the problem, and I'm also taking the mask apart and cleaning it well with mild soap.

I've ordered some liners for the mask that will hopefully help with the leaking. Also, I wash my face before using, and I don't use moisturizer.

Part of the problem is that I get frustrated quickly with all this. Or I wake up in the night and take off the mask and am so groggy I can't figure out how to get it back on. I sleep alone so don't have anyone who can help me with that.

I don't know the model number of my bipap offhand--it's a newer ResMed unit. As I said, I use a ResMed AIrFit F10, size medium. I am a side sleeper and this mask was good for that in the past, but I'm struggling now.

If anyone has suggestions for overcoming any of this, I'd be most appreciative. Thank you.

Morningglory wrote:I don't know the model number of my bipap offhand--it's a newer ResMed unit.

Don't worry about not knowing the model number...ResMed makes it real easy to know the model names because they are right up on top of the blower unit.
The ResMed bilevel machines are called AirCurve 10 xxx
AirCurve 10 S
AirCurve 10 VAuto
AirCurve 10 ST
AirCurve 10 ASV
http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/pr ... vices.html
Nice machines.

I don't use a full face mask so I am not much help in dealing with full face mask issues except to offer the idea of using a mask liner
Either Remzzzs or a homemade DIY liner made from an old Tshirt or Karen at padacheek.com who makes liners that last for months and months.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
I don't know what humidity you are using now as opposed to what you were using with the other machine but the humidity might be making the sweat thing more pronounced. I don't know of altering the humidity choice/setting would help or hurt your mask issues or if your nose would tolerate a change in humidity levels. Just something to look at and mull over. I know that my nose wouldn't tolerate a reduction in humidity levels but other people's noses are okay with a reduction.

Due to the shape of my nose and face, I need to wear my mask slightly lower than normal in order to get it to seal. I put it in place, then use two pieces of paper tape running from the mask to under my chin to hold the mask in place. This has an added benefit of helping to keep my mouth closed.