New to Board, not CPAPs

[Dlc72]

Hello! I am new to the CPAP Board, but not to CPAPs.

My machine settings are pressure 9-13, ramp at 4 for 30 min, humidifier at 4, temp at 65F.

About my journey, I was diagnosed with severe OSA 13 years ago. I don't even remember what my first machines were, but they sure were loud. I had a CPAP, bi-PAP, and an auto-PAP all in the course of two years. Then I had my second child and stopped using the machines all together. Now I had been using the Airsense 10 for Her for just over 6 years. Loved it until 8 months ago when the unit started making a lot of noise. My insurance approved an new machine, but not the "for Her" model. There is a difference between the two, minor, but a difference all the same. I thought I was finally used to the machine when my DME provider stopped carrying my mask (F10 small) and replace it with the F20 small last month. I have watched video on using the mask, yet when I first go to bed the pressure is so hard I have to breath through my mouth because my nose can't handle it. Then in the middle of the night I wake numerous times with leaks. I broke down and bought Remzzz liners that seem to help with the leaks. Oh, also, before the mask change I would use a full humidifier in 7 hours, now only half a tank is used for the same amount of time. Nothing has changed in my settings, only the mask changed. Ever since I got the new machine, then the mask change I have been snoring like crazy (hubby mentioned separate rooms so he can sleep), but my event numbers have remained low. My doctor cannot see me in person until May 31, or mid June for an on-line appointment. So I guess I am looking for any and all suggestions on getting the mask to fit better. And what is going on with the humidifier?

Thanks!!!!
Dlc72

[Julie]

Comment on the humidifier FWIW - is it possible that the ambient humidity in your area (or just room) changed with the seasons? That's what the machines respond to as much as anything else - you may want to readjust those settings. Just curious, but do you really need 30 mins to adjust to the relatively low min. pressure setting?

[palerider]

I broke down and bought Remzzz liners that seem to help with the leaks.

They won't tell you this, but you can *and should* wash those things and reuse them, over and over.

[Dlc72]

Comment on the humidifier FWIW - is it possible that the ambient humidity in your area (or just room) changed with the seasons? That's what the machines respond to as much as anything else - you may want to readjust those settings. Just curious, but do you really need 30 mins to adjust to the relatively low min. pressure setting?

For the humidifier, I thought about that too because we have a room humidifier, but the humidity in the room stays around 10% during this time of year. I live in desert mountains.

I’ve tried many times to not use the low adjustment and can’t get to sleep.

[Dlc72]

I broke down and bought Remzzz liners that seem to help with the leaks.

They won't tell you this, but you can *and should* wash those things and reuse them, over and over.

Interesting, the directions say they are disposable and I’ve only been using them about a week. I might try washing and reusing them.

[Okie bipap]

If you have an old, well-used tee shirt you don't mind cutting up, use the Remzzz as a pattern and make your own mask liners. I used home made liners quite a bit when I first started. You can also find a pattern for making masks at this web site:

http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/diy-cotton-mask-liner.pdf