Does this normally happen?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Exhausted

Does this normally happen?

Post by Exhausted » Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:11 pm

Do most people sleep throughout the night without any leaks? I am on my second night and the first night went well as far as leaks but last night it seemed as though if I moved the least bit I got a leak. I fought with it all night.

Janelle

Post by Janelle » Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:29 pm

We all have some leaking throughout the night, probably most especially with a new mask. It sometimes takes a while until we have it adjusted just right.

If you look at your nightly data you will also find that even on nights you don't think you are having leaks, you actually are.

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rested gal
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Post by rested gal » Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:46 pm

Exhausted, what mask are you using? And what masks did you try on, (if they let you try on any others) that you ruled out and would not want to use?

Couple more questions that could help people think of other masks to suggest for you, if the one you have just doesn't work out:

Do you usually sleep on your back or on your side?

Can you breathe through your nose easily during the night, while lying down?

Exhausted

Post by Exhausted » Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:08 pm

I am using the comfort select nasal mask. No I didn't get to see or try any others. I do sleep on side and back. I change position during the night. So far I have not had any trouble breathing through my nose. My machine is a Remstar plus. My pressure is 11

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:19 pm

Exhausted,
I started off using the mouth mask, the Oracle. My advice is, don't. I tried it because, according to a friend of mine, it was the way to go. For me, it was a nightmare. I finally, at the recommendation of many experienced and intelligent CPAPers on this site, got the Resmed Mirage Activa nasal mask and think it's great. I am a side sleeper and needed something for someone who likes to move from side to side during the night without having to worry too much about leaks. Also, I am sensitive to clip marks on the face and pressure on the face. This is one of the masks where you should leave the straps loose to get a better fit.
I certainly am not one of the most experienced on this site, but would definitely recommend this mask. It's great. Yes, you do sometimes hear a leak, but overall it's a keeper.

L o R i
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snamvar
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Post by snamvar » Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:57 pm

Hi exhausted,
As you have read on this forum, there are many choices and preferences. Activa is a great nasal mask as farr as leakage is concerned. I prefer nasal pillows myself. If you can breath fine through your nose, nasal pillows could be more comfortable and less intrusive.
I have been using Breeze nasal pillows and I like it very much. I have also ordered swift and should get it any day now.
Maybe down the road, you can use a machine with software and actually see the exact leakage the next morning. I have a Remstar Auto with software.
Good luck.

I don't do mornings !!!

2listless
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Mask Leaks

Post by 2listless » Sun Jun 19, 2005 7:01 pm

All masks have a certain amount of leak simply because they have air vents. You probably won't even notice the leaks until they blast into your eyes or have completely broken the seal and are making loud noises. If it really leaks a lot, it is irritating and frustrating. Isn't it wonderful that in their almighty wisdom they can decide what type of mask we should have? Try to stick with the one you have for a while until you have given it a chance - trust me, it takes awhile. Make sure that your face is squeaky clean and wash the mask with gentle soap every day - this helps the mask to seal. You really have to play around with the positioning and the headgear. Sometimes the headgear is a nightmare - if it moves, it will pull the mask out of position. It is best to toy with the mask in the daytime, when you have time and are not sleepy. If you are already tired, you will want to throw it across the room. So put it on, lie down in various positions, move around and keep adjusting the mask until you find the "sweet spot" that will hold the seal the majority of the time. I do not know of any mask that seals 100% of the time. While you are doing all of this, search on the internet for CPAP masks and look at the different styles and types. In the end, it is pretty much your personal preference. I find the best pictures on CPAPMAN.com ........ it is the most inclusive listing I have found. They do a good job of showing the mask when it is being worn, description etc. However, their prices are pretty steep. I do not shop there. If you are covered by insurance, you need to find out how often they will supply you with a new mask - it can be every 3 or 6 months. I personally have accumulated 4 - 1 of which I absolutely hate. So you probably have at least 3 months to look for a new style of mask. Everyone has their own personal favorites, for various reasons. I would suggest that after you examine the masks, come back here with a list of the ones you are interested in and ask for reactions. But always keep in mind, what one person likes, you may end up hating. I personally cannot abide anything in front of my eyes - drives me crazy. The headgear is my worst enemy. If you read this message board, you will get a wealth of information and a whole lot of support and laughs. If Rested Gal is out there, she can provide you with links to the various message board discussions on masks. I am computer dense, so I cannot help you there. Just be patient and do your homework - it will pay off in the end!! Good Luck!

Life is not a dress rehearsal

gailzee
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Re: Does this normally happen?

Post by gailzee » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:26 pm

No. My silverlining software for the 420E prints me out a daily copy of my ''night's numbers'' always 0.2 to 0.5 leakes, never a flat line, so some air must be escaping, I use the swift n. pillow and of course there's ventilation holes anyway.....but w/the swifty I can ''hear'' the ''ssssss'' of air escaping if not correctly set into my nose.

quote="Exhausted"]Do most people sleep throughout the night without any leaks? I am on my second night and the first night went well as far as leaks but last night it seemed as though if I moved the least bit I got a leak. I fought with it all night.[/quote]