Neck problems with mask

I'm experiencing upper back and neck problems with my mask. Because of my sinus problems, bleeding, I can't use nasal prongs. I really like the comfort classic & the Mirage, however, they are both giving me neck & upper back problems when I wake up. I don't know if it's the straps or the mask hitting the pillow. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work. Can anyone out there advice me what to do.
I don't have these problems when I don't use the mask. But I have to use the mask to get good sleep. Please help!!!!

Is it possible you're trying to sleep in an unnatural (for you) position to accommodate the mask? There are ways to get around it, and we would like to help if you could say what position is normally comfortable for you (no mask), what position you're trying to use with the mask on, and whether you think you might be tensing up when falling asleep to make it work?

Good observation, Julie. I sleep the same way, on my side, but when I wake up, my neck is stiff. I don't think it's because I'm thinking about it and tense up. It has something to do with the straps hitting part of the neck muscles. The only difference is that with the mask, I'll sleep at the edge of the foam pillow so the mask won't hit the pillow, that makes it easier for my head to tilt, so it won't hit the pillow. However, the neck is still sore when I wakeup. Is there anything I can do. I love that mask because, it doesn't leak. I've tried different pillows & even mattresses, to see if that made a difference, but nothing seems to work. What to do? I wish I didn't have this neck pain, because the machine works well. But I'm going to the chiropractor too often and at times I have to figure out, what's more important , waking up with neck pain or not getting enough sleep. I really want to use my CPAP machine everynight, but I'm in this constant loop with the pillow/mask issues. Can't use nasal prongs because of sinus problems. The nasal prongs don't have straps around the neck. So I have to figure out what to do.

First, I should have asked if you're feeling sore on the outside (vs muscles inside) because if that's the case, you either have the straps too tight, and/or you could pad them with foam (check out Padacheeks on the forum here). But if the problem is unconscious tension - trying to keep the mask from interfering with the pillow, and vice versa, then think about a Pap pillow (again, do a search or use Google). You might want to ask your MD about a muscle relaxant just til your body gets used to the whole thing too.

I purchased the padacheeks. Hopefully that works.

Maybe a special CPAP pilow would help. I use one, and it does help me to keep my regular sleeping position rather than altering it to accommodate the mask on a regular bed pillow. I use this one:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/papill ... illow.html

I tried that one, but it didn't work for me. I have to keep trying different things. This is so frustrating. Any other ideas anyone? I slept last night by trying to put the bottom strap over the ear so the top & bottom straps were both over the ear, It didn't cause the neck pain, but it made the mask leak. There must be some solution?

I wonder if I have the same thing as you, but in much lighter degree.
I have sometimes felt my neck getting tense as if starting to get stiff. Normally it doesn't.
For me it seems to be the lower straps of the head gear. it's putting pressure
where the neck and skull connect, and that tends to draw my head back a little.
I'm probably compensating that draw with my neck muscles.

Does this sound familiar?

I think I figured it out. The more firm the mattress is, the less problems I have with my neck. I think the theory is that if the mattress is firm, your neck and back are aligned during sleep. Again, I don't have neck problems at all when I don't use the mask, but when I use the mask I have the problem. So just maybe, if the mattress is more firm, it alleviates the problem to a certain degree. Does this make sense to anyone?

If it works for YOU then it makes sense. It's not a magic answer though for other people, of course, as everyone's made different, everyone's idea of "firm" is different, everyone comes to it with different backgrounds of body 'usage' and old physical problems, and everyone prefers to sleep in a different position. But if you're saying you found the answer for YOU, that's terrific!

One thing to consider - I noticed that I had increased neck and back pain about two months into my cpap therapy. What I finally realized is that I was finally sleeping so deeply that I was no longer tossing and turning and my body would ache from being in one position so long. It was a bit uncomfortable and made me unhappy. However, after a few more months, I started sleeping even better and the back and neck aches went away. I think that it had to do with my catching up on deep sleep the way our bodies do once we are on the machines. And that when I was finally caught up and my sleep normalized, I began sleeping normally again.

giantred wrote:I think I figured it out. The more firm the mattress is, the less problems I have with my neck. I think the theory is that if the mattress is firm, your neck and back are aligned during sleep. Again, I don't have neck problems at all when I don't use the mask, but when I use the mask I have the problem. So just maybe, if the mattress is more firm, it alleviates the problem to a certain degree. Does this make sense to anyone?

Of course. Sleeping posture is very important. That's why I've been using the Chiroflow water-based pillow for years.....and several years before I started CPAP therapy. You can adjust the amount of water in the pillow to keep your back, neck and head in alignment. AND, for me, I don't have as many problems with my mask getting pushed around like I do with a regular bed pillow. I also like my mattresses firm.

Den

I too have to be careful about masks with straps that bind around the upper neck. If they were my only option, I'd be in a world of trouble. I don't know if you traded in the other masks you've tried, but if not, do consider if there is a comfortable headgear that could work on the mask that seals best. I have mixed and matched pieces to make what works for me. And I've use the pantyhose tights straps, which are quite comfortable. Maybe there's a way to add one of those for stabilization so the neck strap can be loosened. Just have to be sure it can't slip and block the vent.

You mentioned not being able to use nasal prongs - does that include the nasal pillows?

Best wishes at working thru this.

Kathy

Yes. I can't use nasal prongs/nasal pillows because it puts too much pressure on my sinuses. When this happens I tend to bleed more.