2 months without sleep - help!

Could use some suggestions. I was given Mirage Quattro with my machine. Tried it for a couple weeks, just pained the top of my nose, severe problem getting to sleep, (lay there 2-4 hrs then just took it off all together many nights). When I did get to sleep, if I was laying on my side, my stomach filled up with air and pressure would wake me. I'd spend the next 30 to 60 minutes burping and farting. If that didn't wake me, my mouth would be open and dry as the Sahara Desert and that would wake me. I went to supplier and was given another Resmed mask, model not noted as I brought it back after a week. This mask covered my nose and mouth but didn't have a forhead brace. I just couldn't get the darn thing to stop leaking. I went back to supplier and they gave me a Swift LT for Her nose pillow with a chin strap. I had surgery on my jaw 30 years ago and my jaw doesn't fit together that great so the chin strap is more than a little painful on my jaw. Tried this setup for about 10 days and went back to the Mirage Quattro. Same issues with that as previously mentioned, but did get rid of the pressure sores on my nose and now the greatest pain is on my forehead. If I have it too loose, it leaks around the nose, if I tighten it down and I do get to sleep, it wakes me with forehead pain. Thought I'd try my luck ordering on line rather than my supplier, got the Respironics ComfortFull 2. I ordered the same size as the Mirage Quattro, but it's quite a bit smaller. The Comfort 2 leaks easily around the mouth - probably because I think it's too small - but I've been swapping back and forth to try and make something work. How do I get my mouth to stay shut? How do I get to sleep? How do I stop the air going into my stomach? Any suggestions for a better mask?

Try padding the head brace part and nose area with a few layers of old t shirt or fleece. Most masks have nose issues if TOO tight. Also ask to try/test the new Full Life mask ( there are 3 sizes) . Just remember with it not to tighten too much. Also with all masks.... soak in warm water and soap for at least 30 to 60 minutes before using and rinse well.

I can only speak of my own experience. I like the ConfortFusion Mask. I was getting pressure point marks and frustrated with mask, painful. I reread the instructions and was startled to find that if it's too snug, your not doing it right.

So, I readjusted, and took the advice that I can slip a finger easily under the strap. Leaks are no problem, and it's very comfortable.

Only problem I've had with the mask, if I toss and turn, puts pressure between the forehead and nasal part of the mask. Eventually breaks... Hence the name, 'throw away mask'. Good for less than a year, I would guess!

The moral of the story, I have to reread Mask instructions. I have to remind myself. Mask not working, I've forgotten something. All the masks designed work, it's just a matter of what you'll tolerate in adjusting properly at that time in your CPAP Therapy.


Air in your stomach, nice solution is to get a large ball at Walmart, three bucks, bring it home and roll around on it. The gas moves around and eventually makes it's way out. Oh yes, family will laugh...

Good luck

SG

suz1068 wrote:I went back to supplier and they gave me a Swift LT for Her nose pillow with a chin strap. I had surgery on my jaw 30 years ago and my jaw doesn't fit together that great so the chin strap is more than a little painful on my jaw. Tried this setup for about 10 days and went back to the Mirage Quattro.

Hi,

Did the swift work for you other than the chinstrap issue? If so, maybe there are some options for trying to go with that long term. I know I had issues with the full face masks that I tried, and the swift was the first mask that really worked for me.

One suggestion is to look at a thing called a PAP-Cap. It has an integrated chin strap that is done a little differently and might be more comfortable. The other suggestion is one that I am a little iffy on, but others have done very well with it--mouth taping. You can search here in the forum to learn more about it.

If that doesn't work, then try looking at hybrid masks. They have the lower part like a full face, but the upper part like the swift. That avoids all the stuff over your nose and forehead.

Good luck!

-john-

Try the RespCare Hybrid:
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