Still having mask problems after 2 months

Hi ChicagoGranny - Thanks for the link - I actually did read this before when I was trying to fit the Mirage Liberty size small. My problem with it is that it is just too big for my face. The nasal pillows end up completely above my nose when the mouthpiece is over my mouth. I did read in several places that the main complaint people have about this mask is the positioning of the pillows - they do tend to pop out. I don't believe this mask comes in a "for her" or an extra small. It is too bad because it seems like it would be a comfortable mask.

I am still working on fitting the F10. Sometimes when I get it fit just perfectly with no leaks, the slightest tug of the hose causes wrinkles in the cushion above the nose and then it starts leaking there. I am going to order mask liners and see if that helps and also a hose hanger. But I am wondering if there is a defect in the cushion on the right side above the nose because it does not lie down properly there, possible causing it to wrinkle easily on that side. So this one is on hold for now. I really think that it basically FITS, but just barely. Some of this is undoubtedly the fact of my inexperience with FFM's. That is why I am watching as many videos as I can.

I am doing better with the Airfit F10. After many, many tries, I think I can get it fitted without a lot of leaks. It takes some getting used to. Now that I seem to be able to fit it better, I am going to begin wearing it for short periods and take a few naps with it. I already ordered mask liners and a hose holder. I need to at least get the hose holder before I try to sleep the night with it because the hose tends to pull the mask down on my face causing the mask to feel too tight in the sinus area. So I must make sure that doesn't happen because it will wake me up.

I did not do myself any favors by trying to stick it out, at least for now, with the pillow masks. The mouth leakage is even worse, even with my mouth taped shut. I have had very little sleep the last 2 nights because of it. Now starting to feel a lot of anxiety before bed. But hey, at least I don't get acid in my throat!!

I love my machine, the pressure is perfect. The air feels really good. My low is set to 4 and high is set to 10. I don't think have OSA, but have UARS. My sleep breathing episodes cause me to often choke in my sleep. I often suck acid up from my stomach during these episodes causing me to awaken with a sore throat or asthma or nasal congestion. The machine seems to prevent this problem. It is amazing how the air going down keeps the acid (and other stomach contents) from coming up. I have not had any sore throats even when I only use the machine part of the night. But I am really tired, so tonight I am not going to use the machine and just focus on a good nights sleep with just nasal dilators and tape over my mouth - the next best thing to CPAP.

PEF wrote:the pillows - they do tend to pop out

The "ladies tights trick" eliminates this problem.

PEF wrote:It is amazing how the air going down keeps the acid (and other stomach contents) from coming up.

That's not exactly how it works.

The cause of reflux in many people is obstructive sleep apnea. When you are having an apnea event, the body struggles to breathe. The muscles around the stomach and diaphragm are often flexed violently. This tends to throw stomach contents up into the airway. Now if you have a properly working CPAP, you are not having those events and the reflux goes away.

I wanted to pick up this thread again because it will give members some background on my problem.

Basically, I want to use the pillow masks, but have problems with air leaking into my mouth. I am taping but the air is sometimes just too much for the tape and often ends up in my stomach or out my mouth and certainly wakes me up. I have been researching various ways to train my tongue to stay positioned correctly. Another issue I have that adds to this problem is 2 missing molars. Recently I had read on this forum and other places that people with higher pressures tended to have more problems with air leaking into their mouth. Up until last night, I had my min pressure set to 4 and max set to 10. I did not think this was very high pressure. However last night I decided to experiment and I set the upper pressure to 6. Low and behold, I wore the pillow mask all night with almost no air leaking into my mouth. I have not accomplished this before, but always removed the mask when the leaking air got to be too much of a problem. Keep in mind that I do not have OSA, I have UARS and have no idea what my pressure should be. However the 4 to 10 setting felt fine, but I did notice that in the middle of the night, it seemed like the pressure got higher and that could have been when I would have trouble with mouth leakage.

I am happy to have slept most of the night with my beloved Swift FX pillow mask, but I have to wonder if this low pressure is actually doing me any good. It feels like it is helping me because my primary symptoms of my obstructive events are acid reflux in my respiratory tract in the morning and telltale ridges on my inner cheek and tongue. I have not had those symptoms the last week while I have been using my APAP at least part of the night.

I just don't know what to think. My husband suggests I stay at the 4 to 6 range until I am sleeping really well and then gradually ramp up the upper pressure setting. What do members think?

I really haven't done much with my machine. It seems to work fine. I have been so distracted with what I thought were mask issues.

It sounds like you are making some progress. Bully for you.

PEF wrote:My husband suggests I stay at the 4 to 6 range until I am sleeping really well and then gradually ramp up the upper pressure setting. What do members think?

It's a matter of experimenting to find what works for you. Raising the pressure one cm at a time and seeing how you do is a good practice. If you get the minimum pressure too high one night, you can always back it down the next night.

BTW, at any pressure below 7, I feel like I am not getting enough air (suffocation). Many others also report something similar.

Thanks, ChicagoGranny - good advice!