In Search of the Holy Grail

And if, for any reason, your luck doesn't quite hold, run don't walk to try out the new Fisher Paykel Flexi-fit 432 FF mask ... because it has a layer of very effective foam (the airy grey 'crispy' kind, not the mushy yellow stuff) around the frame that seals so well and keeps the mask from writing on your face at the same time - everyone must think I work for them by now (I don't), but what a nice difference the mask has made for me! And I do have a question (seeing as you did mention it) - have you even considered shaving that beard?

Quick note on F&P 432: Got it Thursday, sent it back Friday....The large was too small (or too short, actually). When I put the botton under my chin, the top was well below the top of my nose. Could not seal it without a death grip....worse for my long, narrow face that the Comfortfull 2. Hybrid is next. I suspect Mirage FF won't work either.

Julie wrote:And if, for any reason, your luck doesn't quite hold, run don't walk to try out the new Fisher Paykel Flexi-fit 432 FF mask ... because it has a layer of very effective foam (the airy grey 'crispy' kind, not the mushy yellow stuff) around the frame that seals so well and keeps the mask from writing on your face at the same time - everyone must think I work for them by now (I don't), but what a nice difference the mask has made for me! And I do have a question (seeing as you did mention it) - have you even considered shaving that beard?

Julie, I'll check into the mask you mention. I only got two hours under the mask last night. I remember it leaking and guess I just gave up and took it off in my sleep. It was on the chair a good 6 feet from the bed, so I definitely took it off and intentionally put it there. As far as the beard.............................................I've worn it since 1976 and removing it would be like shooting a pet because it barked too much! Don't get me wrong, I understand how important this therapy is................I just want to do everything possible to get it done without removing the beard. Besides, what lays underneath is pretty scary.

Many people remove their masks without knowing it and even putting it away.

As for the beard. There are many here with beards who find a solution. Do not give up, you will find an interface that suits you.

I wonder if you post about beards and interfaces you will find out what others have done, but even then, so much has to do with your face.

Good Luck.

Sleepy-eyes wrote:

Julie wrote:And if, for any reason, your luck doesn't quite hold, run don't walk to try out the new Fisher Paykel Flexi-fit 432 FF mask ... because it has a layer of very effective foam (the airy grey 'crispy' kind, not the mushy yellow stuff) around the frame that seals so well and keeps the mask from writing on your face at the same time - everyone must think I work for them by now (I don't), but what a nice difference the mask has made for me! And I do have a question (seeing as you did mention it) - have you even considered shaving that beard?

Julie, I'll check into the mask you mention. I only got two hours under the mask last night. I remember it leaking and guess I just gave up and took it off in my sleep. It was on the chair a good 6 feet from the bed, so I definitely took it off and intentionally put it there. As far as the beard.............................................I've worn it since 1976 and removing it would be like shooting a pet because it barked too much! Don't get me wrong, I understand how important this therapy is................I just want to do everything possible to get it done without removing the beard. Besides, what lays underneath is pretty scary.

My wife and I both love the Nasal-aire 2 mask and if it wasn't for the fact that she heard me snore one night, we would be the Nasal-aire 2 couple. I too, used a chin strap wich I gave up for tape, but the tape gets wet and falls off.
I 'm using the Hybrid now. I didn't think she would like it, but she's doing really well with it, too. I could never understand why the Nasal-aire wasn't as popular as the Mirage swift because it's so much more comfortable than a mirage swift. I can't figure out, why this site doesn't talk about that mask much. It is my favorite mask. i just can't use it anymore until they make a chinstrap that works.

I like the NasalAire II, also, but can't keep my mouth shut. (funny thing......my school teachers used to say the same thing!!!!!) Chin straps don't work for me, so it's been "back to the full face mask.

Someone here commented once that I was one of the lucky ones-CPAP worked for me "out of the box". I have even said I was one of the lucky ones. Early on I posted that 4-5 hours of sleep on CPAP was better than 8 hours of non-CPAP sleep. Well...there is more to it than "out of the box".
I walked out of my titration study at 2 AM in total anger and frustration-I didn't know if they had recorded enough data.
Knowing I couldn't walk away from the problem I went back to the clinic in the AM-got in to see a sleep doc-they had just enough data to Rx therapy. Came away with the CPAP Rx, an Ambien Rx, and an appt with the sleep psychologist.
I set a goal of keeping the mask on for 6 hours every night regardless of what happened-no excuses. I went to bed at midnight and got up at 6 am every morning. I gave up all caffeine. I gave up my glass of wine with dinner so I could take Ambien every night. I listened to taped books & relaxation tapes to distract me from the mask and the pressure. I hit the ramp button repeatedly. Many awake hours were spent reading about SDB & CPAP & insomnia in books and on the internet.
In the first weeks: I experienced mouth leaks-ordered a chin strap next day delivery, mask leaks-made new headgear to get mask tighter, got sore spots-discovered bandaide blister strips, air blowing into eye-got new mask, learned that rainout causes annoying whistle-made fleece cover, sinus infection-convinced doc to order 21 days of antibiotic. Lucky-got poison oak at the same time so doc ordered steroids too-along with warm filtered air my allergies and sinuses got better. Got 4-5 hr sleep most nights and found I had more energy and was less irritable. When I started sleeping 6 hr a night the psychologist & I set up a plan to get off every night Ambien.
Now sleep about 7-7.5 hours a night. Can go to bed early sometimes but still get up at 6 AM. Take Ambien about 1/2 to 1/3 of the time-do not sleep as well without Ambien. 1 serving of coffee in the AM. No alcohol if taking Ambien. No major sinus or allergy problems for months. Got an auto PAP and use software to monitor therapy. My treatment goal is an AHI under 1.5. While I've learned to go to sleep with a tight mask-I'm still looking for ways to make the therapy comfortable. I wouldn't consider sleeping without XPAP.

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