I hate my CPAP machine

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:19 am

You are not alone. Most of us experienced difficulty when we first started.
As others have stated, "IT'S the MASK" that is the key.

In addition to reading the information on this board, be sure to go to the
sponsors pages and study the different available masks. I credit this one
for saving my life:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Comfor ... -Mask.html

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:29 am

penelopepanda,

Another thing I forgot to say, you mentioned about the humidifier heating up.

Yes the humidifier heats up, like blarg said by turing the knob, which is located on the left hand side of the machine.

The humidifier only turns on once the CPAP is turned on.

Make sure when the CPAP is on and if the humidifier is not turned off (Zero 0), that there is a blue light that is contantly lit on on the knob. A couple of times, the light was flashing, and the humidifier did not heat up. (I wonder if I did not place the humidifier chamber properly?)

Sleepless in St. Louis · Post by **Sleepless in St. Louis** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:49 am

I have a full face mask (hybrid) and also a Swift pillow system. For whaterver reason, my results have been less than good with the Hybrid. The Swift on the other hand is really working well for me. I can sleep on my stomach or my side. I almost never sleep on my back. Like all masks, fitting the Swift correctly is key and sometimes it takes some trial and error. All's I can say is to experiment until you get it to work right.

Also, I am also one of those people who always seem to be stuffed up. But, with the Swift (only air going up the nose) once the pressure turns on and the humidifier gets up to temperature, my sinuses open and I am fine. I also use Flonase to keep things going. Works for me.

Just be aware that if you move to a nasal interface, some people develop the problem of mouth breathing which can also compromise your therapy. Cross that bride when you get to it but rest assured there are solutions to solve this issue as well. Some tape their mouths (me). Some use chin straps and some use denture stuff to keep their mouths from opening!

Be assured that getting this right is not always easy or quick but well worth the effort. I am feeling better than I have in years and am grateful to xpap for helping me to get my life back on track.

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:16 pm

Hi. Just to throw a couple more thoughts in the mix... While your headaches are probably a combination of mask discomfort and having a miserable night's sleep, a couple headache causes from prior posts are:
1. Pressure not adequate to stop apneas
2. CO2 not flushing from vents

Also, using too low of a ramp pressure can make it difficult to go to sleep with the mask on.

Best Wishes.

Kathy

whatrdreamsmadeof · Post by **whatrdreamsmadeof** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:39 pm

Hi, Just thought I'd add my 2 cents, I too sleep on my stomach, and have allergies and asthma that add to my osa, I've tried most masks, the nasal ones for me do a great deal better, the CL2, was a great mask but I could not get it close enough to my face to get a good seal, the swift was loud and bulky across the underside of the nose and stomach sleeping with it for me was impossible. The breeze nasal interface while it looks hard and ridged is the most comfortable and less intrusive headgear wise. The nasal pillows are great, not too soft and not too hard, The Aura is a great mask too, however for me I would need to make an extra strap. I find the nasal masks force the air up my nostrils even when they are feeling stuffy. I hope this info helps and good luck your on the right track...Ellen

I hate my CPAP machine

Struggling with equipment

MY 2 CENTS