ADJUSTING TO CPAP USE

HELLO,
I'VE HAD OSA FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO TOLERATE THE MASKS. I'VE TRIED THE FULL FACE, NASAL, ORAL AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY SUCCESS. I ALSO HAVE OBESITY HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, WHICH SEEMS TO COMPLICATE CPAP USE, ALTHOUGH I HAVE LOST ABOUT 40 POUNDS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. I BREATHE OUT OF MY MOUTH AND MY BREATHING IS EXTEMELY SHALLOW. IT SEEMS WHEN I USE ANY OF THE MASKS, I AM UNABLE TO SLEEP DUE TO MY BREATHING PATTERN AND THE CPAP PRESSURE BEING INCOMPATIBLE. ALSO WHAT ARE THE LITTLE COVERS ON THE MASK USED FOR? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP OR ADVICE THAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER. THANK YOU.

I'm just taking a guess at what you are referring to as "the little covers" on a mask - you're probably talking about the ports for adding a supplemental oxygen line into the mask. Those ports should remain covered while using cpap with no oxygen machine. They have a screw-on cap or little plug to keep them closed - don't remove it.

There are exhaust holes in masks (or at the mask elbow) that are supposed to be open, letting exhaled breath be washed out. You can put your hand up and feel air coming out of the exhaust holes all the time. But the covered oxygen connection ports are supposed to be kept closed all the time unless an oxygen line has to be attached.

janthony, what is the full name (brand name/model) of the machine you are currently using, and what pressure is it set for?

What are the brand names/models of all the masks you've tried? Since you mentioned an "oral" mask, I'm guessing the Oracle is one that you tried.

Of all the masks you've tried, which one did you find most comfortable to wear, regardless of how well/badly the treatment was going?

I'm not a doctor - just curious - with some questions that might help others suggest some things for you.

P.S. Turning off caps lock on your keyboard will make it easier for people to read a post. All capital letters are harder to read.