Just a few questions.

I just went for my titration test, and while I had a really hard time sleeping with the mask I am looking forward to getting my cpap. One problem I had is that the pressure I need is rather high and I had a hard time exhaling. Is this common and is there anything I can do about it. Secondly I am the type of person who has a hard time falling asleep with a band aid on never mind a mask. Can anyone suggest a mask that is not to obtrusive. What kind of bells and whistles should I look for when I get my cpap. Sorry if these questions are all to common but I am new to this.

Any help is appreciated

stevenb wrote:I just went for my titration test, and while I had a really hard time sleeping with the mask I am looking forward to getting my cpap. One problem I had is that the pressure I need is rather high and I had a hard time exhaling. Is this common and is there anything I can do about it. Secondly I am the type of person who has a hard time falling asleep with a band aid on never mind a mask. Can anyone suggest a mask that is not to obtrusive. What kind of bells and whistles should I look for when I get my cpap. Sorry if these questions are all to common but I am new to this.

Any help is appreciated

Hi! Welcome to the forum!

Hopefully more experienced people will respond to your good questions. I suspect the doctor who will be writing the prescription for your machine will take into account your exhale problems. Did you receive a copy of your test results? If you haven't, you should get a copy whenever you can. That is important information you should have at your disposal. Some machines work specifically for reducing the pressure on exhale, my bipap does that. But I understand that c-flex also helps. You might want to read topics here about these, at least so you understand when the doctor goes over your results.

As to masks, yes, there are different kinds. But either kind you will have to adjust to. I'm not good at recommending one, but someone will respond, I'm sure. And I recommend you search these topics, for masks are frequently discussed here, probably THE most popular topic.

Also, if you notice, words shown in light blue are called auto-links. You can click on those words and they take you to information about the word. You might try this if you haven't already.


Hope everything goes well for you. Keep us posted.


Linda

Respironics makes great machines, but lousy masks. I currently use a Respironics Remstar auto with c flex. Makes exhalation very easy. Redmed makes excellent masks - Activa is a great nasal mask and the Ultra Mirage is a great Full Face mask.

Stevenb, do you know what pressure you're going to be prescribed?

Don't apologize for being new and asking questions - that's how to learn about this crazy new way of trying to sleep.

When you go to get your equipment, see if they will let you try a Breeze and a Swift. Those are nasal pillows masks that many find quite comfortable. You can see those at cpap.com - a very good online store for cpap shopping.

If you want to try my favorite nasal pillows mask, the Aura, contact cpapsuperstore.com. That particular online store allows you to buy the Aura, try it at home, and if it doesn't suit you, send it back for full refund of the purchase price.

A comfortable, non-leaky mask is going to be a big key to how quickly a person can get used to cpap treatment. If you'll be getting your mask from a local DME (Durable Medical Equipment - a "home health care" supplies provider) try on as many masks as they'll let you try.

Try the mask in sleeping position if at all possible.
Take your pillow along for the fitting.

A mask that feels fine and doesn't leak when you're fitted for it sitting up might be a leaky, painful disaster when you lie down in your normal sleeping position. Don't be shy about lying down to try a mask, even it if means getting down on the floor with your pillow right there in the DME's store.

Better to spend the extra time there, than fuss and fume with an unsuitable mask at home when you're trying to sleep.

Ask especially to try these:

Activa by ResMed (this is an extremely good traditional "nasal mask" - covers the nose)

Breeze with nasal pillows (if the nasal pillows leak the least bit, try the next larger size pillows.)

Swift nasal pillows mask. Comes with all three sizes.
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My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.