New poster about to do his third night with CPAP...

...and I must say it is a completely alien experience for me. I'm 43 and have been married for 9 years and the wife finally put her foot down about my horrendous snoring which has gotten really bad in the last couple years. She convinced me to see my doctor and he set me up with a sleep disorders center to do a sleep study to get this corrected, but for me the issue was the terribly dry, sore throat in the morning. I decided I would do anything to eliminate that. Anyway, they prescribed for me a Remstar plus system, a heated humidifier, and a Comfort Classic mask. Now I consider myself a pretty adventurous guy and I think I can put up with a lot (especially if it will help), but I seem to be having a few issues.

First off, this keeping your mouth shut throughout the night worries me because I don't feel like I get enough air when I breathe through my nose. And exhaling with the mask on feels something like work now, which makes it take longer to fall asleep since I'm concentrating on something that used to be natural. Last night while I was right on the edge of sleep, I noticed that I didn't take in a breath for awhile. I don't know why this would happen, but it was enough to bring me back around and concentrate on breathing again. It worries me that this is happening while I'm sleeping and therefore not getting enough oxygen which is the whole purpose for the therapy in the first place. But my wife told me that the first two nights on the CPAP and she would wake up to use the bathroom, she didn't hear a single peep, snore, train going by sound out of me. Usually, this is not the case. So it must be working, right?

Secondly, I'm not sure The Comfort Classic mask I'm starting off with is all it's cracked up to be. I really notice the thing on my face first of all and today I noticed on the bridge of my nose right below my eyes about 5 tiny pimples and they hurt like hell!!! I think I'll put a bandaid over them for tonight and see what happens elsewhere on my face. But I don't want to have a problem with pimples again. It was bad enough 25 years ago. Also, there is a smell coming from the tube or the machine that is unpleasant. I doubt it will go away on its own (I think it's the tube), but it makes the whole deal even more unnatural than it has to be. Has anybody else noticed this and objected to the odor? If so, can it be washed to remove the smell of the material?

I realize it's early in the new chapter of my sleeping life, but I do have good insurance coverage and I am optimistic for a comfortable experience. I think the first thing I'm going to do is see if I can upgrade to the C-flex unit and investigate getting a different mask. Anyway, hello to everyone here and I've enjoyed reading all the posts so far

Hey Snooze, I'm new also and I understand your feelings. I'm 45 and am not overjoyed to have to be "on the hose" for the rest of my life. When I think about the alternatives of not using the therapy. I get back to it. I'm scared to death of having a stroke! So anyhow, listen to the regulars here like Rested Gal and some of the others who are very wise about this stuff. Maybe you can get some info that will help you. My MD perscribed Flonase for me to help clear my sinuses before I sleep, that helps a lot! I think the rest is time and getting used to this. I get a red line on the bridge of my nose once in a while. I've been running my CPAP with out water in the humidifier for a few minutes each day to dry the hose and the Humidifier reservoir dry, that may help the odor problem a bit. Some here have said to wash your face before retiring, paying special attention to the areas where your mask comes into contact with your skin. Keep trying and we'll all get through this together... Good luck

Hi Snoozefest,

Welcome to the forum and it's interesting reading about what you're going through. Sounds like you're getting some relief.

Getting a comfortable and secure mask seems to be key to adjusting to all of this. Hope you find something that works. There are lots of great suggestions here, but bottom line is what works for you. Have you considered using the full face mask? I don't use one, but it seems to help some, who have problems breathing only through their nose. Some people use the chin straps. I don't know. I seem to do Ok in the mouth breathing thing. I do need to get a better mask though.

As to the hose odor, I don't know. Perhaps someone else can help with that. You might make sure your mask and the heated humidifier are clean, that might help some.

Good luck. And let us know how it goes.

Linda

Hi Snoozefest!
Welcome to our group....You are correct, your mask may not be the best choice for you. Respironics is known for its great machines and lousy masks. Try a ResMed mask or a Breeze. You may find them more comfortable. My personal favorite is the ResMed Activa, but everyone is different. Work with your DME provider (not all of them are evil) to find the one that is right for you. Read the posts here and at the other forums. There are a lot of opinions regarding masks. As far as keeping your mouth closed while asleep, hopefully that will come automatically with time. In the meanwhile, a chin strap might help. Some people even tape their mouths to prevent leaks. Contact Rested Gal, she can give you some good ideas on what type of tape works best for her! If you still have issues with mouth breathing the option of a full facemask is there also. It is a little less comfortable than a nasal mask in my opinion, but if it helps you get a restful night of sleep it's worth it! Remember, being comfortable is critical to make this treatment work. It may take a little getting used to, but believe me, it is worth the trouble. Sweet dreams!!