I hate this, hate this, HATE THIS!!!!

BuffaloAl · Post by **BuffaloAl** » Sat May 07, 2005 9:36 am

Welcome Patrick, is that your zipcode? Where is that, WA or OR?

I had never seen the oracle before. Is it comfortable, did you use nasal masks before? tell us your history.

SleepyGuy · Post by **SleepyGuy** » Sun May 08, 2005 12:29 pm

I have an Ultra Mirage FF mask. I look at the leak number on my machine everyday. I try to keep it below 0.20. I loosen or tighten the strap in response to this. I like the lower strap moderately tight and the upper strap just tight enough so there is no slack in it.

My pressure is 4.0-10.0. If all else fails, I would suggest you lower your pressure to prevent leaks until you get comfortable with the mask and then raise it again.

Pleae keep trying. I like Traveler's and Photogal's suggestions a lot. You have to convince yourself your mask is your friend. See if you can sleep one hour and then two and then three with it. I just got up to six and I am finally feeling better.

Figure out what makes you go to sleep. When I can't sleep I've figured out that I've usually tensed up my neck and face. If I just relax and let my head fall into the pillow I'm usually asleep in no time.

I prefer silence in the room and could never sleep with a radio or TV, but some people do. For them, Traveler's ideas sound great.

ITeach · Post by **ITeach** » Sun May 08, 2005 6:08 pm

I have added Trazadone to my nightly routine with wonderful success. I am only waking a couple of times a night and it has helped my depression as well. I know that a lot of folks here are against sleep meds, but I say desperate times call for desperate measures. I have slept with APAP for 78 nights now and have been 100% compliant withe the Trazadone. I too can't breath through my nose, post sinus surgery, allergy shots, Rhinocort, and currently other allergy meds. So, FF mask. Hang in there. You CAN do this and you WILL begin to feel better. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Hang in there.
Sue

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon May 09, 2005 8:45 am

Thank you all so much for your encouragement and suggestions. I'm ashamed to admit I think I would have given up, if not for the great folks on this forum.

I'm still having difficulties, but instead of viewing it through "why me?" eyes, I now try to look at it as a grand experiment. My Ultra Mirage FF still leaks a lot, so in addition to ordering a PB Flexifit 431 FF (which should be arriving today), I ordered a size small in the Ultra Mirage. (Maybe it's too big and that's why I can't keep a seal?)

Latest problem is watery eyes and congestion--have seen it addressed on this post by There:

viewtopic.php?t=2770

and have tried the higher setting on the humidifier and stuffing material under nose/eye area of mask in case it is caused by leaks. Still no luck.
But I'm working on it!

Again, thanks to all. This forum is invaluable.... you are all invaluable!!!!

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon May 09, 2005 1:43 pm

neversleeps wrote:.....I'm ashamed to admit I think I would have given up, if not for the great folks on this forum.Again, thanks to all. ......!

Definitely do NOT be ashamed of thinking of quitting. I am completely amazed that ANYONE stays COMPLIANT without a support group type forum like this! I could not imagine coming down the tough time I have had with Apnea treatment without some great forums like this!

Watery eyes usually indicates an air leakage into the eye. But I am thinking there might be an odd cold-virus going around that has watery eyes as part of the symptoms, and it continues for awhile. ....Just in case you can't find any other cause and the problem seems to clear up on its own after a few weeks. I am having a single watery eye since I had a cold a couple of weeks ago and I can't seem to track down a leak that is causing it, although I thought I had several times. But now it seems to gradually be getting better on its own. Oddly I have had friends/family in other parts of the USA that have had something similar of late...and don't even use CPAP.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Mon May 09, 2005 5:34 pm

Neversleeps, look at how to make the toilet seat cover, or the anti-farting cover for the Mirage FF.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon May 09, 2005 6:16 pm

Thanks, Sharon!

I will be trying the Severeena Mask Underlay tonight. I cannot bring myself to call anything I'm putting on my face a toilet seat cover or anti-farting cover (even though that is, of course, exactly what it sounds like...)

Thanks!

MJL · Post by **MJL** » Mon May 09, 2005 8:56 pm

I too have difficulty breathing through my nose. I couldn't tolerate a nasal mask or a full face mask during the sleep study. I used the Nasal Aire II and the Swift. They both direct the air right up your nose which opens my nose and makes it easy for me to breathe. Try a nasal pillow interface and see if it helps. Just my 2 cents. I'm new to this also - right at 2 months. I still hate it, but if it helps my health I'm try to stick it out.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Wed May 11, 2005 9:24 am

Neversleeps:
I've tried numerous cures for my stuffiness and inability to breath through my nose as well. What I have found works for me: Breathe Right nasal strips. Flonase didn't work, decongestants didn't work but the strips do it for me.
Breathe Right strips and my Activa - the only interface I've found so far that works for me. I've tried the Breeze, Ultra Mirage FF, F&P Flexi-Fit nasal AND full face masks - no luck. The Activa is the only one I can use - though it tends to dig into the underside of my nose. I'm tempted to try the Swift.

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Wed May 11, 2005 10:47 am

For various reasons, this is my first visit to the forum for a while and this is the first thread I've looked at. It makes me realise what a wonderful support mechanism this is.

The difference between neversleeps first post, full of desperation and frustration, and the latest one, adopting a positive attitude, is very obvious and a real testament to everyone that takes the time and trouble to offer support and advice. I started reading the thread feeling despondent and ended up with a smile on my face.

Thanks to everyone for your contributions, and I really hope they provide inspiration to neversleep and anyone else who needs a boost.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Wed May 11, 2005 10:57 am

Severeena wrote:Neversleeps, look at how to make the toilet seat cover, or the anti-farting cover for the Mirage FF.

Sharon,
Where does one find this info please?

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Wed May 11, 2005 11:25 am

Hi Littlebaddow,

Sounds like you need some moral support. Here is a hug from across the sea!

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Wed May 11, 2005 11:35 am

glassgal wrote:Hi Littlebaddow,

Sounds like you need some moral support. Here is a hug from across the sea!

Thanx
Just got home after a hard day at work and had a rare bad night last night with unusual leakage, so the sentiment is appreciated.

I've just realised that 'a bad night with unusual leakage' in any other context sounds dreadful, but you all know what I mean

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed May 11, 2005 11:36 am

JerryR-

The directions for the Severeena Mask Underlay - better known as the toilet seat/anti-farting cover - can be found by clicking on:

viewtopic.php?t=2754&start=0&postdays=0 ... seat+cover

I suggest not using a paper towel for this--I did and it seemed to give my Ultra Mirage FF mask lift off; the opposite of the desired effect!

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed May 11, 2005 11:48 am

littlebaddow wrote:
Just got home after a hard day at work and had a rare bad night last night with unusual leakage, so the sentiment is appreciated.

I've just realised that 'a bad night with unusual leakage' in any other context sounds dreadful, but you all know what I mean

littlebaddow, you crack me up!!!

You are so right in your observation about the power of this forum! So many people, so much empathy, so much encouragement... It truly made a huge impact on my attitude!

Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!

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