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Hi --no, I never altered my nasal pillows or the holes. What size are you using to start with as maybe they are too small? I started with the small and that is the one I am still using. You may want to turn down the humidifier a bit---I have mine on 1.5 as I live in Arizona where it is dry and warm. Try turning the humidfier down and go to the next size up in the nasal pillows. Your DME should have given the three sizes in your kit--small, medium and large. Once you find your size--you can trade the others with people on this forum. I traded my large for an spare small to have on hand.

Good Luck!!
Carrie

I used the small pillows. I'm going to check to see if I have other sizes.

You can turn your humidifier down. 1 provides less warmth and humidity than 5 or 6. Do NOT be poking any holes in your nasal pillows!!!! Where on earth did you ever see that? That totally messes up your therapy and your data!!! It may be that you need your pressure changed or EPR turned on or changed or even just the Ramp turned on, maybe for a longer or shorter period. But DON'T be poking holes in any part of your mask!

cpapsue,

Just got my equipment yesterday also. Slept with it for the first time last night. Like you, it took about an hour to go to sleep and I woke up several times after turning to adjust the nasal pillow. I also have a chin strap which is more uncomfortable than the headgear.

Thanks to this board, I went or talked to several companies until I found one that would get me the equipment I wanted. However, when I got there they had a Resmed S8 Escape II and not the Elite. They have ordered the Elite and it'll be in next week. I asked about changing the mask, and I can change it once within the first 30 days.

Slinky - there is a post called 'Swift LT Pillows' by Racurl with lots of trimming ideas. I'll take your advise for now though and leave everything alone.

BonanzaA36 and Cpapsue---it is so normal to have these problems for the first week or so ---don't expect miracle over night!! LOL! I know that you are both in a hurry to feel better ---but please remember that we all were in your shoes once--a very new---newbie. I fought and fought with my original mask, hose, machine and really did not get used to things for weeks. It felt so wierd to try and sleep with all the head gear on and air blowing down my throat. It will take you awhile to get comfortable with all the equipment and the process. None of us have the same mask that we started with I bet if you take a poll--ha!! ha!!. I tried out 5 or 6 different types of masks before I found the one I have now that works for now. It may not work in the future --but for now it is good. You guys are doing well if you even feel asleep for a few hours with the mask and gear on--feel lucky!!

The Resmed Escape is a great machine but it will not give you the daily data like the S8 Elite will so make sure that the DME does not stick you with the Escape since you are using it right now--keep after them. Cpapsue---I see where others on here are telling you to cut the nasal pillows to trim them and to enlarge the holes---I agree with Slinky!! DON'T alter them at all--it will only mess up your only way of getting great sleep!! I still don't know why these people are triming them down instead of trying a different size or style of mask. Hang in there!! You are in the right place----both of you!!!

Carrie