Newbie needs mask help

CardiMom wrote:[

I am using CPAP and not APAP but from what i read on hear you still need to set some kind of sensible range for the pressure and to do this you need to know your titrated pressure.

I'm sure someone on APAP will correct me if i'm wrong but for example if you were titrated at 10cm you would then set your machine to a range of say 8cm to 15cm. I'm not sure what the default range is or what your doctors office may have set your machine too but setting too low a pressure might not be a good thing.

Hi, I'm new also and have tried 3 masks in my month of cpaping. I started with the Optilife. Couldn't stand it. This could have been due to the newness of cpap. Next tried a Swift LT nasal pillows. It 's light but I have a hard time adjusting it to avoid leaks. I ordered a Comfortlite 2 on my own and got the simple mask and direct seal. Just looking at the direct seal I didn't think it would work but I was pleasantly surprised. I have slotted nares and the size 4 is easy to get a good seal. After 2 weeks I can hardly feel the seal on my nose although the forehead thing is relatively big. I personally can't get a seal with the simple mask in S or M. The Comfortlite2 is a bit of a pain to disassemble for cleaning.

I have tried about 6 masks since starting C-PAP and for me the LT is my favorite. Some suggestions would be is to make sure the pillows are clean. The only time I have had trouble with leaks is when the pillows are dirty. Also I have made the mistake of over tightening the straps. I do use a chin strap and my numbers are pretty good AHI 1.3 and virtually no leaks. I sometime forget I have the mask on.

Best of luck

Hey,
I also have the whistling with the pillows. I also find that if I am having trouble breathing, it feels like the opening of the pillow is pushed to the side of my nose inside and plugging it up!? I have to shift it some to get a clear opening. Other than these problems I love the LT for Her.
Yes, you got ripped out of the additional pillows! I sure hope she gives them to you.

CardiMom,

The first nasal pillows that I tried were the swift lt for her, and I also found that they WHISTLED and I felt like I could not get enough air. It was really hard to breath. I also have slotted nares. I then switched to the swift II and found that the pillows fit me much better, they did not whistle and It was easy to breath, but the side hose made it difficult sleep on my side.

I have now switched to the headrest and love it. My leak numbers are the best that I have ever had, and I have no problems with whistling or feeling as though I can't breath. I can read and watch Tv and have no issues moving around at night.

Best of luck with your mask search.
Caroline

Hi - I use CL 2 with nasal cushion - never could get the pillows to sit right - hope this helps.

Thanks to everyone for all of their help and encouragement. I think I am finally figuring this mask out and actually had a fairly good night's sleep last night. I really appreciate all the help. The more I hear, the more I realize how much I have to learn about living with sleep apnea. I'm glad I found this great group of people to help me.

THANKS!!!!!!!