Newbie Progress (or: smurf saxophones)

Last night, using mask #3 (a Forma), was the most successful since the sleep study.

I fit it by going into Provider mode, selecting CPAP at my max (15cm H2O), adjusting the leaks away, returning to Provider mode, and reverting to BiPAP as prescribed.

Although the Forma feels like some foreign-born great aunt pinching my cheeks, breathing felt quite natural.

After a couple of hours' sleep I awoke from a dream that had incorporated the mask (!), discovered an itchy nose, took it off (the mask, not the nose), scratched the itch, took a water recycling break, put the mask back on, restarted the machine, and slept another hour.

After hour 3 (my record for home use), I awoke to a tiny sound like a smurf on an alto sax. it was on the right side. Reached up to feel for an air leak. Gently touched the mask. The sound went away. Huh. Re-relaxed. As I dozed, I heard two smurf saxes, in stereo, on different pitches. Huh. Time to wake up and confront the little buggers.

I turned off the machine, took off the mask, and discovered that the interior of my mask was covered with condensation. As the mask uses a sieve-like grid for ventilation, water droplets had formed as tiny bubbles in a couple of the holes. The humid atmosphere allowed the droplets to pop and reform 400 or 500 times a second during exhalation, hence the itty-bitty sax choir. Bummer. I had been totally comfortable with the combination of warmth and humidity.

I turned down the humidifier setting, but was too tired or frustrated to mess with the mask innards, so I dispensed with it for the rest of the, uh, morning.

But hey! -- I got in three hours, did not have any leakage, and breathed comfortably. I count it a victory.

Tonight I think I will try the larger mask insert, and see if it relieves the great-aunt-cheek-pinch without leaking.

If turning down the humidifier doesn't fix it try a hose cover. If that doesn't work the Aussie heated hose is the way to go.

Brenda

TWW wrote:feels like some foreign-born great aunt pinching my cheeks
---
I awoke to a tiny sound like a smurf on an alto sax.
---
Re-relaxed. As I dozed, I heard two smurf saxes, in stereo, on different pitches.

ROTFL!!! Loved those descriptions.

TWW wrote:But hey! -- I got in three hours, did not have any leakage, and breathed comfortably. I count it a victory.

A victory, indeed. You'll get it all worked out and going smoothly. It helps that you have a good sense of humor!

you are doing well, continue with your good attitude, you will have more energy and your heart will appreciate it