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Welcome to the forum and be aware that many have a really rough time to start with. I'm only about 2 months ahead of you on this journey and don't really know how I made it through the first couple of weeks. Sheer determination and stubbornness because, like you, the treatment intially made me feel worse. But I have to say that while I'm not loving having a hose coming out of my face (and still feel self-conscious about that with my husband) I am looking forward to going to bed at night and am encouraged that things are improving. As others here have said, take it one problem at a time and look for little improvements.

With regard to the mask issues, I found this blog post from janknitz helpful when I switched to nasal pillows after my first mask caused an infected sore on my nose. http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/swift- ... ing-guide/ Trying the different sizes was important too.

Good luck and stick with it.

sylvie wrote:

racandimo wrote:I feel like such a freak with all the gear on.

I sleep with a bunch of stuff on too: dental device, nasal strips, chinstrap, mask; and I recently bought a foam cervical collar, and am trying to figure out how to add that to the repertoire comfortably. Sometimes I think it's hard to see a human in there, but it doesn't matter at all; because for the first time since I don't know when, I wake up feeling rested and like a human. I wouldn't worry about that part at all.

Lately, I have had the same feeling, that I'm wearing way too much gear. I use the most comfortable mask, SleepWeaver; use a chinstrap; a Burxism night guard; and for 2 weeks have worn a Zeo Bedside headband. Unfortunately the latter sits almost on top of a pre-cancerous spot on my forehead. Sooo, I've felt like an UNhumorous clown suiting up.
Each of these items ads something to my quest for restful sleep, so until I am able to get the refreshing deep and REM sleep I've been lacking for a long time, now; I'll keep up the "entourage".
Very best wishes getting used to all this.. there really is a period of ADJUSTment
PS... the new Elan from SleepWeaver sounds like a potential winner; and I wonder if it will have a chance of fitting Y'all needing a smaller nasal mask. The leaks near the eyes would have been a problem for the petite among you, so who knows? There may be hope.

Lansinoh is made in your area, so should not be a problem for you to get. Its pure lanolin and you only need a dab, it lasts a long time even if it is just a wee tube.

For nasal soreness and dryness, I use Ayr Gel. And it smells good too!