bi-pap trouble

I have had a horrible time getting a full face mask to fit my face without me waking up with scrapes and red blotches on my face. If I put my mask (I have used a few) on too lose then I get the massive leaks. Too tight and my face and nose hurt so much I can't stand it. I learned how to adjust my air pressure. I have difficulty with nose breathing due to some physical problems with my nose.

What I find is that my sleep doctor seems to care but he just lectures me on using the bi-pap and shuffles me off to the sleep lab. The lab does not do anything without consulting the doctor. I just feel that they do not understand my concerns and I am on my own with this machine. I even went to the Veteran's administration for help (ha,ha). I understand that half of those given cpaps, bi-paps use them for door stops. I see why.

Terence999

I thank you for your service to our country. Please post your machine, the settings on the machine, and the exact mask you are using. Also describe the type of insurance you are using, as it can define how you can get replacement masks. Usually a DME will allow for unlimited mask testing in the first month. THEN others here who are more experienced here in different masks can offer some suggestions.

In my opinion: A newcomer is, by the sleep techs, usually encouraged to use nasal mask at first, it is a very popular design because a lot of folks can make it work for them.

Then, In my opinion, if you are looking at a Full Face Mask, look first at Resmed masks. Altho for a long time I used a Fischer and Paykill Forma Mask, which has a chin cup that is useful in holding the mask in place. I also used a bit of mole skin on the bridge of my nose to prevent an abrasion. (Mole Skin is in pharmacies and drug stores in the foot products aisles).

Some have tried a mask liner, which you can make for yourself with by cutting up a T shirt. Padacheek (padacheek.com) has some interesting products for sale. I am not related to her business, just a satisfied customer. A lot of folks here buy things from Karen and are satisfied. but you probably need to find the right mask before buying liners, strap pads and such.

I now use a hosebuddy (as sold by our sponser, cpap.com), a much less expensive solution is to find a way to tie off the hose above your head without spending any money.

I repeat the advice you have been given. Never move a machine with water in it. Tying off the hose in some way will help keep you from pulling the machine off onto the floor, as well as keep the hose from pulling the mask away from your face.

Keep coming back to the forum. Help is here.

Please add your machine, mask and presssure settings into your profile

folks here may be able to give you some great advice, once they know what you are using

terence999 wrote:I have had a horrible time getting a full face mask to fit my face without me waking up with scrapes and red blotches on my face. If I put my mask (I have used a few) on too lose then I get the massive leaks. Too tight and my face and nose hurt so much I can't stand it. I learned how to adjust my air pressure. I have difficulty with nose breathing due to some physical problems with my nose.

What I find is that my sleep doctor seems to care but he just lectures me on using the bi-pap and shuffles me off to the sleep lab. The lab does not do anything without consulting the doctor. I just feel that they do not understand my concerns and I am on my own with this machine. I even went to the Veteran's administration for help (ha,ha). I understand that half of those given cpaps, bi-paps use them for door stops. I see why.

Terence999

terence999 wrote:I have had a horrible time getting a full face mask to fit my face without me waking up with scrapes and red blotches on my face. If I put my mask (I have used a few) on too lose then I get the massive leaks. Too tight and my face and nose hurt so much I can't stand it. I learned how to adjust my air pressure. I have difficulty with nose breathing due to some physical problems with my nose.

What I find is that my sleep doctor seems to care but he just lectures me on using the bi-pap and shuffles me off to the sleep lab. The lab does not do anything without consulting the doctor. I just feel that they do not understand my concerns and I am on my own with this machine. I even went to the Veteran's administration for help (ha,ha). I understand that half of those given cpaps, bi-paps use them for door stops. I see why.

Terence999

My husband and youngest daughter are both Navy veterans. They were both given good equipment and absolutely no help or support. All they have is me (they won't get on forum themselves) I feel so bad for anyone that is just handed a machine and have to struggle on their own. They think any mask will do. No mask fitting just here is a mask. At least here you will find help.

Stormy

The VA was my last resort. I got a machine and sleep study done from private doctor and hospital sleep lab and a medical provider. I felt like I was on a skate board going from one group to another for help and advice. Nobody talks to anyone else. I went on the net and found out how to get into my machine's program and adjust things. My mask and air pressure don't fit. Many leaks, noise etc. My wife hates the machine. I do feel like I have been left hanging by all involved. Thanks for your reply. The VA just gave me a machine and mask and told me how to turn it on and clean it. The mask supply was very limited. The mask they gave me is useless, of course.

Terence

terence999 wrote:Stormy

The VA was my last resort. I got a machine and sleep study done from private doctor and hospital sleep lab and a medical provider. I felt like I was on a skate board going from one group to another for help and advice. Nobody talks to anyone else. I went on the net and found out how to get into my machine's program and adjust things. My mask and air pressure don't fit. Many leaks, noise etc. My wife hates the machine. I do feel like I have been left hanging by all involved. Thanks for your reply. The VA just gave me a machine and mask and told me how to turn it on and clean it. The mask supply was very limited. The mask they gave me is useless, of course.

Terence

The mask you have isn't a bad mask at all. That doesn't mean it is the right one for you though. Do you need a full face because you breathe through your mouth or is that just what they chose to give you? It sounds like you were treated just like my husband and daughter. I have a real pet peeve with spouses that complain about medical equipment. Spouses need to be supportive.

Stormy

I don't breath well through my nose especially at night. I have deviated septum and other problems with my nose. This is why I got full face mask. I wore a different old mask last night and it honked like a flock of geese. I am going to order a new one from provider. I cannot tolerated having a red scrape on my nose or severe leaks and noise. All I want is a mask that fits me.

Terence

Terence,
First of all Thank You for your service. I am a member of the men's auxiliary at my local VFW ans I do my best at trying to help out our VETS....let me know how I can assist you. I have a semi large inventory of masks and can get certain ones from time to time. As a big THANKYOU....for serving our country I will get you a mask of your choice FREE of charge.....PM me and we can chat.... --- papman857

papman857 wrote:Terence,
First of all Thank You for your service. I am a member of the men's auxiliary at my local VFW ans I do my best at trying to help out our VETS....let me know how I can assist you. I have a semi large inventory of masks and can get certain ones from time to time. As a big THANKYOU....for serving our country I will get you a mask of your choice FREE of charge.....PM me and we can chat.... --- papman857

You are a good man.