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Not sure why my signature did not change. Will check on that later. Anyways, I occasionally fall asleep without my cpap because I cannot watch tv and use my mask because I have to cover my eyes with a sleep mask to keep my eyes from drying out from my mask.

DanWinn wrote:Not sure why my signature did not change. Will check on that later. Anyways, I occasionally fall asleep without my cpap because I cannot watch tv and use my mask because I have to cover my eyes with a sleep mask to keep my eyes from drying out from my mask.

Then your mask doesn't fit properly.

The air from my mask that dries out my eyes is coming from the holes in it not from any leaks.

Yes, but it shouldn't be that way so something's not right (of course).

As others said, it sounds like your mask isn't adjusted correctly or it's the wrong size or style of mask for you. Maybe that's why you're not wearing it as much as you should? Most people have to try several different masks (while sleeping) before they find the one that's right for them.

Here's a thought: Maybe your mask is also blowing a cold stream of air at your wife. That would disturb her sleep and make her grumpy about your cpap therapy.

DanWinn wrote:The air from my mask that dries out my eyes is coming from the holes in it not from any leaks.

The holes at the front of the mask are not aimed upward. It is aimed to go out straight in front of you. How is that getting in your eyes? Leaks into the eyes are usually coming from a gap at the top of the nose.

Something is very wrong. If the air is truly come from the holes on the front, it must be defective. Have you talked to the DME about it? You may need to demonstrate what it is doing.

I understand that the holes are designed to blow air straight out not up but we sleep with a ceiling fan on in our room which shifts that air up to my eyes.

I will have to check with my pharmacy that provides my mask. When I got this one from them, I only had one more option for the full face mask and it would not work because it has the strap across the forehead that rubbed my forehead raw.

Your DME should offer more than just 2 styles of full face masks. They should be able to order them if they don't have them in stock.

If they don't/won't, consider using a different DME or get a copy of your prescription and order one online.

Dan, this forum is generously hosted by cpap.com. On their website you can see the different categories of masks and how many different masks there are within each of the categories: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

Some of the masks are offered with a free 30-day return/refund guarantee. With others you can pay return insurance if you want the option to return the mask if it doesn't work for you. I don't know to what degree your ceiling fan will be a problem with the different masks, I think you'll have to do some trial and error with that issue. But if I'm not mistaken, the exhaust ports on different masks don't all release air in the same direction. Mine will direct the air through the exhaust holes either upward or downward, depending on whether I route the hose up over my head or let the hose hang down.

DanWinn wrote:I understand that the holes are designed to blow air straight out not up but we sleep with a ceiling fan on in our room which shifts that air up to my eyes.

Reverse the direction of the ceiling fan.


Den

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DanWinn wrote:I understand that the holes are designed to blow air straight out not up but we sleep with a ceiling fan on in our room which shifts that air up to my eyes.

I can't really visualize how a ceiling fan would cause the vented air to go in your eyes. It must be moving air anytime it is on. But if that is the case, it will do that with the vented air from any mask. Sounds like you need to wear swim goggles to bed. That will protect your eyes.

I tried putting my mask down further on my nose last night without covering my eyes. I didn't sleep with it on long but that was caused by my toddler disturbing my sleep not air in my eyes. Will attempt it again tonight and see what happens.

Update: wore my mask for 4 hours 24 minutes last night. Not bad since I only slept for six hours. No dry eyes. I just need to retrain myself to not take it off when my first alarm goes off.

First alarm? Does that mean you have an alarm to disrupt your precious sleep before the alarm you set to get up?