CPAP Mask

[hayleyf3706 150]

Good morning, everyone!

So, Tuesday I went and picked up my CPAP machine. Apparently, my sleep study determined that I have severe sleep apnea. The lady who helped me let me choose the kind of mask to get... She didn't offer any advice or anything. So I chose the nasal mask, it just sits right under your nose. (But it's not the one that inserts into your nose)

Anywho... I hate it. I can't freaking stand it. The first night, I couldn't fall asleep. Took it off. Second night, I kept waking up. Finally took it off at 4:30am, just before we got up. Happened again last night, too.

So, I guess I'm asking if anyone has advice? What mask do you use? Did it take a long time to get used to it? HELP.

[theantichick 2,204]

It takes time to adjust to any CPAP mask.

I preferred the nasal pillows, but I couldn't keep my mouth closed when I was asleep. Tried the chin straps and everything.

I couldn't tolerate a full mask no matter what I tried. I finally found a hybrid mask that worked great for me:

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-mirage-liberty-full-face-cpap-mask-nasal-pillows-with-headgear.html

Everyone is different, and sometimes it's trial and error for a while to find what works for you, and it's frustrating to be sure.

Then, a few weeks after VSG, my mask started leaking horribly, kept waking me up, and I was already on the smallest, so I quit wearing the CPAP. Hubby says I don't snore or have any obvious apnea episodes if I'm on my side (where I sleep most of the time) so I've just quit using it. Haven't had any excessive sleepiness and my BP hasn't gone up (symptoms I had with the apnea) so we're thinking the apnea has resolved. At some point I'll have to do a sleep study again to confirm.

[hayleyf3706 150]

@@theantichick Thanks so much for responding! Glad to know I'm not the only one who has struggled... That mask looks interesting! I'm gonna call today and talk to the lady who helped me.

Another problem I have is that the strap keeps slipping up thanks to my hair. But I don't have enough hair to put it up. SIgh.

[theantichick 2,204]

@@theantichick Thanks so much for responding! Glad to know I'm not the only one who has struggled... That mask looks interesting! I'm gonna call today and talk to the lady who helped me.

Another problem I have is that the strap keeps slipping up thanks to my hair. But I don't have enough hair to put it up. SIgh.

Try pulling part of your hair up like you're going to do a half-up pony tail, and put the strap on, so the top half of your hair covers the strap (not sure if that makes sense but hopefully a little). When my hair is short, that helps the strap not slide around.

And keep trying every night, even if you know you're going to pull the thing off in frustrating in the wee hours. You'll usually find that the time you stay asleep with it gets longer each night until one night you wake up with your alarm and realize you slept all night with it... kinda like when you have a newborn. LOL.

[toofatnopants 33]

Hey there!

I've been wearing a CPAP since 2008! Most companies, if not all offer a 30 day trial period where you can exchange the mask for a different one. I started out with a hybrid mask that I had to literally tape to my nose! I eventually switched to a full face mask. The mask will be the key to successful use. There is a forum called CPAPtalk that has great information.

Keep wearing it, most people find it on the floor the next morning. Eventually you will get there and you will feel so much better. I used to be ready for a nap by noon everyday and it took everything I had to make it through the day.

Best wishes to you!

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[hayleyf3706 150]

@@theantichick That's a good idea, the half-pony. I'll try that

@@toofatnopants Do you have a problem with the full face one leaking? Just curious cuz I've read that problem is more common with that type of mask.

[mylighthouse 782]

Hello, I have been using a CPAP for almost a year. I tried the mask that only fit over the nose first, and that did not work for me.... I kept breathing through my mouth. So we went to the full face mask, and it literally only took me about 2 nights to get used to it. I sleep with it on every night and have no problems.

The only time it leaks is when it is time to change out the cushion part of the mask, which is about every 30 days. I just go to my local medical supply store which is where I got my CPAP.

Good luck!

[toofatnopants 33]

@@theantichick That's a good idea, the half-pony. I'll try that

@@toofatnopants Do you have a problem with the full face one leaking? Just curious cuz I've read that problem is more common with that type of mask.

I have no leaks with the full face...now. It's trial and error. I sleep on my side with my hand tucked under my chin to somewhat keep my head from turning into the pillow. The mask I use is the Resmed Airfit F-10. It honestly takes months to find your groove with the CPAP and masks. Keep working with it, I know it's super frustrating but you will feel better. I can barely go to sleep if I don't have mine. Wear it while you are watching tv and learn to breathe with the machine, nice and steady, in and out. The rhythmic breathing can be very comforting.

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[MsShortyDee 160]

I went through the same thing. I had to change my mask several times. Just call the company and they will help you find a different mask

MsShortyDee

[Clhall52 0]

I'm wearing the full mask that covers mouth and nose. I have a mild case of sleep apnea. After a couple of nights getting used to mask I sleep so good. I had a terrible time going to sleep for years and would be up all hours of the night eating. Ugh. I did not like the nasal only mask. She should help you choose what works best for you. U r the one who has to wear it. Good luck!

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[Shellie79 0]

I have a dream wear mask. Its nose only. I like it better then the rest. The air tube is at the top of your head. I've had it for 3 months and the machine bothers me so much. I seriously feel better without it, I have more energy and I don't need to take a nap mid day. Can't wait till they say I don't need it anymore.

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[PDJ09 6]

I got the mask that covers my mouth and nose,but if you can't sleep get the doctor to prescribe you some ambien

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[Webapprentice 36]

I have been using the nasal one for about 5 years. Just push through you will get used to. Does it change the way you have to sleep, yes. Is it a pain to deal with, yes. But you will find you will adjust and feel better. I just think it is sad that they make people do this for weight lost surgery. My hope is after I lose the weight I will not need the cpap but it has been a blessing these last 5 years. Stick with it.

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[Eileen1978 11]

I hated the nasal mask too! Couldn't sleep at all. I went in and got the nasal and mouth mask and the longest I've managed to keep the sucker on is 4-5 hours! I don't even know I'm taking it off in the middle of the night! I feel ya!

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