CPAP question

I'm having a hard time with my mask and nasal pillows.  The tech had me all adjusted with the mask but after two days I started getting a sore under my nose and it was leaking around my eyes so I went to the nasal pillow.  I guess I don't know how it's supposed to fit, I *think* the opening of the nasal pillows should be at the opening of my nostrils, but I can't get it to fit or even stay in front of my nostrils.  I'm on the smallest sized nasal pillows.  I was in a Medium mask (got several sizes when I picked up the machine) so I went to the small mask, don't have the issue with it leaking around my eyes but I think I'm putting pressure on a nerve when I sleep.  AFter another two days I started having numbness under one side of my nose - kind of like when novicaine is wearing off.  I'm a side sleeper and it doesn't seem like any of these options are really for someone who sleeps on their sides.  I want to use it but I also don't want to be doing damage to my face.  Any suggestions? kat

Wow,  I thought I was the only one with cpap issues.  I just got mine last week and have a smart card that I have to mail in on the 10th.  The problem is there will be nothing to read.  I can't sleep with it on.  Mine all fits ok but I feel like I can't breathe with it on.  I know it is all in my head but having a hard time getting past it all.  Maybe some old timers with cpap can post and help us out.  The one time I did fall asleep with mine on I woke up at 3:30 am and it was off my whole head.  Guess I took it off in my sleep.  But eventually without it I wake up.  grrrrr.  Good luck with yours.  I am using the pillows and no mask on my face. Sherri

Okay, I don't know how helpful this will be, but I have had to wear the hideous Darth Vader mask for about a 1 1/2 now.  I have finally made my peace with it.  I don't know what kind you all have, but I could NOT STAND a mask on my face - freaked OUT!  They told me that if I left I had to pay the entire bill.  Well, finally they brought out the one that kind of comes over the top of your head so that it doesn't go across your face, it is just a tube that comes down the center of your forehead and over your nose (called the Breeze).  I started with the pillows and before one week was up, I was ready to cry.  It hurt my nose, I couldn't move etc....So I went back to the place where I got my CPAP and they converted it - the same "headgear" but instead of pillows it is a small triangle shaped "mask."  It's very small and covers from the bridge of your nose to right under your nose and just on either side of it.  It's MUCH MUCH better and I have used it since.  I don't know if that helps, but I couldn't take the pillows and this mask seems to have helped.   ~Robyn

That's the kind that I have, it's called a ComfortLite 2 and it comes with both the nasal pillows and the small triangular mask, with small, medium and large of both.  You would think that with all of those choices I would find something that works but it isn't working.  They had one at the place that was gel like (mask) and that's the one that I wanted or at least I thought I wanted.  I went with this one because it was so much lighter.  I hate the thought of going back, I don't want them to think I'm a quitter or I'm whiney.

I have a full mask and there are nights when I want to throw the damned thing clear across the room.  I had it so tight on my face the other night I woke up in the morning with little red dots on my head (and had them for most of the day) from the forehead pad.  You have to keep it so darn tight to keep it from "farting".  I tried some of the others and just couldnt handle them.  This was the one I tolerated the best.  I am just not enjoying anything right now though so bear with me.  Until i move to mushies I am going to be one EXTREMELY cranky SOB.

I am severely claustrophobic and had a very hard time adjusting. I used the nasal pillows, but those hurt after wearing them a few hours. So I started experimenting with different sized masks, pillows, etc. because my husband has one so we have a few spare parts lying around the house. LOL I would wear it about 2 hours at a time..it took about a month to work up to all night use. Finally got used to it, but now I don't need it. I sleep all night long now instead of having insomnia which I had before I got my mask. They said I breathed too shallowly and were worried about my pain meds after surgery. At any rate, getting this weight off has freed me from the )(*&)(*&)(*& machine! My husband now has an additional one (mine) to leave at his parents' house so we don't have to worry about forgetting it..his snoring rocks the house when he doesn't have it..

I'm really hoping that after I have the surgery that I won't need it anymore either...at least that's one of my goals!

Heres a few tips... I work with Cpap's and set them  for years now BUT  have just started using one myself!!! Yes, they are terrible BUT if you  find a good homecare company they will work with you to find one that is comfy.  I have been tryng all the new and the greatest masks as we get them in stock and I have found one that is the best for me... everyone is very different but this is a top seller. It is the Resmed Activa. It has an outer seal that sucks to your face and seals. Do not cinch them tight on your face, they are not made to be squeezing your face. If it is a good fit it will seal without you breaking your nose or having marks across your face for 3 hours after you take it off.   I sleep on my stomache and turn my head to the left with my pillow under my head on the right it seals when it is actually about 1 inch off my face. I found that the trick to keeping my cpap on is my humidity. The Dr told me to turn the heat up so that all the water is gone in the morning, I thought he was crazy!! I didnt think I could stand that heat and humidity but I have been keeping it on and sleeping. When I first started wearing the cpap I took a benedryl everynight to sleep and that also helps. Good luck!! This this going to be the first thing I throw out my window when I lose alot of weight!

If you can send me some information on the Remsed Activa I'd really appreciate it.  They told me to keep my humidity on 2 (machine goes between 1-5).  I'll try turning it up and see if it does any better.  I haven't slept with it for the last two nights just so I can the feeling back in my nose.  I'm thinking that we need to have a CPAP burning (like the bra burning).  That is one frustrating machine!

Yes turn up your humidifier! Is your machine a resmed? Mine also goes up to 6 and I have it set at 4. Apparently I have bad nasel allergies and my nose looked really bad inside( I didnt even know it). It has really helped having it heated.  The activa is the name of a mask not the machine. I have to admit my pressure is supost to be set at 14 and I turned it down to 12 so I could get used to it and than I was going to increase it to 14 I just have not done it yet! ( I hope the Dr office doesnt read these! ). I agree with  the CPAP burning!!!! Ask me the questions you are curious about and maybe I can answer them or I can get you the answer.