Nasal Aire II Mask - still not working!

hi all, just found this board!! I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and fitted for a cpap. My setting is 9 (not very strong from what I hear). During my fitting, I was only offered a full mask, and a smaller partial mask that only covers the nose. I am extrememly claustraphobic - and these didn't work for me!! I have to be "compliant" with all medically necessary things in order to get approval for WLS - which is the goal here!!! I got on line and started researching my options. I found the nasal aire II was the smallest and lest invasive option for me. I then called all around to find a medical supply co. in my area that carried it. I've had my cpap now for three weeks. I thought this would be my answer. And although it is 100 times better then the mask.... I still find myself waking up in a total panic, yanking the thing off my face. I'm breathing WAY too much and too fast with it on. My water tank is supposed to hold enough water for three days....I'm only getting through one night and it needs to be filled. I'm sleeping WORSE with this darn thing then before I was diagnosed. ANY SUGGESTIONS???

Hi I've been on CPAP for 8 years. I can attest to the fact that it takes some time to get used to. Maybe up to six months. When I started out I wore the mask for the first hour every night for about 2 months. That gradually increased overtime. Now I panic if I don't have it. Hang in there Warren

I have problem with the CPAP too.. Haven't worn it in a while. I go today to see a new doc regarding this. On a side note.. Kingston?? Cool! I grew up in Marlette.

I have left mine off for three nights now, just so I can get some sleep!! I'm gonna have to call the doc back too. Wow, don't hear from too many people who know where Kingston, MI is, that is cool. You sure moved a long ways away!

Wow....it is like reading my own post! I am extremely claustraphobic also and I know that I would never keep a mask on! I had the nasal aire II at the sleep center but they didn't seal well. When they brought my cpap machine my respitory thearapist suggested another type which is made by ResMed and called Swift Mirage. They are also nasal pillows but the thing rests on your upper lip. You can adjust the tube anyway you like it. Mine is down and connected to the tube from the humidifier. I tuck it under my arm when I go to sleep. It has head gear but nothing around my face! I have had my cpap machine since Jan. 7th and now I can pretty much sleep through the night and my sheets are still on my bed when I wake up! My humidifier is filled everyday. And I increased my setting to 4 I sleep much better with it boosted up! I think the thing that has helped me the most is a routine. Turn on my humidifier....brush teeth.....whatever works for you....read a book....but I do the same thing every night. I don't even think about NOT wearing it. If it bothers me during the night I turn it off and forget it. I think anything is better than nothing! I hope this helps a little. Sue

Hi, I have a suggestion -- try cpappro. Here's the website for more information: http://www.cpappro.com/ It's a dental interface-- you fit a mouthpiece to your upper jaw, and it holds two small cushions that rest against your nostrils. That's the only thing that touches your face! By the way, I have one that I'm willing to sell for $75. Now that I'm post surgery and looking forward to getting off my c-pap, I don't anticipate that I will use it. Good luck, Susan

I use the nasal pillows and love them! I can sleep, toss and turn anyway I want and never have a problem. PS - My humidifier needs to be filled every day too. Good luck Ed

My doctor prescribed Ambion (a sleep aide) for me to use while getting used to the CPAP. I use Nasal Pillows instead of full mask. It really helped. I've been using the machine since the end of December. I usually have it on for about 3 hours, take it off an hour put it back on for about 3-4 more. I feel rested when I get up and don't get sleepy during the day. I had a bugger of a time just getting through the sleep study, took me three tries to get enough sleep time in. Didn't think I was claustrophobic, but anxiety level went way up. I felt like I was underwater, scuba diving and did NOT like the sensation one bit! Best wishes, Karen

funny- I have used a mask for many years, decided to try nasal pillows about a month ago. I don't like them! I wanted to get away from having the straps on my face that hold the mask in place. But I find the nasal pillows are noisier. Do you think I might need a different size? I can't get thru a night with them. I have gone back to my mask. Anyone else have a problem with lots of whistling noises?