cpap frustration..

Hi ya'll, Just last week I was saying how much better I felt with the cpap I tried out at the hospital..it had not been any trouble for me and I slept pretty well for the first night on it. HOWEVER, this past Friday they delivered mine here to my house and since then I have not slept more than an hour and a half on it at one time yet! I do not know if it is just not putting off enough pressure or if the mask is an improper fit or what, but it just is not working! (Is the silly mask supposed to cover your lips as well, it is not a full face mask, just a nasal mask, but it comes to just under my lower lip). My daughter said I sounded like I was suffocating in it and quite frankly that is why I woke up the first night with it, I felt like I was suffocating! And I woke up still snoring and gasping.. ??? This really confuses me because it was not like this at all in the sleep clinic. If anyone can offer some advice I would be greatful.. I am tired but can not sleep and I feel very frustrated at this point. Thank You, Dawn

Hi Dawn... The mask shouldn't cover your lips... It's about a tringle shape thing that covers your nose. However, have you tried putting it on and then pressing the button that gives you a little bit of air at a time, until it gets to your actual number? - I've heard that helps some people. I, personally, just put the dang thing on... full blast! LOL! Another thing? How are you sleeping? Your side? Back? Stomach? - I found sleeping on my back helps alot better when wearing that darn thing. If your still having a hard time with it - CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!! -Katie

Hi Katie, I have the ramp button that takes it to the pressure prescribed within 10 minutes, and that part is no problem for me, just doesnt feel like enough at times..but that is something I will discuss when I have my appointment with doc the 10th. The mask is the problem, I think it is just too big..I tried again after I posted the other message and it just doesn't work for me. Part of the problem too I think is that when I have that thing on I have to stay on my back and I am a side sleeper.. I toss and turn trying to get comfy on my back but just get to hurting so badly I just can not lay on my back! I went online and looked at other masks and there are so many different kinds I think I will call the rental company today and see about switching to a much smaller one.. or the nasal pillows.. will see what happens. How are you feeling these days Katie?? Find out anymore about your tummy problem? Best of luck to you and hope youre feeling better soon! Hugs, Dawn

Morning Dawn, I'd call and ask about a new mask first - Even being a big girl (ME!) I use a size SMALL mask! Sheesh, the only thing on me that gets that size! LOL! However, the masks come in all different shapes and sizes - I have a friend that has a different machine from me and ALSO a whole different mask. I think it has alot to do with insurance companies too but I could be wrong! Anyways, I hope a new mask helps you! Then you'll be back to sleeping normal again! You can sleep on your side with the mask, I find my back is better but everyone is different. About my tummy - It's gotten larger and actually started to hurt on Sunday. I think its cause when I was changing Ashton's diaper - He decided he'd kick me in the stomach.... Not cool! LOL! However, I did call the doctors on Friday to see if they found a new place but typical she already left the office for the weekend. Ugh. Only bad thing is - its gotten bigger and it looks like I'm pregant. Which I know can't be the case! I've been good since like a week before my surgery! LOL! Anyhow, keep us updated! -Katie

Dawn, I just got in from my titration study in the lab. I did much better than I anticipated cuz I've always been kinda claustrophobic. The only time I woke up was when one of the leads on my scalp came off and the girl had to come replace it. They let me bring my mask from the sleep lab home as a back-up for when I get my machine. She also said I only was titrated to a relatively low number of 6, so maybe that's why it was so easy on me. I did spend most of the night sleeping on my sides as I have never been a back sleeper. Call your doctor today as it sounds like your mask isn't a good fit........................................................Kelly

Hi Dawn, I use C-PAP also. The company that brought your machine is to fit your mask when they bring it out.I was told to call the company if I had problems. I have a small mask called the Aclaim mask and I really like it a lot, it swivles so you can put it over your head in bed and turn anyway you want. Also I found after awhile my strapes loosen and my mask will start slipping down and I have to tighten it up it is to fit tight.I use Lambert's in Knoxville, but it sounds like you need another mask size. Something I didn't know right away but most Ins. co. pay for two mask a year because they do break down, if they told me that when they brought it out I didn't remember.Hang in and it will get better !! Best wishes Linda

Hi all.. I spoke with the medical company who provided the equipment for me and they just brushed me off as if I was a bother, didn't really surprise me tho they've not been the best at service so far. She said mine is a relatively new mask and everyone complains about the feel of it at first, that the outer lip of the mask always lays on top of the mouth, so I just need to give myself time to get used to it. (standard activa). They are certainly not a company (apria) I would stick with if I had a choice about it, am not impressed one bit. But, I will stick with em and try to adapt best I can.. Lord willing, when I have surgery, I won't have to be on it anymore anyways..it's only at 9 on the pressure so it isn't as bad as we first thought it would be. Linda, do you know the cost of your mask and if it will go with ANY type of machine? Maybe if I have to stick with the cpap long term I can purchase a different type, out of pocket. Thanks ladies. Dawn

Id contact your nurologist. Since he/she is the one that ordered the mask. Tell them the sittuation and they will probably have you come in and bring your machine. I also use Apria and they had me come to thier office and fit the mask on me even tried it with the pressure on to make sure there were no leaks and that it fit right before I took the machine home. My mask is a petite gel mask. The small reg mask was too big so my nurologist ordered the petite for me and with the gel cushion in it it helps keep it comfy and keeps leaks from happening. Hope this helps *huggles*

Hi Dixie, noticed you have a different photo, looking good. Did they tell you about the gell mask? If it comes to where you have to keep tightening the straps, boil the mask in water for 3 minutes, run cool water over it until you can handle it, then mold it to your face. I need to go mine again. I'm a size mediam. But I can't sleep with any other kind except the gel. Looking good, kathy

No it's not supposed to cover your mouth unless you have a full mask. the nasel one should come just below your nose. If you feel any air escaping, try tucking it in towards your nose, or tighten the straps a liitle more. It could also be the mask isn't right for you, that you may need a different one. Ihave the gell one and it's great. Let them know about the way it's fitting. They may have to come back out and bring a smaller one to you. Best of luck with it Dawn. Any other questions, feel free to ask, been on CPAP for 3 years. love ya, kathy