Cpap

[john999]

I have having quite a bit of trouble with my Cpap. It drys me out even though it has a humidifier. Getting it to fit my face without pain after a few hours is almost impossible. I have had two changes in masks already. Am I the only one who has these problems? Is there a List or blog where people discuss solutions to problems with cpaps and sleep apnea?

John

[cooter]

​When I first started mine I to had the dry mouth. I set the humidifier up to the max. I believe it was 86. Also the main reason was when I sleep I was breathing thru my mouth instead of the nose. But there's no way anyone could control this when sleeping. At least not me.

As far as the mask goes, make sure you clean the mask every time you use it. My vpap provider told me to use baby wipes to clean it. Works well. I'm on my second mask and might have to try another. When I sleep, my head turns alot and thats when it leaks alot. Who knows, I may have to try a dozen more masks to get the best one for me.

I've had mine since Nov. and still having problems with the tight fit. They claim a little leak is ok. As a matter of fact, the other day I took the little card out and took in so they could get a reading to see how well it's working. They called yesterday and wanted me to come in for a better mask fitting. Lately I can sleep better with it off. Do you have OSA or CSA, or a mix? Whats your AHI reading?

Coot

[Bigred122]

John, I had similiar problems with the first cap/mask that I got. They switched me over to a Res Med LT60149 mask I take the large size.The large has a roughly 2" nose openning. There is what they call a shallow cup which has a less than 2" openning.(it cuts my nose if I use that one). I get my supplies from the VA so they should have it if you want to try it. It is much more comfortable than the first one they gave me.(no silly cap to wear) Hope that is the problem. Only problem I have is with the heater in the winter.It makes my mask sweat. To keep the water from getting too cold I just wrap a hand towel around it. I have to keep my water at the proper level to keep from throat drying out. Hope this helps! Mike

[mysticcherokee usn vet]

I have having quite a bit of trouble with my Cpap. It drys me out even though it has a humidifier. Getting it to fit my face without pain after a few hours is almost impossible. I have had two changes in masks already. Am I the only one who has these problems? Is there a List or blog where people discuss solutions to problems with cpaps and sleep apnea?

John

maybe there SHOULD be. Ive seen some get some good "medication" issues goin.imho.dont know much bout cpap YET, though If I dont stop the cancer sticks it probably wont be long. DUMDUM ME DUM! Edited February 21, 2012 by mysticcherokee usn vet

[Pete53]

I saw an add yesterday on TV that they are making softer masks that are more flexibloe. I have to use a full mask with humidifier cause I am a mouth breather.

[sleeper692]

I'm right there with you John. I've had my CPAP since November and I'm on my second mask. The mask I have now is really soft and sort of inflates when the machine comes on. While I have no trouble going to sleep with it, I have yet to make it all the way through a night with the damn thing on. Most of the time I wake up to find that I've ripped the mask off while I was asleep, with the machine beeping and the mask blowing air. Rarely do I bother to put it back on. I definitely get the dry mouth and nose even with the humidifier turned all the way up. I have not figured out a way to combat this yet. I've read that some people will use a saline gel in their nose to help prevent dryness. I'm not sure where you would find that. I looked in Rite-Aid and couldn't find anything like that.

I used to never have dreams I could remember until I started using the CPAP for OSA. Now I have epic nightmares that seem to last all night long and is probably why I'm taking the mask off in my sleep. When I first started using it, I woke up several times and had no idea what in sam hell was on my face. I'm surprised I didn't tear the mask up I ripped it off my head so fast.

I use a chin strap to keep me from breathing through my mouth. I might try the full face mask next as the chin strap isn't all that comfy come morning.

But, yes, rest assured you are not the only one who is having trouble getting used to it. From what I've read on sleep sights, most people finally adjust to it and have little problems but it does take some time to get there. If you are having pain from the mask, try loosening it up a little bit more each night. Heed cooter's advice and wipe the mask (and your face) down every night. The oils from your skin will cause it to lose its seal and you will have to pull the mask on tighter to keep it sealed. You may be getting the pain from simply having the mask too tight. Keep the mask clean and it will stay sealed with a lot less pressure.

Hang in there. Keep working with the sleep techs until you get the right mask and the right fit. In the long run, the CPAP will help you get the rest your body needs.

Pete