Sleep Disorders Support Group

Welcome to our community, sorry that you need us. You may find comfort here and at least there will always be someone to talk tI have the same problems some time. All the time the mask is a comfort to put on and it seems like the breathing gets easier and its almost sleep inducing itself.

I always pay particular attention to the headgear and make sure its just right and the mask is positioned just right and off to sleep I go. And then I wake up with the straps killing me or the mask is cutting into my skin or something and then no sleep for awhile and my bed mate gets restless and its up and out to let one sleep at least.

I' in my 5th year of this and have a vpap machine and there are nights that it is heaven and then the next time I put the mask on its like the gremlins changed everything and nothing fits.

So you just have to have patience. Find the mask that is most comfortable and take it one night at a time.

I really believe that the proper fit is a matter of time before it happens and then it gets to be good 5 or 6 nights out of 7.

Do have faith and keep at it. Don't give up and let the other side win.

Best regards

Cicero

Totally agree - the mask is the key.

You need to try all sorts of maske til you finally find one that will give you what you need.

hugs

Update: I have a new CPAP machine! It is amazing the changes that have been made since I got my last one in 2006 or 2007. The size and portability of the machines have changed as well as the masks available. I think I have found a mask that should work for me. I have had it less than a week and have already seen improvements over my last one. I still need to take it one night at a time by any progress is good and I am happy with at this point <hugs>. Cheryl

So happy that you have found? a mask. I have two that almost work and I alternate them to keep the strap marks off my head in the back, actually paths in the skull bones.

But on a time when breathing isn't bad the machine and mask is almost like a haven and I dearly love it. On times when I can almost get along without it, I hate it.

Cicero

My doctor sent me for a sleep study after I told him I had been falling asleep at work, sometimes in the middle of a conversation I would just drop off to sleep. I am so tired all the time, and have most of the disorders listed. I had to go back for a second study,then was sent to a respiratory therapist where I got my machine and since they didn't have a mask my size, one was ordered. The one that came was too big and kept sliding off my face. The next one is too small. I tried the nasal pillows and can't do that either. I end up ripping the mask off my face during the night. I feel like I am suffocating or drowning. I have stopped using my machine and am afraid that I will get in trouble with my insurance company when they read the card that is in the machine. I I hate being tired all the time, but I hate that machine and mask even more!

Debbie

I hope you are able to get a mask the right size. Also, I was told that if you feel you are suffocating the pressure may need to be adjusted. There is also a setting they can change on the CPAP machine that allows it to be a longer period of time before the machine goes up to the maximum pressure setting. This may help you fall asleep before the max setting goes into effect. I would thing maybe talking to your Respiratory Therapist again about getting a mask or nasal pillows that fit okay would be the first step, though. Hope things get better for you <hugs>. Cheryl

I know the kind of hate you have and understand perfectly.

FIRST you must, have to, wear the mask and take the treatment or all sorts of BAD things can happen. There is an incurable disease Pulmonary Hypertension and it may be caused by untreated sleep apnea. It is fatal.

SECOND people solve their own problems first. SO become a personal problem of the DME you are assigned to. Get a different mask every week until you get one you can live with. Call them every day about the one you have then that does not fit. There will be no extra charge for that. Make sure you tell him/her that you expect no charge.

While they might not be aggressive in getting a mask to fit you as it is now, I guarantee you they will be aggressive about solving their problem, a nagging you.

You are spending good money, yours or third party, its still yours, and you DEMAND better care. try the Hans Rudolph 7600 V2 Full Face Mask & Headgear, it comes in 5 sizes, Phillips makes one I use and I can't find the name of it. It is built for a mouth breather in that it covers the entire face, but it is equally good for the nose breather and seems to fit more people almost right than any thing I have seen.

But you are fighting for your life. They are selling for dollars. You have a greater need to get the job done right, so go gettum tiger.

Cicero

On the new machines they call it ramping up and mine is at 45 minutes and it is the vpap machine which is intuitive and responds to my breathing. I know what you mean and I want to give up and it has been almost a year and yes you will get in trouble if the card says you are not complying with it, but that said that does not mean a certain number of hours, I think it is trying to comply that is the key. I take mine off when I am a sleep and I do not sleep that many hours, so do your best. My insurance pays for it after 10 months and then it is now mine. The doctor told me 4 to 5 hours a nights is benifical. I have severe sleep apnea and oxygen too as my oxygen drops to 60 in rem sleep. Just do your best and have a friend who encourages you to try and try again. My mask is just nose and is a resmed pink small and it is soft so it does not dig into my face. I wish you luck and wish me luck. When I was in the hospital the respirtory head spent a lot of time gently telling me what could happen if I don't wear it and the benefits of it. Hugs, deedee

Thanks for the input. I plan on getting that new pink mask the next time I need one. It's like mine but I guess a little lighter which would be nice. My sleep apnea has gone from mild to severe in like 4 years or so so it is definitely important for me to keep at it and make it as comfortable an experience as possible.