As part of my recent foray into the heart failure clinic, a sleep study was ordered, and severe obstructive apnea diagnosed. Follow-up overnight saturation study confirmed desaturation into the low 70's at various points, so, Cpap prescribed. I am committed to giving this an honest shot at success and I've read pages of previous cpap threads going back years, however, I am left with a couple questions.

1) How did you determine which mask provides the best combination of most effective / least obtrusive? and

2) How many nights did you try a new mask before saying, "Nope, not for me"?

Thanks!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pace40,

I use an over-the-nose mask due to facial hair. It took a few nights to get used to it many years ago, but I was also very committed and got accustomed to it in a fairly short time. The nose & mouth type wouldn't seal for me. I never tried the nose pillow.

I can't go without at all after all this time.

Congratulations on being positive about this, it will probably save your life and certainly extend it. As a sufferer of OSA it was the best thing I did for better sleep and feeling much better. I started out with the full mask to be sure I wasn't keeping my mouth open. It was a minor inconvenience but was positive to get instant improvement in my sleep. After a time I ended up in the type that just covered my nose. Works great for me. Only complaint is the marks left on my face in the morning. I have not tried the type that just goes in the nasal openings but may at some time soon. The facial marks bother me a bit but the improvement in how I feel and the health benefits far outweigh this minor bitch on my part. Good luck and the use is almost 100% effective in helping you out.

I couldn’t do the complete mask, couldn’t keep my mouth shut either. So cover my mouth and bump up against nostrils works ish.

Another thing that really helped me was not using the ramp time. When it went to max pressure it would wake me right up. Your body will relearn how to breathe. Push that air out versus letting it go, and not sucking air in just letting it flow in. Not a precise explanation but you’ll notice having to force air out against the pressure.

I’m used to it, I’d say I still resent it, seems to solve a problem I didn’t realize I had.

If you have or develop sinus issues that prevent nice nostril only breathing you may have to go with the full mask as I did. I did find a nice product called RemZZZ which is a surface liner that allow the full contact much more pleasant.

Don't give up too soon - I won' sleep without my machine.

I had a tough time adjusting through a couple changes in gear, none of which worked until a friend gave me Phillips nasal pillows to try. Seemed like a bad idea as I mouth breathed yet air through the nasal pillows is enough that mouth breathing isn’t an issue. Everybody’s different though.

I have mild sleep apnea which doctors said contributed to enlarged heart. I couldn’t stand the Cpap. Couldn’t exhale. They prescribed BiPap and I think it’s the best of the lot . I have a beard. Tried two more three full face mask and it was a nightmare dealing with those. Causes my TMJ to go crazy. I went to Resmed nasal and it works great due to me being a nose breather. I have done well with that . Well is a relative term. It’s still much easier to sleep without the thing in my nose but the alternative is to risk developing heart trouble and kidney trouble . I get up fewer times at night now . I thought it was due to BPH that I had to get up every couple of hours sonI had a procedure done , PAE. We’ll, the BiPap helped me sleep for at least three hours at the time . Get a machine with a humidifier and a climate control tube.
It took me about two or three weeks to adjust but I was relentless in my efforts to adjust. I feel that I have no choice.
Best of luck to you . It’s mostly finding the right mask and a positive attitude.

Masks are like guns, there’s a whole lot of them and you’ll have to find one that works for you.

A very important tip I can give as a 3+ year CPAP user is: DO NOT let your doc or DME try and force a mask on you that YOU don’t like.

Plus 1000 about don’t let doc or DME rep push something in you. They get kickbacks in their sales in some cases. I haven’t tried different machines but I like the Resmed BiPap . I also have tried various masks and the Resmed Nasal silicone, AirFit, is my favorite so far . Can’t afford to try them all, unfortunately.

OP:

What mask were you issued? Are you a nose or mouth breather?

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
OP:

What mask were you issued? Are you a nose or mouth breather?

Nothing yet. Script was sent in yesterday and I'm waiting for a call from DME but doc said I was going try Resmed AirFit P30i first and F30 or F30i second if the nasal didn't work. I'm trying whatever insurance will cover at this point but when I get it figured out, I'll buy my own. Not sure the nasal will work since I think I'm a mouth breather, but I sleep with my dog, and he won't tell me.

Are you still using the F30 and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet machine?

All sound advice listed so far.

I'd like to concur that everyone is different so let me describe my experience.

My best results with the cpap are when I sleep on my back. This required weeks of developing new habits and trying new things. I have used a full nose mask and now prefer the nasal pillows. They are more comfortable for me.
Sometimes an eye mask helps as well as all light is blocked and I can relax my breathing and sleep amazing.

Just be aware that this will be a process and take time to adjust.

Once you get it you will feel rested and amazed.

Lastly you may dream or they may be different than what you have been used to. All part of the sleep cycle.

Best of luck and rest well.

Cheers~

You'll do fine going in with a good attitude towards better sleep and health. To answer your questions:

1) Actually happened during the sleep test they start with the full face mask, tried it for about an hour and buzzed the attendant to get that off me. He switched me to pillows and that worked great.

2) first night during the apnea testing.


Couple of things that helped me, be sure to have the tech set the Ramp option to on, and for the most time available, probably 15 minutes. This tells the machine to not go full power initially, and it reduces any excess pressure that might leak out while you get used to finding the sweet spot where your mask fits without leaks. It also lets you fall asleep without having full on pressure going into your nose. Make a big difference, I still use ramp up to this day, 10 years later, it' just more pleasant.

Mask type, for me it's pillows, the full mask doesn't work for me, and I don't breath out of my mouth so it's perfect, lighter, less attached to my face. I side sleep and toss a bit, and the pillows with an over the top of your head hose allows you to tuck the hose behind a pillow and flop left or right if you want. No having to learn to sleep on your back.

You should have a humidifier on the system, so be sure to keep a few gallons of distilled water on hand. Do not use tap water, use distilled.

Other than that, it will take a little time to warm up and find your personal setting but it will be worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by bettysnephew:
Only complaint is the marks left on my face in the morning. I have not tried the type that just goes in the nasal openings but may at some time soon. The facial marks bother me a bit

I fixed the issue with face marks with a set of Pad A Cheek mask Strap covers, these go over the straps, are soft and eliminate the mask line issue without affecting the ability to get a good seal.

Best $15 you'll spend...

Pad A Cheek Link.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
To answer your questions:

Thanks! My sleep test was at home, so I guess it's going to be trial and error. Thanks for the pressure tip too.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Masks are like guns, there’s a whole lot of them and you’ll have to find one that works for you.

A very important tip I can give as a 3+ year CPAP user is: DO NOT let your doc or DME try and force a mask on you that YOU don’t like.

I use a full face, my wife likes the nose pillows. Its all individual taste. You will have to try a couple to find what fits you best.

#2...there is NO time to say nope not for me. You have to change your thinking to this is going to work and it's going to help me live a better longer life. This is your new reality, there is no "it's not for me", there is only this is my new way to sleep and that's that. Your mindset will help you adapt immensely. For me, it took about 3 days before i got used to it. My wife took a little longer, once my body got used to a much better nights sleep it actually looks forward to putting the mask on.

I first started using it at home, and then when i travelled(professional pilot) i did not use it. I always got the worst nights sleep in the hotel without my machine. After a few months I couldn't stand it anymore and purchased my own travel cpap. I use it on the road and a home one at home. I actually look forward to putting in on when i lay down to sleep because i know i will able to sleep all night long.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffxjet:

#2...there is NO time to say nope not for me. You have to change your thinking ...

Nope, not for me is referring to the type of mask, not overall cpap use in general. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

You are going to sleep so much better.

I use a full mask/nose cushion. I am sometimes a mouth breather and knew instantly a nose only mask was not for me.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
referring to the type of mask

Forgot to list the mask type, mine is Opus 360 Nasal Pillow. There are other types that are similar, this one works for me.

Link

Ahh gotcha. My misunderstanding. The mask preference is almost instantaneous. I tried the pillows and felt like i was drowning in air. I couldn't wear it just testing it. My wife was almost the same with a full face, shes hated it instantly. She tried the pillows and loved them right away. The full face for me was perfect right away. Sleeping with it will take a couple days, but you should know right away if the mask is gonna be a no.

Sizing is most important. Get the right size so it fits your face perfectly. My home mask is a medium(forget which model) so i purchased a medium airfit f20 for my travel one. The airfit f20 runs a little smaller so i need a large. It’s my only real complaint about the travel cpap. The mask has to be exactly perfect for it to work. My home mask can be off a few millimeters in any direction.

I settled on nasal pillows.
Other things to consider...
When I started, woke up panicking ripping off the mask. To get used to it. I'd wear it for an hour before sleeping for a week or so.

An easy overlook: sleep accessories. To reduce rolling around too much, i went with a buckwheat pillow. Very comfortable.
Similar to these:

https://comfycomfy.com/product...riant=39252088356966


I also use a pillow under my knees. This has reduced back aches.

Bipap was a game changer. Much more comfortable.