Challenging the CPAP

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Tue, February 26, 2008

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Leah here. I have had my CPAP since February 14th. It has been a more pleasant experience since I washed the headgear and disinfected it. The headgear is now a little softer and more comfortable. I am able to get some sleep at night. Still, I wake up and adjust it throughout the night. Luckily, I am usually able to go right back to sleep. I am using a nasal pillow. The petite size seems to fit best, but not great. The small size is too big... My problem is that the right nostril doesn't seem to get as much air as the left...which doesn't make sense unless there is something stopping it within the right nostril or further below... I am thinking about buying a nose mask to see how that does...

Leah

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Jimmy Hawkins RCP

3/ 2/08 3:14pm

Don't despair. I am a respiratory therapist and a CPAP user. The most daunting task a CPAP user normally works through is the interface or mask type. There are many differnt types available. Your DME supplier will try to sell you the particular types they have available to them. You need to give each type a proper trial of several weeks and don't be afraid to contact and let them know what problems you are having. They can provide you with a great deal of help. Do your own research and look for the perfect interface if you don't feel you have found it yet. Keep trying until you find the right interface. Above all remember that CPAP therapy when applied properly is life altering and should make your everyday health better.

Leah

3/ 2/08 5:43pm

Thanks, Jimmy, for your encouragement. I have been using the nasal pillow since Feb. 14th and it has given me some relief. However, I keep adjusting it during the night when I feel air is not getting through properly. I'm going to try a gel mask next to see if that is better. I have also ordered a heated humidifier which should help my dry mouth and sinuses. You are right about there being many different options available for masks or nasal pillows. There should be something for everyone! All that is needed is to find the right one--and patience. The time line you mention for giving the apparatus a try sounds reasonable. I, myself, am not giving up. I certainly couldn't continue not getting sleep as it was ruining my health and my life. I see this interum of getting used to the CPAP as the gateway to my new life to come--one full of rest and living!

Leah

Michael Kelley

3/ 9/08 4:43pm

I've had my CPAP for just over 5 years now. When I first got it I didn't like the idea of the mask, so I tried nasal pillows, etc., thinking it was doing fine. However, when my equipment became too used to continue with, I tried a nose mask (not a full mask), and found out that the results were much, much better with a mask. From what I have been told after my own deduction, the nasal equipment doesn't quite deliver as much air due to leakage, etc., around the nose. The mask, however, doesn't allow the leakage (as long as it is adjusted properly), and the delivery of air is more substantial. I felt a WHOLE lot better once I started using the mask as compared to SOMEWHAT better with the nasal equipment. Of course, finding the right mask is important too. Since I was already a nose breather, the nose mask fit my style best. Mouth breathers would need to get a full mask to cover nose and mouth. I also found that a free moving delivery hose works best for me, instead of a fixed over the head 'mohawk' positioned hose. The two masks I like best are the ComfortGel and the FlexoFit.

Leah

3/ 9/08 6:30pm

Hi, Michael. I have heard and seen the gel mask. I am thinking of buying it. I know what you are talking about when you referred to leakage by the nasal pillow. I have to adjust it throughout the night because it moves and I am not getting a good amount of air. Thanks for your comments.

Leah

Mark

3/27/08 4:50pm

Leah, I've been working in a sleep lab for nearly 20 years and have seen major improvements in CPAP masks, headgear and nasal pillows. To address your particular problem of unequal air into the nostrils using the pillows, there is a cushion made by Respironics called OptiLife which allows you to interchange sizes with the same assembly. Check it out...thanks, Mark

Leah

3/30/08 5:10pm

Thanks, Mark. I just so happen to HAVE that particular cushion. It has been extremely helpful to be able to exchange sizes until i got what felt best. The respiratory therapist had told me to use the PETITE size...I tried, then I went to SMALL...then to MEDIUM...(Of course, LARGE would fit King Kong! I didn't even go to that one!)...then back to SMALL, which seems to be working. I also found that the unit allows the nasal pillow to be adjusted by moving it up and down until you get the right alignment. I think the OptiLife by Respironics is the only one that comes with that many sizes included. Bravo to Respironics!!!!

I appreciate your response! Keep up the good work.

Leah

Challenging the CPAP

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