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I started using a cpap about 3 weeks ago and my nasal pillows - Respiron Nuance - only worked a few nights I tried them. (Same model had worked perfectly well at the sleep center.) Then the little "nozzle" parts that goes just bit inside your nostrils started collapsing. One night I looped the tube behind and over my headboard and that allowed air to come through for a bit. It started decreasing so I squirmed around till the air increased and stayed constant. I was uncomfortable and sllloowwwwlllllyyyy moved to a better position and lost the air. I turned the nasal pillows upside down and wore the mask that way and that actually helped, but not enough. I asked the RT if the fact that I have a pug nose might make a difference as I kept having the feeling the pillows were scooting upward - no nose overhang to stop them. He didn't know nor did he sound interested in considering it, though I persisted. So I tried the Dreamware nasal pillow with the single opening. I was happy the first night because I was getting more air and I fell asleep quickly. The second night, though, I was awake longer and the airflow gradually decreased. Again, it felt like it was scooting upward very slowly. I left it on anyway but kept waking up throughout the night. The whole thing is made out of such flexible silicon (or whatever the rubbery stuff is) which is thoroughly comfortable but shifts easily. Now that my insurance has paid for two I have to buy the next one. I'm anxious because I HAVE to get my memory and focus improved so I can function at better at work. If anyone has thoughts about my nose shape theory I would like to hear them. Also would like to hear suggestions on nasal masks, especially which one(s) have the best air seal. Finally, I've looked at reviews of different sleep masks/nasal pillows but haven't found a site with large enough numbers of respondents to make the ratings meaningful. Does anyone know of one? Thank you!
Thanks to both of you for your suggestions. I did more research online last night and read about the collapsing, which makes sense because that's exactly what it felt like. There were tips on how to fix it but they didn't work for me. It could be that the model I have doesn't work with my face/nose shape. I put in a call to the medical supply company and am waiting to hear back. Zzzzzz help is on the way!
I've been using a cpap for about 2 weeks now and have only had about 3 good nights with it. The first week I ran into trouble when I tried to sleep on my side. The second week, I started having a new problem - after the first breath or two, I can no longer feel much of an air flow - or any at all - coming in. It's as if there's a blockage where pillows meet the nose. I randomly got it to work again the other night but not since then. I use the Philips Respironics size medium pillows. I tried the large but they were too big. I've tweaked the tightness of the straps, and when they're loose enough the air flows better but then there's not a good enough seal and air starts escaping. Does it make sense that having the straps too tight might impede the air flow? I appreciate any suggestions.
