Ruby

I have used a CPAP machine for several years now and I know it helps me. I still struggle with leaks and face marks but sleep much better with it than without. My breathing gets very shallow and so my oxygen levels go down if I don't use my machine. In my head I know I need this therapy and I know it helps. I guess I have a love/hate relationship with it! I travel quite a lot with friends and we often share rooms to cut down on costs. Here is my issue--I am embarrassed for people to see me in my mask. I wear a full mask so I can't hide it. I don't even like my husband to see me wearing it so I usually sleep on my side away from him. Does anyone else have this problem? No one has ever made fun of me and are almost always very accepting so I don't know why it bothers me. I am going in for surgery later and will take my machine and use it if I have to stay overnight but it is causing me some concern. Isn't it silly? Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

I was hoping someone with an answer would post about this. I have no knowledge of Sleepyhead software. Is there a contact person on their website that you could ask or someone from a sleep lab? Sorry I don't have an answer for you.

Good to know! I've never tried and just figured they wouldn't interchange.

I'm glad you are finding relief with the oral appliance. Each person is different and what works for one does not always work for another. I have two friends that have tried the oral and it did not work for them. It is so much trial and error and insurance isn't always willing to let you try different things.

You don't notice the leaks yourself? Do you still have your old nasal pillow? I just wonder if you wore it to see what your machine logs. Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing several things to try and figure it out. A pillow change might help. Make sure your face is clean as well as your mask. I have more problems with my mask leaking when my mask gets dirty. Are you talking about calling your doctor and not getting a response or the company? If it is your doctor, maybe you should just order one yourself. It gets very frustrating trying to find a mask that works well. I have tried several until I found one I like. Then there is the problem of paying for them. Insurance does not like to pay for us to try them out. Again, very frustrating.

It's always important you ask questions when you are unsure of something. It isn't too late to call them and ask what they meant by that. Probably you were border-line on levels but it could have something to do with your sleep meds. Were they aware of what you are taking and did you take them the night of the study? I am not a doctor so I won't attempt to answer your medication questions. Finding a good doctor is hard. I know nothing about the Canadian health care structure but don't you have to have a doctor renew your prescriptions? Who is prescribing your medications now? If you can't find a family doctor, maybe a sleep specialist could help.

Do you have a sleep doctor that you work with? Those may be questions to ask him/her. Do you sleep on your back? Sometimes when you change positions (especially to your back) it can cause airways to close up more. Has your pressure changed? Have you had any sinus problems or colds? Those can also affect your breathing and in turn, your levels.

First, learn all you can about sleep apnea and what sleep studies are meant to show. Then at your next sleep study, ask questions and if you don't get answers from them have them get you to someone who will have answers. As for recommendations, each person is different and use different types of masks. There are nasal pillows, nose masks and full face masks with all kinds of variations of each depending on the manufacturer. Try looking on line at patient reviews and comments. It really is a trial and error situation and many insurance companies don't pay for us to try many. During your next sleep study, ask to try different masks during the test to see which might best suit you. Good luck.

First let me ask some questions about the itching. What kind of mask are you using? Is the itching on the parts of your face that come in contact with the mask or all over? You might try cleaning it with actual CPAP mask cleaners instead. You could be having a slight allergic reaction to the dish soap or you might even be sensitive to the material in the mask. There are cloth liners that you can use that might keep this from happening.

You said you wanted to try the nasal pillow but might use the mask more at night. Could you explain more about this? Are you wanting to use the nasal pillow for naps?

It takes time for you to become more used to the mask and not unusual to take it off sometime during the night. Just keep putting it back on until you manage to sleep all night with it on. I don't think there are masks/pillows made for stomach sleepers but try reaching out to your mask manufacturer. The company may have a solution for you. I used to sleep on my stomach but not anymore.

As for your apneas going up, that has to do with your CPAP use not because your body gets trained not to have them. The machine gives you continuous air pressure that helps with the frequency of apneas. If you aren't using it, then that is the culprit. Try looking on our website to educate yourself on what happens when you are diagnosed with sleep apnea and then start CPAP treatment. It will explain much better than I can.

Try to figure out what is causing the itching and keep putting the mask on when you realize you have taken it off.

Glad you found an answer! And that is information that someone else might find of help.