Hang in there, from what you write it sounds like you are making advances. First off, you contacted a nurse to explain the problems you were having. You have also reached out for help on this forum. You are looking for ways to improve your therapy and that is great. The tip about wearing the mask while watching TV is a great one and is something I have suggested myself many times before. Also when you get your new mask trying laying down with it in the bed with the full amount of pressure on while awake. the mask can fit great while sitting up but once you get to bed and start changing positions it can be a whole different story. So put the pressure on, roll around and see if you can learn how to seal the mask better while you are awake and more willing to work with it then when it's 3 am and leaking. Being tired and not being able to sleep can be two troubling problems. if the sleep apnea is what is making you sleepy but you haven't been able to fully use the treatment and also use the treatment without leaks you won't be able to see the full benefits of the therapy. keep trying, see how the new mask goes. come back to the forum for more help if needed!
The search function is the magnifying glass located to the left of the sign in/logout button. Others have discussed clear apneas before. Check those posts. What are your numbers for the clear apneas, that will give a better reference for your question?
Sleep apnea can occur at any time during sleep. Some people experience sleep apnea that is more severe when sleeping in a certain position. Some people can experience sleep apnea that can be more severe in a certain stage of sleep, such as REM sleep.
I would tend to agree with Judy, I would rather have strap marks than an painful mask. If the strap marks are staying around for hours, perhaps you are pulling the straps too snug? Have you tried a few nights with it looser? Or how about using mask liners, they can help with the mask marks.
Great to hear you are sleeping through the night with it!
I can see if you have some trouble falling asleep and the CPAP just adding to that. CPAP does take some getting used to for some folks and may take awhile before you can tell a difference from the treatment. Good luck with your treatment.
I think you are making good progress on it. You are wearing the mask every night before removing it. You followed up with your provider regarding a dry mouth issue and received another type of mask. I have known many people that it took them quite awhile to get used to wearing the mask all night. Can you comment more on what you think is bothering you? You don't really describe why it takes you so long to fall asleep and why you wake up in the middle of the night and take it off. Is it the mask itself, is it getting used to breathing against the pressure? Ramp or flex feature may help if you are having issues with the pressure itself. A ramp is a period of time where machine will slowly build up to your set pressure, the idea being that it is more comfortable to you to fall asleep to and by the time your pressure it to the prescribed setting you would be asleep. A flex feature will help lower the pressure slightly upon exhaling, which some find to be more comfortable.
I would recommend trying to lay down with the mask on before you go to sleep, make sure the ramp is off so you can experience the full pressure (if you use the ramp setting) and move around, that way you can try to solve the leaks while you are awake and are most likely less annoyed with the mask. Not too tight not too loose is usually best. Some masks just don't work with every face type, so despite all of your adjusting this mask may not work for you. I would give it a few nights and if no improvement call your mask provider again.
I agree with wiredgeorge, if it has been years since you were first prescribed the therapy, things could have changed which can affect your prescription.
hi warmheartedapricottapir, if your heated humidity doesn't seem to be working and you are having dry mouth, have you tried a room humidifier in addition to using the cold water humidity to help with that? I would think that not using any water with the cpap should not affect the pressure. even if your heat is not working though, just using water will help more with the dryness issue than no water at all.
