barbz

My sinuses just do not like that air coming through the mask. Tried many different masks over time. I also have an almost immediate issue in the morning and finally have come up with a routine. I use a nasal spray called XCLEAR first thing in the am. Most health stores carry it. Sometimes I can find it in drugstores as it is becoming better known. Its main ingredient is XYLITOL. My sleep doctor knows of it. What I like about it is that I can use it whenever I need it, unlike Flonase or Afrin etc. that only say to use once every 4-6 hours

Some individuals have good luck with nasal irrigation. There are several products out there. Neil Med is a well known one. Alkalol is another. The latter is also becoming available in some drug stores. I used to do irrigation until I discovered XCLEAR. Your first attempt at irrigation will feel weird, but it can be most beneficial.

As for humidity...I need a lot. This will take some experimentation on your part as it is a very personal preference. Along with my machine humidifier, I also have the Fischer Paykel HC 150 hooked up to my CPAP machine. I live in Florida, which is very humid to begin with. It may be why I need more.

I use the horseshoe shaped pillow, mainly for a neck issue. It does not get in the way of my mask in any way. I like how it keeps the position of my neck in a good open throat, breathing position.

Here is a whole thread on it. https://myapnea.org/forum/first-steps-for-inspire-therapy-coming-up/1#comment-1995

Plus, dealing with sleep apnea is an ongoing journey with bends in the road etc.. I have to say that while my journey has not been as dramatic in its positive results as I would have liked, I did greatly improve. Been using CPAP since 2007. I have a narrow face which limited me. Then I found the Hans Rudolph full face. Things were super for many years until my face started to itch, so goodby to my beloved HR mask.

Then, I had a silent stroke in my brainstem, and this caused me to develop centrals while sleeping. Centrals require a specific type of machine, the ASV which stands for Adaptive Servo Ventilation. What a difference in my sleep. I wish I could say my sleep is perfect now, but it isn't. It is better in many ways, especially if I look at the health options out there for me if I don't use my machine. For me, that could easily be a major stroke!

I'm getting horrible bloat from it again. This morning was the worst and when I woke my abdomen was terribly distended and painful to the touch. I read about how I may need a pressure adjustment, but I don't quite understand this because the pressure is automatic. Any useful tips on how to deal with this?

I can help you here. I had that problem, and still do to some degree. You are swallowing air. This is very common. When it is too uncomfortable in the morning, I take something for gas relief. Another trick I use is unflavored Seltzer water. Any carbonated drink can help, but I am trying to cut out sodas. The carbonation seems to make that air trapped in my stomach break up...and pass easily.

You do not mention the type of mask you use. When I used a full face, I would sometimes put Lansinoh, an ointment for breastfeeding mothers, on the part of the mask that touches my face. Lansinoh will not harm your mask as it is pure lanolin. Petroleum products can. The thin film of the ointment helped create a better seal ****You might just need to try different adjustments with your mask to control this. I also keep an eye ointment handy.

I am not familiar with your machine, so I cannot help you there. Just keep at it. Sometimes the simplest adjustments can bring amazing results.

Here is a link from an in depth discussion on the site. https://myapnea.org/forum/first-steps-for-inspire-therapy-coming-up/1#comment-1995

They have very specific guidelines regarding the qualification of the procedure. I tried for it, but did not qualify.

I have never used it, but wanted to check it out.

After looking at this, it seems as if your head has to be in a specific location for it to work. Too far up or down on the pillow would change its effectiveness. Then...if you are a side sleeper or prefer to sleep on your stomach it might be uncomfortable.

Lansinoh, is a non petroleum cream that is ok to use. It is one created for mothers who are breast feeding. It helps protect, and also creates a good seal. This is the Walmart link, but most drugstores should also carry it in the baby section.

I have used the football mouth guards when I first started using CPAP. There are also appliances your dentist can make for you. There are several links on this site regarding dental devises. Also, a dentist, Dr Tony Soileau, is a member of the forum. He is most helpful when it comes to dental appliances. You can put his name, or 'dental appliances' in "search" at the upper right of the page and all sorts of links will pop up.

One thing that I found very helpful, is to sleep in a recliner. I live in Florida and when the power is out, especially after a hurricane when it could be out for more than a day, that upright sleeping position is a 'lifesaver.' I will use a towel, or a horseshoe shaped pillow to keep my head upright.