barbz

Mark Watkins, aka Jedimark, has been moving and not been able to work as he wants with his software according to a December post on his FaceBook page on December 25th. While there are others who help him, he is the main programmer. Have a feeling there are other issues happening as I have never seen him write a response in such a manner

I have the same machine, but the software is on my Mac laptop. I also have it on an old PC laptop, but since I don't use the laptop since I stopped teaching, I still have Windows 7. Now and then I run the Encore Basic that I have on that PC laptop and it compares beautifully with Sleepyhead. Of course, my Encore Basic is also an older version that I got from the Apnea Board site. You can connect with someone on Cpap.talk for Encore Basic also.

I use the Xylimelts tabs. Since I use the FP oral mask, the Oracle...I really needed help with dry mouth. I use two of the tabs in my mouth every night. You place them between my lips and teeth. They adhere after a minute or so. I found them at Amazon, but they can also be found online at Walgreens and perhaps other places. Grayghost4...I also use the soft cervical collar instead of a chin strap.

Sometimes a person might have other issues...for me, it has been my weak exhalation. I was miserable on a straight CPAP. Plus, if you continue to have problems, I would think it might be good speak to your respiratory therapist or your doctor.

Like @wiredgeorge, I have to sleep on my back. I used to use a wedge to raise my head, plus I put a pillow under my knees. Since then, I have invested in an adjustable bed. I also learned that by having my head higher, my pressure can be a few points lower. I once tried to use that tennis ball technique, but found being on my side created too many other painful problems.

I have used a cotton ball with one drop of essential oil placed near the intake at back of my machine. It only takes a small amount! Some oils are strong and could irritate your nasal membranes. Be careful and read up on it.

I use a BIPAP with a humidifier as well as the Fisher Paykel HC 150 external humidifier. I also use the Hybernite (?) heated hose attached to the separate unit. While I started using this setup when I was using the Oracle oral mask. Kept using it when I switched to an Activa Lt nasal mask. I have Biotene, but don't really need it. Hope you can find something that works. I have found that some Cpappers work to acquire the knack of keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth as it helps to prevent breathing through the mouth. My tongue found its way there nicely.

There is the inner mouth piece and the outer one. They are a long horizontal oval. The inner section screws into the outer piece and you can control the tightness.

There is also a neck brace. I used the neck brace as it let me wear the mask with a looser tension between inner and outer flaps. I know one person who does not need the neck brace at all.

I found that I needed an external heat/humidifier unit (FP-HC 150) to ease the dryness of my mouth. Biotene has an oral gel one can use also.

It comes with nose plugs to help you not breathe through your nose. After a while I did not need to use them, thankfully.

I did wear a chin strap at one time, used a soft cervical collar and also made a mini jaw support that went from one side strap, under my chin, to the other side strap. I made it from several of those Velcro computer strips to keep cords together.

What has become clear, is that my sleep apnea issues have changed. It is now mainly my sinuses not accepting CPAP!

I know my main problems all these years were CAs (clear airway) events and hypopneas. My sinuses have fought against that air being forced in from day one!

Well, it was a no go for me regarding Inspire Therapy. He did mention reshaping the sinus drainage areas. Don't know the exact terms. Does not do the balloon method. Guess me and my CPAP are just going to restart our relationship. Very negative now.

Could use some positive thoughts!