barbz

Update: I always knew my sinuses did not like CPAP! Constant sinus issues occurred no matter what mask I used. Well, there is one mask, that by-passes the sinuses, called the Oracle. I call it the 'Monster Mask' as it is not the easiest to get used to. I had tried it once and did not do very well.

This summer after the above fatigue from the UTI, that fatigue settled back in. My urine test was clear...so...now what? OK, Barb...dig that mask out! This bout of fatigue, along with the confusion, balance and dizziness disappeared within days! I can once again think, concentrate and even mow the grass!

Just don't give up...keep at it. While I never had that miraculous reaction when I started CPAP, my life has been so much better. My options of not persisting are scary. At 71 years...I still have things I want to do.

Azpatsmr...there is a product that might help, it is Biotene gel..you spread it on your tongue, inside of mouth before bed. It does help some. They also have a mouthwash, but that seemed to disapate too quickly.

I would be interested in this, simply because my sinuses have fought me all the way since I started treatment in 2007. I have gone through 14 masks, trying to find one that softened the effect of the air going through my sinuses. For a long time I was able to use the Hans Rudolph. Recently that mask has failed me.

Right now I am surviving by using the Oracle. A difficult mask to use. Got to make it work though!

My sinuses are in chronic inflammation responding only to prednisone, but that is not a permanent option. My balance, mental clarity are a mess...like on a roller coaster! Next week I am having a PET scan to make sure nothing else is going on.

I have been using SleepyHead for a while and get quite a bit out of it. I have compared it to results from my Intellipap results and it matches beautifully.

Here I was using the Anew mask by Circadience (?) and my AHI was great, but my leaks were outrageous! The machine was not responding at all.

I have had to switch to my 'Monster Mask', the Oracle as my sinuses refuse to deal with that air being forced through them...no matter how gently. My leak rate is rock bottom and my AHI is .50-3.40.

Without having SleepyHead, I would have not been able to see just what my sleep was like with the different masks. Even if I change to a backup machine, it reads it all...without my having to switch software!

I have had famous sinus issues for many years. I have found that a full face mask is best is you have sinus issues. Try the irrigation and other options mentioned here as how you and your sinuses respond will differ from others. Me, I cannot do irrigation.

I understand about pillows. For me, it is the arrangement of several pillows. I have to sleep on my back and it helps to have my head raised. I have used a wedge in the past for that gradual rise...but prefer my grouping of pillows instead...softer!

Also, being on my back required a higher pressure, but having my head higher removed the need for a higher pressure. I was able to request a wedge and took extra pillows for my last sleep study so I could duplicate how I slept at home!

I just started with generic Lexapro (escitalopram) that I take at night. It is supposed to calm that chatterbox mind. Was told I have something like ADAD or adult attention deficit disorder. My mind is not stop, even when asleep. Cannot say that it is helping as I am still on a very small starting dose...plus other medical issues are taking place :-( Trying, but it does get hard. My mind has not always been link this. I am also trying to bring some mindfulness meditation into place, before bed time and also during the day.

We have become use to multitasking, doing several things at once. Necessary at times...but so often it carries into our down time.

Update...unable to continue with Lexapro.

Here I was, in a panic mode, trying to find out why my sleep was so bad...not restorative at all! I tried different masks, pressures, switched between two machines...trying to find an answer. I had been doing great with increasing my daily walk distance. I had gotten up to two 1 mile walks a day...then I struggled and struggled. The final straw was when I practically fell asleep while walking. That was scary.

I live in a small town and got away with what I did next. I went to our Emergency Room and presented myself saying: “I do not know what is wrong. I do not know which way to turn...please help me." They did basic tests and one was a urinalysis. Well, I had a UTI or urinary tract infection, BUT without any symptoms! I figure had this infection in my system for at least 4-6 weeks. It can be a dangerous infection if not caught...leading to kidney infections and more.

I was so sure I was doing something wrong with my sleep routine...I tried to keep up with my walking...all failed.

This is just a message to share with you...IF ALL THAT YOU NORMALLY DO IS NOT WORKING...DO NOT HESITATE TO LOOK ELSEWHERE!

Getting there. The S9 took a bit to set up...listening to my breathing against the machine. I finally found the compatible settings. New terminology to learn! I am comfortable with the machine now. The Quest and I are having a few issues, but that is not new when it comes to any new mask.

Would like feed back here. I have an ResMed AirFit. It blasts the air right at my nose. I have a small teas infuser (like a mini sieve) of which 1/2 fits right over the air intake area. I have it temporarily attached with Mack’s Wax. I know putting something inside the mask is not considered correct, but there is no way I can exhale that...I wore it one night and my results were an AHI of 0.0. It is more comfortable than the Quest, but even with the ‘diffuser’ I still have some negative sinus response the next day...not bad though.

On my own I bought a new BIPAP. It started out great, but somewhere along the line it stopped responding to my hesitations in breathing. (centrals?) I was upset and contacted SecondWindCpap about it as it was a new machine and only been a month. That is one SUPER company...I was sent a free return label and am getting a full refund.

Still wanted and feel I need the BIPAP. I remember when our primary care docs, in the dark ages...used to do all sorts of tests. One was a pulmonary function test where you had to blow into this tube and make a ball rise up. I always did miserably. No one has tested this since and I do not feel I should have to go to a specialist just to test this. Miss the old days...some of them anyway. I think my poor exhalation is probably why the BIPAP works for me. I could never relax with straight CPAP. Even auto CPAP was uncomfortable.

Anyway...through the grapevine on another forum, I hooked up with someone who came highly rated and bought a used ResMed VPAP Auto #36006. It arrives today. (6/3/15) The individual sent me the full manual and I have read it from cover to cover...highlighted ‘my’ machine and when it arrives today I will be ready to go.

It has been a long journey...first to get the diagnosis in 2007, finding the right mask, finding a doctor who was willing to work with me and now, hopefully, getting the right machine. I have to relax and not let expectations mess up my introduction to this new machine. I also have what some call ‘Monkey Mind.’ I have been working on that once more. After my brother passed Jan 1st, I lost all the progress I had made. I am taking that ‘horrible’ med called Ativan (1.5mg) at bedtime for a while, using my iPad and listening to the various sleep apps I have..also using Insight Timer. I was up to doing 30 minute guided meditations and even 15 minute ones with just the timer!

Have to give a plug for the new Hans Rudolph mask, Quest. Because of my finicky sinuses, the HR mask is the only one that they (my sinuses) will let my use. I have tried over 14 different ones!!!! The Quest is identical to the V2, their original, but it is softer and molds to my face. The V2 was stiff and had to be sooooo tight!