Hi, I'm Janet. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2013. What's funny is that I had complained of fatigue for many years, and no doctor ever thought to have me undertake a sleep test. Doctors didn't seem too concerned and other practitioners looked to nutritional issues. Finally, my chiropractor suggested a sleep study. Sure enough, I had sleep apnea. I used the machine for a year but then I stopped and I honestly don't remember why.
About a year and a half ago, the fatigue was bothering me again so I had another sleep study and started using the machine again.
My most recent problem has been major mask leakage. After a couple of months of trying to figure it out, I finally got a new mask yesterday, the AirTouch F20, which is a full face mask that uses memory foam. Today my mask leakage was 0.96%. My AHI was 2.40, which is acceptable. Before that my AHI was reported as lower, but the mask leakage was really high - all over the place too. So I have no idea what my AHI truly was. I'm hoping that the mask will continue to work well. I'm going to keep a close eye on the data over the next month.
I was having major mask leakage. I was told to try the AirTouch F20, which uses memory foam. I finally got it yesterday and last night my mask leakage was down to 0.96%. You will need a prescription to get it (who knows why). It's a full face mask. I don't know anything about the dry mouth - it's the major mask leakage I've been dealing with.
I didn't know where my leak was coming from either. If it hadn't been recorded on the data (thank goodness for the forums that help us know that we can do those things AND how to do them!), I wouldn't have been aware of it at all.
pattyloof, I have had a problem with major mask leakage for a long time. What I've been told is that, even though my AHI appears to be low, a mask with that much leakage isn't going to record the data reliably (just as sleeptech said above). One of the sleep reps at my supplier suggested I try the AirTouch F20 mask once my insurance allowed me to get a new mask. Finally, yesterday, I was able to get it. It uses memory foam. Last night, my mask leakage was 0.96%, the lowest it's been in a long time. It's a shame that the insurance companies will make us wait even when there's a good reason to switch. But call your supplier to see when you can go for a mask fitting and a new mask. It shouldn't be more than 3 months after you received your last mask. You can ask that the Airtouch F20 be one of the masks you try, but there might be other options that work better for you. IMPORTANT: They didn't tell me until a few days ago that I needed a prescription for the Airtouch F20. Which is silly - there's no reason why anyone would need a prescription for that mask over others. But it's important you know that so that when you're able to go in for your fitting, you can take the mask home with you instead of being surprised and finding out you can't get it until after you can get a prescription. I hope that's helpful.
