Introduce Yourself!

Chilly Willy,

You don't have to introduce yourself, but it's nice that you did and thanks for joining the family.

Being compliant with your CPAP is a struggle for many of us. So, hang in there. There are many posts here to help guide and encourage you.

Joe

I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea, I am unable to use the cpap, it is too big, I am unable to move while sleeping, I just found it uncomfortable. Is there a smaller mask available.

Thank you, Suz

Hi Suz. There are many masks available in a variety of sizes that are made from different materials. I would encourage you to talk to your doctor or your equipment provider about finding a mask that works for you. If you absolutely cannot tolerate CPAP, you might consider asking about alternative treatments. Good luck!

Suz

Yes, what Dan said time 10. The number of masks and variations is innumerable. There are mask made for people with small faces and big faces. masks for men and women. There are ones that go over just your nose or entire face as well as ones that just go under your nose called nasal pillows. Even hybrids. I have tried a million different ones.

Don't give up after only trying one. Press your Supplier. The only problem is the cost. I had to pay for all of mine. Not cheap.

I would love to use the nose or nasal pillows but I am a mouth breather. I didn't think I could use these.

Need2sleep,

Ever try Try a chin strap?

Good info... I can breath through my nose normally, if my sinuses are clear, but invariably when I doze off my jaw slacks and mouth breathing commences but not as a norm. In other words its not all mouth breathing. What happens with the full face mask is leaks just can not be stopped when my jaw drops. The nose pillow sounds perfect for alleviating the possibilities of leaks that are so numerous in the full face mask, when combined with a chin strap.

I have been a CPAP user for over a decade. I am female with a very thin nose bridge. I have just switched to a ResMed AirFit F10 full mask which is quite small and has a lot less leakage than previous masks. Always press your provider to try the latest models.

Thank you all for really good suggestions. I will press on to see if I can obtain a smaller mask, I really like the idea of just a small one for the nose. Thank you

Intro time - My name is Ken and I'll be 71 in Sept. I have been on BiPAP autoS machine for 5 years come this Sept. Heart Ablation surgery "might" have triggered mixed sleep apnea (stopped breathing 88 times per hour), or sleep apnea caused Ablation - who knows? I was never tried or fell asleep during the day and only weigh 143 pounds. I wear a TOTAL full face mask (tried them all - and my wife calls me Darth Vader) and feel bad every time I wak up. I have had three sleep tests and have one coming up this Sept. (September's have been a busy month for me). I don't like this situation but I will ware the device - a friend of a friend didn't like wearing his mask and DIED. My advice - Wear The Mask.

Hi Ken you are my first reply since joining. I took a bad fall last month and just getting over it now. Glad you are faithful with your equipment. Its so important although a real pain. My pulmonologist says using Cpap is much better than the alternative when you dont. Sorry for loss of your friend. Will write again soon

Welcome to the group Ken. That's an amazing story you have there. I think there is a misconception that snoring is no big deal. That leads to sleep disorders not being diagnosed.

Like you said... Wear your mask!

Also, welcome Golf Girl.

@CompassionateByzantiumGiantPanda3490

Welcome Ken. I'm Theresa. Happy to hear you are forging forward with your therapy even though you have some issues with it. Indeed great advice you give --- "Wear the mask." Thank you for your post and hope to see you as a regular contributor!

Hello, I'm Brandon and I have moderate sleep apnea. I help dentists and physicians treat patients with sleep apnea. Some with the CPAP, and noncompliant patients with an oral appliance. I help connect DDS with MD in order to get the best treatment. Bwoltman@somnomed.com

I was diagnosed in 2004 by a local dr. Not quite knowledgeable abt.apnea. 1st sleepover confirmed diagnosis. 2nd sleepover I never got to sleep. I was 120 lbs, very active and extremely tired. Very lite sleeper n still am. Dr put me on 8 with moisture. I was glad to finally know why I was always tired. Took me a yr with a sleep specialist and therapy to use the mask. My face was always sore and marked up and it would hurt from mask. I have had 5 sleepovers because each dr wants their own results. I moved from nj to fl and had my last sleepover. The tech said it was no necessary to do the test again. Results were always the same. Severe abstructed apnea. Carry my machine with me. Hope they get smaller and lighter.. I used the pillars when I saw them at a local seminar in nj. Always wondered why I never heard of an organization regarding this condition. I'm sure it is hereditary. My mother snored and woke herself up and napped Thoroughout the day .she died at 84 with bad heart and lungs, she died from a stroke. It is late and must get my sleep, yea!

My name is Amy. I'm a 43-year-old mom of two. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about five years ago. I am still struggling with CPAP. I'd love to figure out the right treatment. Looking forward to hearing how others are doing.

Hi Amy,, my name Emma. hang in there, there's a cpap for you. So many companies, so many types. I couldn't adjust to a mask. Laughed every time it whistled. Husband did not help ." Hanible lecter" was in the bed. Not sleeping! My very overweight girlfriend got the nose pillars. I checked them out fast. At that time, the material was a problem. It caused sores around my nose, what a mess, but I stil kept trying. They changed the material to a less allergy formula & I have been using that for many years. I used the strap to hold my chin shut which you can imagine the remarks from my family. Sometimes I laughed so hard getting ready for bed. I don't need the straps anymore. My brother and sister has apnea as well. 3out of 9 kids. You will eventually get the right equipment. Check for local seminars. By the way, my girlfriend lost over100lbs n still losing but doesn't need the Cpap anymore. I will always have it as weight was not the problem. Wish you luck, you need sleep raising kids.

Amy, as Emma says hang in there. I too have been on cpap going on 5 years come September. I still struggle with "all this change" in my life. I have settled - for now the TOTAL Full Face Mask (think Darth Vader) and wish there were more...until there is "Live With It And Wear The Mask". We never give up.

Welcome aboard Amy. We all have struggles and we all have our highs and lows. Call on the team here at MyApnea.org for help and encouragement.