Trouble maintaining air flow into nose

I've been using a cpap for about 2 weeks now and have only had about 3 good nights with it. The first week I ran into trouble when I tried to sleep on my side. The second week, I started having a new problem - after the first breath or two, I can no longer feel much of an air flow - or any at all - coming in. It's as if there's a blockage where pillows meet the nose. I randomly got it to work again the other night but not since then. I use the Philips Respironics size medium pillows. I tried the large but they were too big. I've tweaked the tightness of the straps, and when they're loose enough the air flows better but then there's not a good enough seal and air starts escaping. Does it make sense that having the straps too tight might impede the air flow? I appreciate any suggestions.

Can't provide any advice on the fitting issue but you should call the med supply place that fitted you and explain what is going on. They likely understand these issues well enough to explain a course of action to mitigate the problem. Since you have only been using equipment two weeks, they might possibly provide some different type equipment/mask since they so recently fitted you. I got my med equipment place to change masks as my first one was not the right choice.

Hi LOVE2Sleep. Wiredgeorge makes a good point about calling the medical supply provider that provided your equipment. You may need a different type or size of mask. When headgear is adjusted too tightly, it can sometimes cause leaks or impede airflow in nasal pillows because the soft material of the pillows can collapse. A properly fitted mask should generally be snug but comfortable. Please let us know how it works out for you!

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions. I did more research online last night and read about the collapsing, which makes sense because that's exactly what it felt like. There were tips on how to fix it but they didn't work for me. It could be that the model I have doesn't work with my face/nose shape. I put in a call to the medical supply company and am waiting to hear back. Zzzzzz help is on the way!

Sounds great, LOVE2Sleep! Please let us know how things work out for you.