Sleep Apnea Mask?

[Slater]

Im fit 50 & was just diagnosed with the sleep apnea...
Didnt think I was going to test positive but looking forward to benifits, I snore, sleep pattern sucks, get in bed at 10 or 11 & if i sleep-in until 4 am I doing good...
Lots of mask options & figured there should be lots of folks on here that have been through them all. I dont do well with choices, less is more for me! All these choices makes my head spin.
I do understand what works for you may not work for me...
I think im a back sleeper & side sleeper if I cant fal asleep on my back, dont think im a mouth breather...
No facial hair.
4 friends really like the nose pillow & im kindo of leaning towards the Resmed Airfit P30I that has the hose attachment by your head vs the minimalist approach with hose attaching to nose piece.
insight from those that have been through it, thanks

 

[Lewis Clark]

I initially tried a mask that just covers my nose. It was not comfortable and have switched to a mask covering my nose and mouth. It's much better for me.

I found it helpful to route the hose over a headboard, so it reaches me from above the top of my head. I found that when the hose comes to me from the side, it tangles around my neck and wakes me up.

 

[RobbieB]

I loop the hose over the headboard so I can turn either way. I use the mouth and nose unit because I open my mouth when sleeping and when I just had the nose unit this tornado would rip through my sinuses and wake me up.

Experimentation is needed -

 

[Lewis Clark]

I loop the hose over the headboard so I can turn either way. I use the mouth and nose unit because I open my mouth when sleeping and when I just had the nose unit this tornado would rip through my sinuses and wake me up.

Experimentation is needed -

Exactly my experience.

 

[Super Trooper]

Exactly my experience.

Same here!

 

[Teacher Terry]

I need the full face mask because I breathe through my mouth and find it the most comfortable.

 

[Markola]

After trying different masks, I like the minimalist Respironics Dreamwear best. However, my mouth falls open, so I also use a somewhat loose head/jaw strap, just tight enough to keep my lips together.

Perhaps a tip. I had a hard time adapting to the CPAP, so I got a BIPAP, which allows for easier exhalation. It’s much more comfortable.

 

[pacergal]

DH has used full face, nose only, and nose pillows. He did well for several years, stopped when his Phillips unit was recalled and he never got a replacement. He also is a stomach sleeper, so that does not work with a mask. His sleep doc ordered a mouth device, he was fitted and we pick it up this week. Hoping this works well, as he has significant apnea.

 

[Slater]

thanks for the insight everyone, its a start...

 

[Piper20]

I started with full face mask for a year or so then tried the wisp nasal mask for a few years. Tried the nasal pillow and found that to produce more air noise. Went back to the Wisp. I have a mustache and beard and no issues even though they said it would probably have to go.
Was always a stomach sleeper all my life but adjusted well to back and side sleeping.

 

[JoPeter57]

I have the recall machine (Philips dream station 1) - there are uTube tutorials on how to remove the foam (the cause of the recall).
Note: there are 2 or 3 good facebook groups on CPAP support; you'll get much more tips and tricks there.

 

[JDARNELL]

Air touch F20 with cushion

 

[48Fire]

I have the Phillips Dream Station 2, which was a replacement for the recalled unit. It has some very significant improvements, in my opinion.

I use the nose pillows, and don't have any issues. It has improved my sleeping tremendously, and my wife's as well

I route the hose between the mattress and headboard, then under my pillow, then up over my shoulder, and lay the hose on my chest, pointing at my nose. This puts the pillow in a "stress free" position, and eliminates it moving around, and changing air pressures or slipping out completely.

Sometimes I roll over on my side, but you need to be careful that you don't stretch the hose, and pull it loose.

It's very comfortable to me.... a real life changer. Good luck. It takes a week or two of persistence and patience.

 

[troutnut1]

When I was a new user I liked the minimal Resmed Airfit p10 which just has a little pillow for each side of your nose. The problem I had as a new user was that my nares got really sore after a few weeks. They need to become conditioned. So I asked my supplier to give me an alternative temporarily. They said they couldn’t because I had been prescribed the p10. First lesson learned: Always ask your sleep doctor to prescribe “mask of choice”. In a country that sells the public alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana openly I need a prescription for a little room air under pressure? Yep! Second problem was that my insurance only covered a new mask every 6 months and I couldn’t wait. Enough money solves that problem and I decided to buy lots of different masks to try from black market sources like ebay and amazon at discounts. I tried nearly everything. Full face masks left my throat parched as I breath through my mouth. After 8 years I ended up using a Resmed N20 nasal mask which covers my nose and not my mouth. This is a substantial mask that stays on with magnets. Much more duarable than the airfit P10 which wears out pillows and the stretchy strap. I tape my mouth shut with BSN cover roll tape (an advanced technique I would not expect a new user to try). Experimentation is in order. Getting it right is amazing. Full nights sleep. no bathroom trips most nights. Rem sleep dreams are like a netflix subscription. Matching the mask to the user may be the most imporant part of cpap. I suggest Jason at “TheLeftyLanky27” on youtube for mask reviews. https://youtu.be/K4rbx_8yDCY. Good luck and sweet dreams!

 

[Slater]

Thanks troutnut! I switched my initial order of the airfit p10 to an airfit p30 but still a sleep pillow.
Im also concerned about the sleep pillow & nose comfort also as you stated, we will see I guess.
Surprised there arent more cpap threads on this forum, last search shows 2014...
Work around for free masks to try is call your insurance supplier a week after getting your prescribed mask & tell them it may not be working out & you would like to try xxxx.....
Theyre not going to ask you to send the first used one back...
Atleast thats how my nurses explained it to me...

 

[48Fire]

Thanks troutnut! I switched my initial order of the airfit p10 to an airfit p30 but still a sleep pillow.
Im also concerned about the sleep pillow & nose comfort also as you stated, we will see I guess.
Surprised there arent more cpap threads on this forum, last search shows 2014...
Work around for free masks to try is call your insurance supplier a week after getting your prescribed mask & tell them it may not be working out & you would like to try xxxx.....
Theyre not going to ask you to send the first used one back...
Atleast thats how my nurses explained it to me...

I had problems with the pillow at first, as it rubbed the inside of my nose raw. They recommended a little vaseline on the nose pillow. I suggest you try that first, since it can't hurt. Your nose isn't used to something in it for 8 hours, so try the vaseline. Also, my doctor allowed me to test masks in the office for 30 minutes, just getting used to them and the system in general. A little training is necessary from someone, or you will likely get frustrated. Try it for a nap, too. I can't sleep without it now.

 

[Slater]

Just an update. The p30 is destroying my nose!!! Straps arent tight at all, no leakage but as stated can rub you raw...
Switching to the airfit 20n as of tonight will be the first go but like how it feels...
no more cramming the barbs in my nose, upward pressure, etc....

 

[troutnut1]

The Resmed Airtfit 20N is my all time favorite. No more sore nose nares because it covers the entire nose. It’s also the most economical mask I’ve had because the straps and the replaceable nose piece are very durable and last far longer than the P10 pillows. It does have one small problem in the venting holes where the short flex hose hooks into the nose cushion. It has tiny little holes that shoot air out at high volume. This can get you in trouble if it hits your sleeping partner. It also makes noise I don’t like when it hits my pillow sometimes. I solve it but loosely fitting a fabric bandaid loosely around that connection. Just enough to diffuse the air a little.

All mask have to have some venting like this. In the event of a power failure it allows you to breath. But some masks are good at diffusing it (like the P10) and some just shoot it out in noisy little jet (like the 20N). I also like the very substantial headgear which allows a lot of tossing and turning when properly adjusted. Not too tight, and not too loose. The ultimate solution for me long term was the 20N and mouth tape to keep my mouth from falling open and losing the benefit from the now pressurized room air. Cover-roll 2” tape from Amazon works well for this if you end up needing it.

Finally, download free OSCAR software from sleepfiles.com to monitor your AHI index numbers and leak rates. Its all recorded nightly on an sd card behind a little door on the left side of the machine. That’s the only way you’ll really know how your mask solutions, pressure settings, and leaks are within acceptable ranges.

 

[2HOTinPHX]

Just thought I'd share something that might help some here dealing with sleep issues. Sorry about the thread drift. I have some sleep issues too according to my wife. I just recently downloaded snorelab app recommended here and it works very well and confirmed what my wife has been saying about me snoring...busted. Weird to hear yourself snoring.

I have done two at home sleep test and DR said test came for very very mild sleep apnea episodes...I forget his exact terms but last time it was done he was surprised how good the results were. So no mask needed at this time.

We have adjustable beds but that didn't seem to help with snoring or sleeping issues for me. Until a few days ago. We were mattress shopping and the sales guy showed us how you need to raise the bed a lot higher than they show in those commercials on TV where you move a few inches and the snoring stops. He said it's more like when you're in a recliner type chair lying on your back. He said it has helped with his sleep apnea and snoring and he does not use a machine any longer. Now I know....salesman BS perhaps but he wasn't trying to sell us on adjustable beds since we already told him we have them. We did not buy anything but a pillow that day.

So I have been trying to sleep more upright like in a recliner or what some called zero gravity position. It's only been a few nights and does take a little getting used to but it does seem to be helping with getting a more restful night of sleep. The sleep app I ran showed improvement. Just low level of snoring for a bit. Compared to louder and more frequent snoring on the bed when flat.
Just thought it might help some here get a better night sleep. I can see how the mask could be a pain but maybe a recliner type position might help in several ways?

Maybe discuss with your Dr as I know apnea is a serious condition? My Dad suffered from it for a long time and the CPAP made a huge difference in his life.

I did find this article discussing sleep positions.

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/sleep-apnea/articles/best-sleeping-positions-for-sleep-apnea

cheers and wishing you all a good night...

 

[troutnut1]

Yes. Sleep apnea is a serious condition. I can be easily tested for in a sleep lab overnight study where lots and lots of sensors can tell whether you are sleeping or not, and what your breathing is really doing. And a real human stays up all night watching you and recording everything. Reading and interpreting the data is by a qualified person is also critical in diagnosing and scoring the severity. None of this really works in a “home” sleep test. Those are mainly used to rule out sleep apnea so your insurance doesn’t have to pay for it unless there is at least a good chance that you really do have sleep apnea. Also know that results vary widely even between nights. 8 years of my data clearly shows this. Even with cpap, some nights are worse than others.

While most insurance will pay for a machine is you stop breathing 5 or more times per hour, choking less than that can still be harmful and disruptive of sleep. Imagine someone sneaking into your room and holding a pillow over your face for 10 seconds to a minute or two. Is 40 times of that per night acceptable to you? Its is to Medicare and most insurance companies. Events like that per hour are quantified in something called AHI, but its basically how many time per hour you stop breathing. With CPAP my AHI averages .5 events per hour. Without is 16-33 times per hour. No wonder I was tired!

Spouses are tired too because of all the snoring. Cpap allows the user to sleep well, and treats the spouse too who can then sleep without all the snoring. At least snoring means will are still breathing. But snoring stops when the airway is obstructed. That starts the process of dying in our sleep. It is usually interrupted when the brain screams “Wake up! We’re dying!” and send s shot of adrenalin to wake us up before we die. We don’t rmemebr any of that and just end up awake. Well since we are awake now anyway, we might as well get up and pee. This is then repeated again and again throughout the night. Without cpap I was getting up 5+ times a night. With it I usually don’t get up at all.

The lengths that people will go to to deny they have this condition is amazing. And there are lots of people that will take money from them in dozens of scams to try and avoid CPAP. The spouses probably know and will eventually end up in separate bedrooms. Sometimes CPAP can reunite them. Sometimes they wait too long. Many are reluctant to be honest about this.

My suggestion is that people should get real sleep tests (in a good sleep lab) if there is even a hint that they have sleep apnea. Most of the time the first half of the night is spent determining whether you have it or not. The second half of the night is figuring out the correct pressures to treat it if you do have it. This is called a “split test”.

We will spend about a third of our life sleeping and healing our bodies and our minds. Having untreated sleep apnea will rob us of much of that and probably shorten our life and health considerably. Serious heart troubles are common. High blood pressure. Many will suffer “sudden death” in their sleep and the real cause will remain undiagnosed. The death certificate will probably say “natural causes”. But it probably should say “untreated obstructive sleep apnea”.

Cpap is just a little room air under pressure delivered through a mask of choice. It effectively splints the airway open to prevent it from collapsing while we sleep. Much like a tire with air in it versus a flat tire. Modern machines are nearly silent and very reliable. Insurance normally pays for almost all of it because it prevents so many other serious health conditions.

It did take a little getting used to. But I’ve been using it for 8 years and it has sure changed my life for the better. Hope you find something that works for you too.

 

[pacergal]

DH has been sleeping with his new mouth device for a few weeks. He is very pleased, reports sleeping more deeply, remembers dreaming and wakes up feeling more rested. He is scheduled for a retreat sleep study in a couple months.
We are both hoping he does not need to go back to a cpap, but he will if he needs it.

The mouth device seems to be a good option for him and he had moderately severe apnea per two sleep studies and the sleep doc.

 

[Slater]

I was in denial, not heavy, very fit, just snore....
Now that im getting use to the machine & interacting with the sleep clinic specialists, tweeking pressures, seems like i can never get enough air. May need to increase some more!
They started with taking ramp off, then they went from #6 to #8...
Last night still felt like I was struggling for air at certain times....
Took mask off & was easier to breath without it but pressure was pumping away....
Going to up the nose cone from a small to a medium & see if that helps.
At this point if I have to wear it, I want it to feel like im sucking air off my scuba tank regulator.....

 

[Bamaman]

Do you weight 200 lbs. or more?
Do you wear size 17 shirt or larger?
Do you snore loudly?
Do you hold your breath in your sleep?
Do you get sleepy mid afternoon--and at red lights?
Do you have a slightly "bitchy" personality from time to time?

Chances are you need a CPAP machine.

My pulmanologist runs the local sleep clinic in a city of 40,000. He brags about having 53 doctors locally on CPAP.

Sleeping with the mask is no big deal. The biggest benefits is a longer life span and a less chance of ending up with open heart surgery.

And if you're a type II diabetic (like me), the chances of having heart issues is greatly expanded without CPAP. Sleeping 5 hours on CPAP is like sleeping 8 hours without. And the family can see a marked personality difference with and without the CPAP. Your employer also get more work out of you--more energy with more oxygen.

 

[Slater]

Do you weight 200 lbs. or more?
Do you wear size 17 shirt or larger?
Do you snore loudly?
Do you hold your breath in your sleep?
Do you get sleepy mid afternoon--and at red lights?
Do you have a slightly "bitchy" personality from time to time?

Chances are you need a CPAP machine.

My pulmanologist runs the local sleep clinic in a city of 40,000. He brags about having 53 doctors locally on CPAP.

Sleeping with the mask is no big deal. The biggest benefits is a longer life span and a less chance of ending up with open heart surgery.

And if you're a type II diabetic (like me), the chances of having heart issues is greatly expanded without CPAP. Sleeping 5 hours on CPAP is like sleeping 8 hours without. And the family can see a marked personality difference with and without the CPAP. Your employer also get more work out of you--more energy with more oxygen.

Good info I guess but if you read my post, you dont have to be a size 17 or 200lbs to have sleep ap or need a cpap...
Im 185 fit, lean, 50 years old.
Been snoring for 13 years....
Dont gasp for air or stop breathing from those who have monitored me...
Just cuz you snore doesnt mean you have sleep ap, didnt think I had a problem as never really felt tired....

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I decided to add to this thread rather than start a new one. I've just gone thru the sleep study process and it has been determined that I need a CPAP machine. I've been reading a ton of online reviews and I think I'm going to try and get a ResMed AirSense 11 model.

For those of you that use them, do you just buy a machine on your own? or do you go thru your health insurance and their process to pay for whatever portion they pay for. It seems that to involve the insurance company means additional proof of compliance (which I'm actually fine with). It seems like no harm to work within the insurance company process as long as I can get a quality machine that does the job. Any guidance from fellow CPAPers?