I've had my CPAP for a week now - Goodknight 420G with heated humidifier, using the Breeze nasal pillows mask.  I like the nasal pillows - don't really have a problem with the mask itself.  I'm struggling to sleep though.  The first night, last Friday, I kept it on for 6 hours with one trip to the restroom, didn't feel I went fully to sleep though.  The next night, made it 4 hours with one restroom break.  The third night, felt pretty relaxed - but kept waking up with my mouth popped open, feeling like a fish!  Obviously, that wasn't going to work, so took it off - this time only 3 hours.  The 4th night, taped my mouth shut as some have suggested in this forum, and had trouble with pain in my nose from the pillows, so gave up after 2 hours.  I went to a conference and didn't want to take the whole setup with me, plus had a roomie at the conference, so last night was the next opportunity to try sleeping with it.

Same deal as last weekend - tried the tape but couldn't relax, heart beating a million miles a minute, felt panicky, so took the tape off.  Then, kept waking up with the mouth open - a lovely 2 hours again.  I had called my DME last Monday about a chinstrap - they said the dr has to order it.  So, called the doc's office, and still waiting now on a chinstap, which I'm hoping will help.  

I know I need the machine, but I'm getting tired, frustrated, and cranky.  Okay, I know the tired and cranky stuff isn't new - just ask my husband    But, I really want this to work.  My insurance only pays for a new mask every 6 months, so can't try a FF mask for awhile unless I come out of pocket - which I already have for $600 to meet my deductible on this go-round, so the pockets are a bit thin.  Plus, at my titration study even the nasal mask made me panicky, so not sure I could take the FF one.

One question for those that are familiar with the Breeze nasal pillows - I'm using the medium size, the small were definitely too small - leaks.  The medium seem to work fine, and I got around the discomfort with some Ayr gel, suggested in these forums - thanks!  However, the exhaust hole in the mask blows constantly - is that normal, or a sign of a leak?  I don't feel any air coming out anywhere around my nose, but just want to be sure that's normal.

I know it can take awhile - but I work full time, new job that I started in June, so really need to not spend every night fighting a machine.  Any tips are appreciated - thanks!

Quote:

the exhaust hole in the mask blows constantly - is that normal, or a sign of a leak?

Hi kiki,  that's normal.  The exhaust is supposed to blow constantly.  It's also normal to hear more of a whooosh sound when you inhale with the Breeze.

you can make a chinstrap by getting some wide elastic and sewing or tying it in a knot, however some still manage to part their lips even with a tight chinstrap in their sleep

If may be that a full face mask is the best solution for you.  I know what you mean about the pockets getting a bit thin, but maybe you can scrape up enough to get one.

Then, in a few months when the insurance will pay for a new one, maybe you can take that new sealed-in-the-bag one and sell it to recoup your costs. :)


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

"I had called my DME last Monday about a chinstrap - they said the dr has to order it. "

Order a chinstrap online; you can buy the masks, hoses, and chinstraps online at will.  Chinstraps are remarkably inexpensive ($20 - $25).  Just google "CPAP masks" and you'll have a wealth of discount suppliers.

Thanks for the suggestions - I will explore online options for chinstraps and masks.  Any suggestions, if I do go for a FF mask - I sleep mainly on my side, like to roll from one side to the other through the night.  My pressure is 10.

Last night I only made it about 30 minutes and gave up - so I definitely need to do something different.

Hanging in there.....

kikisue -

Do you have a heated humidifier?  If not, that helps tremendously with the comfort level.  Also - you may try adjusting the nasal pillows a little differently - There are several places that you can make adjustments on the Breeze headgear that might make it a little more comfortable.

I was wondering if there is anything to do about the noise?  I bought the mask and haven't used it one night do to the noise.  As soon as i put it on my wife instantly complained about the noise.  I was looking to use it instead of a full nose mask that is cutting into the bridge of my nose.  I walk around with something similar to glasses marks most of the day.

rested gal wrote:

Quote:

the exhaust hole in the mask blows constantly - is that normal, or a sign of a leak?

Hi kiki,  that's normal.  The exhaust is supposed to blow constantly.  It's also normal to hear more of a whooosh sound when you inhale with the Breeze.