I have, as my first, a FlexiFit 407 Nasal Mask, in use less than 2 weeks.  I'm finding that I wake up just long enough to find that I am getting that 'thing' off of my head/face as fast as I can.  I'm not awake enough to determine WHY.  I am a side-sleeper.  I may be trying to breathe through my mouth, and don't like the 'interference?  I'm not sure of that - it may not even play into the cause - just info.  Has anyone else had this problem?  Also, I'm expecting more heat in my airhose; even used warm water, but didn't seem to help.  I do watch some TV  prior falling asleep.  I don't know if maybe I'm trying to turn over to R side when this happens.  I tell myself that I'm going to make an attempt to remember what's going on, but all I remember, and not always, is getting it off as quickly as possible.  I'll try taping my mouth shut (during sleep ONLY, ha ha) tonight, see if that makes any difference.  I'd better use the 'easey-off' type, as I just may rip that off also. LOL  I wasn't shown a nasal pillow; may be worth the try?  But it appears that it could be uncomfortable on the side the support is, if one should change sides during the night.  Please let me know if this is something relatively normal during the 'training' period, or maybe something else is going on.  Thank you in advance!

I think this is a common problem for almost all users intially Kathleen.  I have "ripped" mine off every night for the 2 weeks I have been on it too.  I started with a nose mask and didn't like it so I moved to the nasal pillows and although I think they are pretty comfortable, I still wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning and find it laying on the floor.

I think you (we) just have to give ourselves time to get used to it...that's what I'm hoping anyway  


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Dave

Thanks!  What a relief to hear that I'me not alone in experiencing this!  I've wanted relief for years, and the only good night was the first one. My forehead is also tender, most likely in my attempt to get a good fit - in the wrong place.  Berfore that, the bridge of my nose was sore.  Trying to find that happy medium in which bith straps are carrying equal suppoort.  Once I get it correct, I'll remove it (hopefully) the correct way, but using the plastic receivers for the straps.  Thanks so much in setting my mind at ease.

Those swift nasal pillows work pretty well...I switched from the nose mask to that and it has been easier on the face.


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Dave

Nasal pillow systems are MUCH easier on the face, especially if you have facial hair (not the ladies, the guys!)  The only problem that some folks run into in the beginning is that the pillow can make their nares (the holes in your nose) irritated.  This usually goes away after a bit, but if it doesn't, you can use Ayr gel to relieve the irritation.

But what about my mustache Mike???  

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Kathleen,

I am using the Nasal Aire nasal prong system and it is so much more comfortable than a mask.  I sleep mostly on my side also and it seems to do well.  The weight difference between some of the nasal pillow systems (some of them look heavy to me with all that hardware) and masks is really something.  I do have a mask and if I woke up to go to the bathroom I was so happy to rip the thing off my face and get some relief.  Also in the mornings I was very relieved to get it off my face.  With the pillows, I just disconnect it at the machine and meander in "all decked out".

It seems like a good idea to have two systems anyhow so you can vary pressure points.

Judy

Judy,
You brought up an excellent point about pressure points!  The switching between the two would give those areas a 'rest'.  Yesterday after cleaning equipment, I made a point of 'starting over' in mask adjustment - while I was very much awake.  I didn't have any problems during the night, and for some reason, was the first time that the water tank was emptied!  I must have done something correctly by accident, eh?  I found the instructions, and will ensure that I have full heat and moisture tonight.  I'm going PM you re reference to products.  Thanks for the information.  Kathleen

Only once did I wake up and find the mask on the floor running and me scratching my head wondering how did that happen. I did take the mask off on many occasions and place it on the machine and turn off but never jut taken it off.

My big problem is air intake. I got used to the nasal mask by loosening the straps as much as possible to the point where I could lay on my side and no leaks.

What is  your  problem with air intake?  I think I'll discontinue the 'ramping'...not getting enough air during that period.  The heater is working great now, but I noticed more of a 'claustrophobic' feeling with all of that moisture.  I only have 3 settings for that, so it's not like I'm really steaming myself   I'm still in the 'making adjustments' stage.  When I've taken off the mask, I've also turned off the machine.
Last night there was a LOT of 'whistling'??!!  Stopped everything, refitted mask, but same results.  Couldn't figure out the 'name of that tune', so turned up the TV and eventually fell asleep, not knowing the cause.  Maybe high humidity?

Reading this thread I wonder whether the feeling of not getting enough air isn't the feeling of breathing against that aire pressure.  i.e., on the way out.  I know that I am more comfortable with the CPAP blowing air.  Put on a mask without the CPAP and you always feel like you are suffocating.  That's also why I don't use the ramp feature.  I am more comfortable with more air in there.  I just say to self to take deep breaths, and work it out that way as long as it is blowing full force.  If you take deep breaths somehow you don't notice the exhale, or I don't.

Yes, I'm much better off without the ramping - just start off at the highest setting, which for me is only 5.  There are times, after I first put on the mask that I just want to take several deep breaths through my mouth.  Will do that before I put on the mask next time; seems to be part of 'relaxing', to take those nice, deep breaths.  I don't know why (maybe I need a camera?), but the mask came off again last night.  I am wondering if I really need to have the CPAP adjusted for more air.  I do have a nasal constriction on L side (scar tissue), and that can restrict my air flow, thus my wanting to mouth-breathe.  That's what I suspect so far.  Also, I can try the 'Breathe Right' strips.  Wow, what a lovely picture, eh? I'm glad I've been married for awhile, ha ha!