I have tried four different masks and have not been able to wear any of them.
How long does it take for someone to get used to wearing a Cpap Mask??
I have a very small face, and everything seems to be to large, or not
comfortable. I would rather not use a CPAP mask/machine then go thru all this
agony.!!

small size masks are available, find a place where they know what they a re doing and have a good selection of different brands of masks available to be tried on you

it took me 3 months to get used to my CPAP despite my mask fitting well
with a CPAP you need to be optimistic and to always think positive thoughts :-D

I started with my mask about a month ago.  I'm still not comfortable with it, but things are getting better.

At first, I had mild anxiety attacks when the mask was first put on and when the pressure was getting close to my setting (10).  (I felt I was not getting enough air and then at the higher pressure, I was getting too much air.)

Now, I only panic about 2 minutes when I first put on the mask and the air pressure doesn't bother me anymore at all.  In fact, I've changed my ramp up time from 45 minutes down to 15 minutes.  I still haven't made it through a complete night with the mask on, but I keep trying.

It helps knowing others have had the same experiences.

Good luck in finding the right mask for you.

sleepyinmi

I received my CPAP about a month ago. When I try using the mask my nasal passages and sinuses become extremly congested. I have yet to be able to use it for any longer than 2 hours. This concerns me because my doctor told me that untreated sleep apnea can increase your chances of a stoke and I'm already at a high risk for stroke. I'm very stressed out that I can't seem to be able to do this.  

I've been able to get used to masks fairly easily (in one to seven nights); I guess I'm very fortunate.  

One major issue is the tightness of the straps.  Some masks fit better when the straps are looser.  So, if you've having trouble with leaks, try loosening the mask!

Another issue is the pillow getting in the way of the mask.  I've adjusted my sleeping angle a bit, with great results.  Conversely, one could try a different pillow.

Some people feel clautrophobic in a mask, but there are some new masks out there that are much less intrusive (you can even read, wear glasses, or watch TV with them).  

A choice of mask is a very personal thing, dependent upon your facial size and structure, your style of sleeping, and whether you're a mouth breather.  Your respiratory therapist should be able to help you choose a mask that's best for you.

I spent last week lurking here, learning all I could while waiting for my overnight SA test result and my therapy equipment. I was bothered by the number of folks here who had great difficulty adjusting to their masks. My "toys" arrived on Friday and it didn't help one bit when I tried out the mask and was nearly blown across town with the setting at 20. Me? Yes, 20. I hadn't read of anyone here with a setting over 14!

After three nights, with arms and legs tied to the bed (so I wouldn't fly out of the state) I submitted myself to this torture. Need I say I haven't slept well? Maybe six hours total over three nights. I was thinking this morning: If only I could go back to a nice quiet night of good ol' SA.

Then the phone rang early this morning. Doctor's office calling: We made a mistake, your baloon blower should be reset to 14. Sorry.

I guess tonight I'll live dangerously and give it a go unchained!

Anybody here with a 20 setting?   I'd like your autograph.  [img][/img]


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Meatless Tuesday

wideawake wrote:

I have tried four different masks and have not been able to wear any of them.
How long does it take for someone to get used to wearing a Cpap Mask??
I have a very small face, and everything seems to be to large, or not
comfortable. I would rather not use a CPAP mask/machine then go thru all this
agony.!!

This is my first time on this site.  I am using the following mask (I copied the description) So light, so flexible, and it works!

The Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System is very light, weighing less than 2½ oz (about 70 g). This exceptional nasal pillows system offers interchangeable tube positions for flexibility and comfort. The light headgear is uniquely designed for easy fitting it is simple to put on and take off. You know you can count on the Mirage Swift for effective performance it is part of ResMed's trusted range of complete solutions for sleep-disordered breathing.

Effective therapy
• An effective, unobtrusive alternative to conventional nasal masks
• Leaves no marks near eyes or on face
• Unobstructed field of view allows user to wear glasses with the system
• Enhances comfort - pillows positioned at the entrance of the nostrils
• Choice of tube positions allows flexibility in sleeping positions
• Compact and travel-friendly - suits patients who have an active lifestyle
 

It has been the first one that I have been able to stick  with,  have used it a little over a year.  It is light to wear and I use a Remstar C-Flex machine with a humidifier.  It took a while and the change of settings to be able to adjust but I have jumped from getting over 4 hours sleep a night from around 29 to 80 per cent of the nights I use it.  Don't be afraid to have the tech from your rental company come over to adjust if you aren't comfortable.  This equipment was prescribed by a neurologist I go to who had sleep apnea.  Ask your doctor about how the C-flex works.....but first go online and look it up.  They give a good description on different sites.  I went through being so dry that I would waken having trouble breathing.  Had lot of problems with nasal passages being dry and I would have to stop using it for a while and then we finally got the humidifier adjusted.  Some nights I even get 6-8 hours sleep!!  Can you image.   If I have to use something, this so far is the answer for me, but I am trying hard to get my act together and get rid of some weight to see if that will alleviate the apnea.  If I can conquer that (have about 50 pounds to lose) and it works, it will be an answer to many a prayer.  This is a hellava way to live and I may eventually go for the surgery if all else fails.  They tell you not to do it...even my doctor who had the surgery years ago said it is a living hell recovering from it.  Hope this lengthy note does some good.  I'm tired of being tired too!!!!!

Just a thought about choosing a pillow to use witha a full face mask.  My mother-in-law gave me
a memory foam pillow (you can get them at wal-mart).  It was great.  Adjusted to my face and my mask.  I can even sleep on my tummy with it when the mood strikes.