I have only had my machine and full face mask for 2 days, but how can I sleep on my stomach again?  I cannot sleep on my back or side, and it is driving me crazy!  I am sure others have this problem, and I would love to hear a solution.  Can anyone help?  Thanks so much!

I feel your pain!  I have had my machine for over a month and struggling with masks that hurt and cause sores.  I want to sleep on my stomach again.   I will let you know if I find a mask that works well.  don't give up....I refuse!


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REMstar Auto M series with A-Flex and humidifier

Thanks so much for writing.  I am sorry you are struggling too, but it is nice to know someone else cares!  My face is breaking out too.  I know sleep apnea is dangerous, but I wish there was an easier way to deal with it!

Hi Grace,

Probably one of the hardest things to do is sleep on your stomach, especially with a Full Face Mask. More area to seal but there are "possible" solutions to your problem. Now having said that, you are wearing a Full Face Mask for a reason! You have been identified as a mouth breather. Now in some cases we have seen patients who are mouth breathers helped by using either a chin strap to help hold your mouth shut while sleeping or using adhesive strips designed to also hold the mouth shut in conjunction with a nasal type mask such as the ComfortGel by Respironics. The ComfortGel has been a workhorse for Respironics for good reason. The Gel insert allows pressure to be evenly distributed around the nose allowing you to "snug it up" a llittle tighter without discomfort. It has a silicone flap which acutally creates the seal on your face. The ComfortGel has a tendency to leak the least of most "nasal" masks out there...especially when it comes to restless or stomach sleepers. You should make your provider aware of your "style" of sleeping. Style is critical to getting you the best chance at compliance. This could be an alternative but only if you keep your mouth closed when sleeping! Sometimes this information (mouth breathing) can only be determined by a bed partner who can witness you sleeping or have another sleep test...the point being, it may take some experimentation on your part to determine the best course of action that allows you to be comfortable using CPAP!

Now if you are unable to keep your mouth shut (I have been accused of that myself ) you need to discuss the various options available in a Full Face Mask or Hybrid Mask...don't give up, there is usually light at the end of the tunnel...if you are persistant!

Ask your provider if they will allow you to try other masks...each of us is different...but there is a solution out there!

Thank you for your reply.  I am learning to sleep on my side, so perhaps I will no longer have the problem, but I will keep all of your suggestions.  Thanks again!

Can a moderator please move this thread to the CPAP forum?

thank you!

OK, what is a hybrid mask? I have used nasal pillows, nasal mask, and full face.

I am a stomach sleeper and if I try to go to sleep on my back or my side, I think about too many things and can't fall asleep.  I have the Optilife nasal pillows along with a CPAP pillow which is memory foam carved out to allow room for the mask.  I have had real good success with this combination for 320 days now.  Sometimes I wake up and I am on my back or side and that is OK, but I surely can't start out that way.

Thank you so much for your advice...a cpap pillow?  I had no idea!  I will look into it immediately!

gracegirl wrote:

Thank you so much for your advice...a cpap pillow?  I had no idea!  I will look into it immediately!

I put the link in here once before and the mods removed it but I will try again and see if it stays.  The pillow is a little pricey and a bit on the small side.  I use another pillow underneath it.  http://www.contourliving.com/p-71-cpap-sleep-aid.aspx

The website address did stay; thanks!  I am learning, like you, to sleep on my side, but it is difficult!  This may be the answer for me, just until I get to sleep.
I am grateful you took the time to respond; thanks again!

Jan