Hi!
I'm still adjusting to this whole CPAP stuff, and found that the Optilife fits best, and still have fit  issues and questions. I've had CPAP and the Optilife for just over 2 weeks now, and it's helping immensly!

For instance....what do you do when your nose itches in the middle of the night?
I bought some Ayr gel, which seems to help with the chapping/ chafing. Does that get any better over time? Some days I look like I've been sneezing into steel wool all night and other days I look normal.

I had to move the straps to the forward position, which in turn makes the headgear slide around. So I've made my hair  hold the headgear in place with a ponytail in just the right spot at night.

Should the part of the nose piece that aren't the pillows (don't know what that's called!) be touching the part of my face in between my nose and my lips ?

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Liz

lmcnam wrote:

Quote:

what do you do when your nose itches in the middle of the night?

Scratch it!  Seriously, scratch your nose whether it's itching on the inside or on the outside...if necessary just lift off your mask, scratch, then put the mask back on again.

Quote:

I bought some Ayr gel, which seems to help with the chapping/ chafing. Does that get any better over time?

Yes, it will get better.  If you are experiencing chapping/chafing of your nares, the cause is probably your humidifier setting.  By gradually moving my humidifier setting downward from #5 to #2, I was able to stop the chapping.  I also am a user of Ayr Gel.  I found that not only did it cure my sore nose but at the same time I noticed it provided me with a perfect seal of my nasal pillows.  Since that discovery I have used Ayr Gel every night so that I have a good seal.

Quote:

I had to move the straps to the forward position, which in turn makes the headgear slide around. So I've made my hair hold the headgear in place with a ponytail in just the right spot at night.

The headgear should not be tight on your head, you should be able to just slip it onto your head. However, you do have to have the straps that are on both sides of the face taut, but not tight, in order to hold the nasal pillows in place against your nares.  If the side straps are adjusted correctly and the bottom clip is clipped to your nightwear then the headgear should not slide around.

Quote:

Should the part of the nose piece that aren't the pillows (don't know what that's called!) be touching the part of my face in between my nose and my lips?

No.  The entire nasal pillow is adjustable upward and downward to allow for comfort and a good seal.  Sometimes the angle of the pillow will need to be readjusted for optimal seal and comfort.  Be certain to clip the little strap that is on the bottom of your mask hose to your nightwear as this helps to keep the mask from moving around and out of place.

Quote:

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

One piece of advice I have...wash your nasal pillows every day as this also helps to get a good seal at night.  Other than that the only advice I have is enjoy your mask (I sure do enjoy mine) and sweet dreams!


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64, Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07, Pressure 13
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier, set at 13/8
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Has anyone used the new cradle cushion for the Optilife?  The pillow inserts are gone and it covers the whole underpart of the nose...


_________________
Remstar auto CPAP... mask=Hans Rudolph V2
Peace begins with each of us, as individuals

Barb, I haven't heard of the cradle cushion for the OptiLife.  I tried finding information about it on the Respironics website but it's not listed.  How did you hear of it?  Can you give me a website to see it?  By chance are you referring to the Comfort Curve?  If that's the one, it's not for the OptiLife, it's an entirely different Respironics mask system.  The Comfort Curve was discussed in another forum...http://apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?p=105209&highlight=comfort+curve#105209


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64, Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07, Pressure 13
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier, set at 13/8
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Let's see if this works!  I heard about it on 'that other forum'  Two people have tried it.  It fits on just like the nasal pillows and comes in four sizes.

Hope all is fine in your neck of the woods.
Barb


_________________
Remstar auto CPAP... mask=Hans Rudolph V2
Peace begins with each of us, as individuals

Thanks, Barb.  I visited the "other" place and read the various reports.  It seems to be a good alternative to the nasal pillows but some people seem to have a problem getting a good fit/tight seal where others have absolutely no problem at all and claim that using the cradle cushion with their OptiLife now makes the Optilife their favorite mask.  I love my OptiLife with the nasal pillows, have great success with them, but if I could come by the cradle cushion cheaply I would at least give it a test drive.

BTW...everything is great in my neck of the woods, thanks for asking.


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64, Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07, Pressure 13
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier, set at 13/8
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a