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Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
#11
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
(01-24-2016, 04:46 AM)holden4th Wrote: Three more questions:

What is a good brand of mask (one that will definitely keep my chin up and my mouth closed)?

There are many out there, but one that will pull your chin up and not back. Pulling your chin back can close your airway. A plain elastic type strap, and some like the Ruby chin strap. Check some of the suppliers from suppliers list above.


Can I wear the strap under my Dreamwear mask? I know it's not recommended but I can't see why not.

Some wear it under their mask and some over. Find what works best for you. My thoughts are if you wear it over, it may hold the mask in place better, but if you wear it under, you can get your mask off easier if need be. Dont-know


Is there a way to tape my mouth closed and is it worth trying?

Not recommended, but some do it.


All questions from a tyro. Thanks in advance for your advice.

All good questions from a newbe. Good luck and don't forget to practice the "Tongue Seal".
OpalRose
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#12
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
I use a chin strap. Maybe you need one, too!
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#13
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
(01-24-2016, 07:57 PM)StaceyA Wrote: I use a chin strap. Maybe you need one, too!

Hello Stacey

I'm researching this now.

I notice that you have the same type of mask as me and also use the same pressure settings so I'm hoping that what works for you will work for me. What brand/type of chinstrap do you use? It would be great if you could add any issues or problems that you found so I can be prepared.

Anything for a good nights sleep! I got a partial one in the holidays that gave me about 4 - 5 hours and felt so much better but hit the wall later in the day. Not using the machine at the moment until I solve this so the sooner the better.
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#14
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
Wearing a chinstrap over a DreamWear doesn't work because you pinch off the air--at some point it is going to come across the part of the mask bringing the air from the top to your nose. I have an Oracle and I tried it under the mask. It might work for some people but not this old gal with droopy cheeks! It pushes my cheeks up and dislodges the DreamWear cushion. Back to the cervical collar--wish i could find something else. It works well to keep my chin up and the "Chipmunk Cheek" problem contained--I don't mouth breath until my mouth is blown open! I imagine the cervical collar is going to bring on some questions when I wear it when I get my knee replaced in two weeks!
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#15
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
[quote='holden4th' pid='147701' dateline='1453628783']
Thank you for your replies so far. It looks like a chinstrap will be on my shopping list very soon. I've stopped using the CPAP because I feel worse after using it than a night of apnea/hypopnea. The school term is about to start and I need my wits about me to work with the young children who are my charges. I've managed it well so far despite the OSA fatigue. Minimal sleep just won't work.

It's pleasing to know that I can train myself to become a nose breather. I do put my tongue at the roof of my mouth anyway and I'm a nose breather during the day.

The positive for me is that I now know its not the mask that's keeping me awake and that I might be able to finally master this CPAP business. However, the thought of a full face mask fills leaves me feeling uneasy as I am a side sleeper.

Three more questions:

What is a good brand of mask (one that will definitely keep my chin up and my mouth closed)?

Can I wear the strap under my Dreamwear mask? I know it's not recommended but I can't see why not.

Is there a way to tape my mouth closed and is it worth trying?

All questions from a tyro. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Can I wear the strap under my Dreamwear mask? I know it's not recommended but I can't see why not.]

It was recommended that I wear a chinstrap, and that it must be under the Dreamwear mask to prevent occluding airflow as another poster said. I've been trying it for 4 nights, and don't like the feel that my head is all bundled up with stuff. The velcro does get tangled up at times, attaching where it does not belong. I Think I'm going to try the soft cervical collar instead. Getting rid of snores and mouth breathing is a must because it interrupts my sleep a lot. I'm also struggling with getting rid of leaks, and maybe it is from the chinstrap interfering with the Dreamwear on my face. If I did not need to "shut my mouth" I would probably be doing fine with the Dreamwear. the Partly because of the Respironics chinstrap though, I still have too many leaks.
Inspired
Bigwink
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#16
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
What is the soft cervical collar?
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#17
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
(01-26-2016, 06:17 AM)holden4th Wrote: What is the soft cervical collar?

It's a neck brace made of foam rubber or similar. Google it and you'll see lots of pictures.
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#18
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
You may want to read my post in the "chinstrap recommendation" thread.
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid147934
Everything I post on this board is nothing more than an opinion expressed by an apneak. Normally, it's based on facts and experience but sometimes, I may get things wrong or not have all the facts.
I reserve the right to change my mind. Why? Because tomorrow I may know better.
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#19
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
- Try the Fisher-Paykel Simplus Full face mask - really comfortable

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#20
RE: Difficulty Falling Asleep though Mask is Comfortable
The Seatec premium model chin strap arrived today. I'm going to try it on my head tonight without the CPAP to see what happens. I'll add the CPAP this weekend.
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