Help, Advice, Guidance Needed

[Gideon]

I can't guarantee any mask solution will work. With regards to the P10 you could have an extremely unusual shape to your nares that will not let the p10s seal. The mask is the hardest part of the solution simply because we are all different.

[hallra]

   

I think my nostrils are pretty normal ?

I agree the masks are the most difficult part of the ‘solution’ and as I said with me I have the added difficulty of my spinal issues caused by my Ankylosing Spondylitis and this problem with my sinuses that my prevent me from lying down in the first place, keeping me upright...

So first things first, I will wait for the CPAP Machine to arrive, I will then ask you guys to help get me setup and running, then will take it from there, it isn’t gonna be an instant fix... but hopefully step by step I’ll make progress ?

It looks like I won’t have the ResMed until sometime next week, they are quoting 5-10 work days due to reduced staffing levels.

[Dormeo]

Do you mostly breathe through your nose during the day? If yes, then in principle you should be able to use a pillow mask. If you get the P10, you will probably notice that it is quieter than the Dreamware masks.

You may not need a special bed pillow, so I'd hold off on that as an initial purchase. Most people find that they do best with a relatively low and firm bed pillow.

As Bonjour says, finding the right mask is a personal thing, as it depends entirely on how a given mask works with the unique contours of your face, as well as the ways you move around during the night.

If you try a pillow mask and have some mouth leaks, there are lots of things you can try to make it work before you consider a full-face mask.

Saving up for a good mattress is a great idea. You'll want to be able to try mattresses out in person, so that's one of the many things to look forward to after the pandemic quiets down.

[SarcasticDave94]

FWIW if you're a side sleeper, try this as a way to gauge if a sleeping pillow will support your head comfortably:

stand upright next to a wall, measure the space from side of your head to the wall (ear to wall) with head straight not tilted to either side, this is how thick the pillow should be.

[hallra]

I’ve already got very expensive specialised memory foam mattresses and motorised adjustable bed frames because of my Ankylosing Spondylitis, it the same with the pillows that I use.

I cannot lay in the position for too long otherwise I stiffen up in that position which causes pain and eventually soft tissue will turn to bone. Which is a nightmare as to sleep, one needs to stop moving...

- I’ve already lost on disc in my neck and had to have it replace with an artificial one, it’s a bit like a miniature shock absorber you get on your car... ?

Another of the problems I have right now, is that I’m so so tired, through lack of sleep, that I struggle to get out of bed when I’m awake, so I live on my mattresses too much, which is bad for my spine and joints, which makes me too painful and too stiff, so then I don’t sleep so well... a bad spiral to get into...

[SarcasticDave94]

Oh I know the feeling a bit too well, but due to other medical issues like degenerative disk and 6 + broken vertebrae last year. I have a hospital semi-electric bed and air mattress system, without which I can't sleep on a bed.

Best wishes the upcoming ResMed machine does great things. Keep us posted.

[Sleeprider]

- I’m a bit hesitant spending another £100 straight away, though from what sleeprider describes I probably will end up with them as they are v quiet...

Wow! We pay about $70.00 USD for the Airfit P10 and they have gone up a bit.  Social medicine sure has its cost!  The diffuser in the P10 frame is dead silent. The only caution is not to sleep with it wet from cleaning because it may not flow enough air. The mask frame lasts a long time, so you can usually buy the cushions and headgear separately for quite a bit less.

[hallra]

Hey Dave, I feel for you man, 6 broken vertebrae, jeez...

With Ankylosing Spondylitis you need support and pressure relief at the same time, which makes mattress selection rather complex...

Heat and massage is my friend, but with this virus and locked down, I have neither which is killing me.

The P10 sounds like is gonna be something that I’m gonna be wanting, i’m sat here literally willing my RESMED machine to get in the post ASAP, I need some sleep ? 

?

[SarcasticDave94]

Sincere thank you, and I do hope you get the ResMed ASAP.

FWIW my broken vertebrae were from being on Prednisone for 3 years too long. Now I'm not taking it, I sleep on a hospital bed and use a rollator/walker and have a spinal cord stimulant implant, think on the likes of a TENS but super powerful and implanted. Despite this I'm OK...well it depends on who you ask that is.

OK back on topic. Shout when you get the machine. We want to help you get on track to great therapy and sleep ASAP.

A virtual on me then try to get a nap!

[hallra]

Hey Dave,

I’m on Prednisolone as it helps control my AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) but it is also thought to interfere with my adrenal glands so they try to limit the amount I take. But there is also a theory that perhaps the adrenal gland failure has resulted in the arthritis and the need for Prednisolone, they can’t tell which way round it is... Luckily, the amounts I need, doesn’t impact my bone growth...

I’ll let you know once the ResMed Airsense 10 arrives.