New user. [cold air on upper lip w/ FFM]

[RWW549]

Hi all.  Noob here. I have only had my cpap machine for about 6 weeks, and it has helped some, but not as much as I had hoped. I guess it just takes getting used to wearing a full face mask. There were no problems at first, but  the last couple of weeks, the air flow across my top lip makes me feel like I have an ice cube against it.  It gets quite uncomfortable, and I have to remove the mask for a while. I'm sure there is probably a simple remedy for this, but I haven't found it. The mask is sealing well, and there don't seem to be any leaks. Anybody else experience this, or does anybody have any suggestions how to fix the problem?  Do I just have to get used to the freezing sensation?  

[gwc2795]

Welcome to the Apnea Board.

I am unable to offer any suggestions but wanted you to know that knowledge people will answer your question.

Keep up the work and you will feel better.

[Sleep2Snore]

Hi RWW549,
Welcome to the Apneaboard.

Are you using a heated hose or humidity?
A heated hose might help as the air is a bit warmer.
However, I have not had this problem, but I am sure someone will be along shortly that has.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi RWW549 -
You might try using a Climateline heated hose along with your humidifier to raise your air temperature.  

Your profile shows that you're using MyAir software.  This is basically feelgood software and doesn't provide the detail to aid in your treatment.   May I suggest that you download #SleepyHead software.  The link is in the name, as well as, at the top of any Apnea Board Forum page.

Once again, welcome to the forum.

[OpalRose]

Agree with adding a heated hose. It will make a hugh difference in how you feel. I don’t like cold air either.

You could also add a soft cotton like mask liner. That would put a barrier between your skin and the mask. Check the Supplier list above for mask liners. Also, some folk make their own.

[Gideon]

Welcome to the forum.

The best advice is based on data. Sleepyhead (free) provides the best data. It would also tell us which model of the Autisense 10 you have. Can you add that info to your profile? It is a word on the front just below the words "Autosense 10", CPAP, Elite, AutoSet.

My guess is that you do have a leak. A pad-a-cheek mask liner may help you. The data from Sleepyhead would tell us if you have a leak, how bad it is, and often indicate what kind of leak.

Fred

[LarryRapp]

This is just my opinion.  I had a similar problem.  Heated hoses help but the real solution was to change the mask.

[dmeRT]

chapstick?

I'll second LarryRapp's suggestion. A different mask might change the flow of air in how it enters the mask...

[SarcasticDave94]

Hi RWW549, and welcome to Apnea Board.

I'll ditto all the above. Consider these options: try a different mask, adding some humidity and a heated hose if you don't have one, mask liners, there's a hose cover and a hose hanger for sale also. I also will ditto getting SleepyHead downloaded and post data. It helps us to see how effective your therapy is, and things like leak rates can affect feeling too cold on the face, while making therapy less effective.