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Newer User Need Advice - djtech2k - 06-08-2016
I have a respironics S9 cpap machine and and really struggle for the most part. I have had it for about 3 years but have not had great success using it for the most part. I am hoping to get some advice on how to get in a better place with this process.
I have a nasal mask that basically just surrounds my nose l, stopping at my upper lip and lower forehead. Some of my biggest struggles are:
- Having to sleep on my back because of air leaks. If I even turn my head a bit, it leaks.
- Using with nose congestion.
- Going to sleep while very uncomfortable, see item 1 lol
- Wake up with some face with red marks from mask.
I have adjusted the mask as much as I can see possible. No matter what, I have to lay on my back and look straight forward. It makes it very hard for me to sleep at all.
So I may have other issues like pressure, but I think the mask and such are my main issue to deal with.
Any suggestions or experience on how to get in a better way with all this?
RE: Newer User Need Advice - PoolQ - 06-08-2016
You are right that there may also be pressure issues, but for sure you are not comfortable and I don't know of anyone that can sleep well when they are uncomfortable.
You have insurance you are getting supplies with? Are you getting replacement supplies? Thinking you should try an different face mask.
I change sides a lot and the mask stays in place 99% of the time.
You have a hose hanger or other hose management system so it keeps the how out of you way and untangled?
Red marks on the face, yes there are strap covers that stop that. I have used socks or wash clothes tucked between my face and the straps. Works just fine.
I use those springy nose strips those help with congestion and Flonase. I also found out that I do not like warm air so I put only a little water in the humidifier chamber and fill it full of ice.
you should get the manual (link at the top of the page) so you can see what pressure your machine is set at.
Also read up on sleepyhead free software then you can look at what is going on during the time you are asleep.
Unfortunately you are pretty typical but there is lots of help here and most end up doing fine (as long as they hang in there)
RE: Newer User Need Advice - chill - 06-09-2016
A different mask seems like a good thing to try. I use both a F&P Eson and Simplus (nasal and full face) and sleep on my side exclusively. Keep in mind that you can't put your head in the middle of your pillow and mash your face into it and expect no leaks. I sleep with my head on the end of pillow with the mask hanging over end (not resting on the pillow).
RE: Newer User Need Advice - trish6hundred - 06-09-2016
Hi djtech2k,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Do you mean a Resmed S9, which machine do you have?
The mask is the hardest part of this therapy and, some have to try many masks 'till they find the right one for them, so keep trying different ones 'till you find what works for you.
Hang in there for more suggestions and answers to your questions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy and better luck to you this time with it.
RE: Newer User Need Advice - OpalRose - 06-09-2016
dmteck2k,
Please update your profile with correct Cpap name. There is no Respironics S9 machine, but there is a ResMed S9.
It would also be helpful if your tell us whether the machine is an Auto Cpap and what the pressure is set on.
You may want to download the SleepyHead software.
http://OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./
RE: Newer User Need Advice - Sleeprider - 06-09-2016
You can probably exchange your mask for a different one. Request the Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillows. It is a very quiet, easy to fit mask. The mask should come with 3 sizes of pillows S, M, L. Many suppliers remove the extra pillows and charge for them. Chances are you will end up with a size larger than you think. The pillows rest on the bottom of the nose, not inserted into the nostrils. Since you can use nasal therapy, you might as well get on the bandwagon with the rest of us now...resistance is futile.
RE: Newer User Need Advice - BadGoodDeb - 06-09-2016
(06-09-2016, 04:23 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: You can probably exchange your mask for a different one. Request the Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillows. It is a very quiet, easy to fit mask. The mask should come with 3 sizes of pillows S, M, L. Many suppliers remove the extra pillows and charge for them. Chances are you will end up with a size larger than you think. The pillows rest on the bottom of the nose, not inserted into the nostrils. Since you can use nasal therapy, you might as well get on the bandwagon with the rest of us now...resistance is futile.
Actually, you can wear the nasal pillows either way, depending on your comfort AND on weather a smaller size lets enough oxygen go through. Many people clearly DO wear them inserted, rather than just resting on the bottom of the nose.
Having said that, I just moved up a size, to try the "resting on nose, rather than inserted". I switched from my previous "medium" to try the "large" for a bit. I love the extra amount of air I get through the larger pillows! It's also enough to clear up any nasal congestion, which other people have mentioned, but which I wasn't seeing with the smaller sized pillows. But, I rarely move around at night; if you do, you may get more leaks this way.
SO: your choice how you wear them. But if you feel "suffocated", do try a larger size. They initially fitted me with "small" and after 2 hours or so, I switched up to the medium, just to get enough air in.