"please keep me updated about oximeters "
Sleep Apnea Forum Bringing Power to the Patient
New? Free Sign Up
Then check our Welcome Center to a Community Caring about Sleep Apnea diagnosis and Sleep Apnea treatment:
CPAP machines, Sleep Apnea surgery and dental appliances.
CPAP Supplies
Latest Activity
need mask suggestions
My husband finally got a cpap. He has a comfort gel nasal mask and it isn't working for him. The chinstrap just isn't keeping his mouth closed enough. He has tried my hybrid (it came with bigger sizes that I don't use that fit him). It almost works, but he still has leaking issues. He has an appointment to get a new mask on Tuesday. I'm looking for suggestions. He isn't a terribly active sleeper, but does move some. He has facial hair and a biggish face.
So far, he tries to use it a little each night, but doesn't last long. While he uses his machine, it does seem to help. He even seems to snore less after he takes it off. We just need to find the right mask so he can use it all night. Any help will be appreciated - after all, you all helped me so much when I was getting started!
Views: 444
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Al Winston on
-
For leaking, I use a modification I got off cpaptalk.com forums: Take the pillowsoft moldable silicone earplugs you can get at Walgreen's, and mush them around to form a long snake/tube/cylinder that's is slightly thinner than a regular pencil. Take this and press it against the rim of the mask cushion where leaks are occurring to achieve a seal that will adhere the mask gently to the skin. Option 2: Nasal pillows with tape to seal over the mouth, which works surprisingly well! I do NOT recommend the Resmed Liberty facemask or other Resmed products. When I got this mask, it leaked and Resmed's response was 'tough luck buddy, we got your money!' Never mind that they price fix their products on auction sites to keep their prices inflated, and never mind that they refuse to deal with customers directly instead forcing you to deal with the retailer. I recommend the Innomed/Hudson/Respiron Hybrid mask, which curves more to hug the face and has all sizes available for around 100 bucks on Amazon.
-
Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on
-
Probably a silly question~but how many times can you use the "ear pug" fix? More than once???
Al Winston said:
For leaking, I use a modification I got off cpaptalk.com forums: Take the pillowsoft moldable silicone earplugs you can get at Walgreen's, and mush them around to form a long snake/tube/cylinder that's is slightly thinner than a regular pencil. Take this and press it against the rim of the mask cushion where leaks are occurring to achieve a seal that will adhere the mask gently to the skin. Option 2: Nasal pillows with tape to seal over the mouth, which works surprisingly well! I do NOT recommend the Resmed Liberty facemask or other Resmed products. When I got this mask, it leaked and Resmed's response was 'tough luck buddy, we got your money!' Never mind that they price fix their products on auction sites to keep their prices inflated, and never mind that they refuse to deal with customers directly instead forcing you to deal with the retailer. I recommend the Innomed/Hudson/Respiron Hybrid mask, which curves more to hug the face and has all sizes available for around 100 bucks on Amazon.
-
Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
-
I used to use the silicone earplug fix and every morning I would take it off the mask and roll it into a ball and put it into an airtight container. Then the next night I would just roll it back out- about pencil size and put it around the edge of the mask. It worked well for me. I could use the same earplugs many times over this way.
-
-
Kind of like the "Silly Putty" we played with as kids! I just stopped to think and because I am using the quietus liner I don't think it would work. Have had 2 nights without leaks. Maybe I am getting better???
Mary Z said:
I used to use the silicone earplug fix and every morning I would take it off the mask and roll it into a ball and put it into an airtight container. Then the next night I would just roll it back out- about pencil size and put it around the edge of the mask. It worked well for me. I could use the same earplugs many times over this way.
-
-
In response to Mary Z, another option would be to leave the silicone material on the mask and just lay a sheet of Glad Wrap over it.
-
-
I've had great success w/ the Nasal AIre II nasal prong- it uses smaller 3/8 " tubes in a y configuration that connect to the larger flex tubing about mid chest. I am normally a mouth breather but mouth naturally does not open w/ the Nasal AIre- no chin strap needed - seems it must have to do with the air flow in thru the nose directly. With higher pressure settings it would almost hurt if I did open my mouth-it was like the air flow sucked my mouth closed (my hubby always seemed to have a question once I was all hooked up !?) But pressure settings were too high & made it kind of uncomfortable. My sister had same issue and was only tolerating hers for 2-3 hrs/ night - I suggested she talk to her dr. about adjusting the ramp & the main air settings to lower #'s - he did & now she can wear it thru the night no prob - she has the nasal prong & a gel mask & alternates betweeen the 2 -I believe the info on the Nasal Aire II indicates it is recommended for those w/ facial hair - but ck the product info to be sure on that. Even w/ th lower pressure settings - my mouth naturally stays closed. AND I can wear my glasses & read with it in place- actually forget it's there- it's the smallest nose pillow/ prong I've seen on any of the Cpap web sites and was what was initially prescribed for me largely because of slight claustrophobia- I've been using it for 6 years now & can't imagine using anything more invasive. I don't use the straps provided with it and I don't have the Y tubes connect to the flex tube in the back - there are something like 6 or 8 different configurations illustrated with it if u find it on the right web site. I loop the smal 3/8" tubes over my ears w/the y connecion in the front since I sleep on my back or sides. And instead of having all the bands strapped around my head (I did use them in the beginning - but the morning hair bumps from them were a bummer and just too much binding for me). I just use a wide stretchy headband that I put on & pull up over the tubes and my ears to be sure the Y tubing stays in place (my ears aren't large enough to hold the tubing in place otherwise) thru the night- the Y tube connects w/ the larger flex tube mid chest.
I have NO snoring w/ the Nasal AIre II - but wih out it --cover ur ears !!
The smaller Y- tubes do need to be replaced more often than the larger flex tube- the oils and acids from contact w/ skin seem to make them get hard-other users hav commented same - can improve their longevity and that of the nasal prong with regular weekly or more often cleaning- I just put mine in a large stock pot w/ some Apple Dawn mixed in the water & let them soak for a couple of hours then rinse them very, very thoroughly to insure all soap residue is gone-hang on towel rack to dry/drain (I'm thinking of getting out my Singer tho and making some tube covers (like chandalier chaincovers sort of) to see if they are still ok in the configuration I wear them & if that will increase their longevity-but haven't tried that so far- might also find an old skinny sash belt from some outfit (I don't normally use the sash belts provided with tops or dresses) I can open the ends of & do the same. Also other configurations of other nasal "pillows" don't entail the Y tubing ( I prefer the smaller tubing though near my face and can't imagine using ones w/ the larger flex tubing connecting directly w/the pillow up near my face) I thought mine was a nasal pillow, but it seems nasal Prong is a more accurate description/classification. To look at it u would think it would drive u crazy pushed up inside ur nose. I have a small to med small nose & using this has not shanged that & once it's in place and I turn on the machine I forget it's even there. (there's 2 little air outlet nipples in the front, if u pinch those closed u shouldn't be able to hear any air, if u do it's the wrong size)
But I would recommend checking more about his air setting and checking the info on masks/ prongs, nasal pillows - for ones that are recommended for patients w/ facial hair - the Cpap equipment web sites I've found most all give further details like that on the equipment possibly under the specs heading, good luck hope this helps - because it is ever important to use the Cpap if diagnosed for its neccessity-depending of course on severity of the sleep apnea but my sister had a friend that passed away when he fell asleep w/out his Cpap on-stopped breathing for too long, besides all the other organs that get strained by the oxygen depletion. Hope this helps - & hope he finds some good nights sleep in his near future :)
kind regards
-
-
Karen - please see my other lengthy response about the Nasal Aire II nose prong --It's not like any other nasal pillow product I've seen on any Cpap supply web sites- so take a look....(I've been using mine for about 6 yrs now) and see my comments/info on air settings in my other post- maybe one or other or both will help u find a product and comfort level conducive to use.
The Nasal Aire II is the utmost least obtrusive device I've seen on the MANY Cpap sites I've researched featuring Cpap equipment & u won't find it listed at all on several of them - I apologize I'm short of time to go back & dig out the info for the sites that do have it - it is made by Innomed (or similar name) if my memory is correct. I'm not sure if it is adaptable to all cpap machines or not I use a RESMED w/ hummidifier and I don't use the convential straps supplied with it - I'm somewhat claustraphobic and can't tolerate something covering my face or a lot of strapping/binding parts ( I also have thick but fine long straight hair and between the morning hair bumps caused by the strapping, the general headachy feeling from having straps across my forehead and the velcro pcs getting stuck and tangled in my hair --it didn't take long before the McGuyver in me came up with an alternate solution- whcih I have noticed lately the company that makes the Nasal aire II now shows a similar configuation/use (see my other post for descript of my personal configuration choice) in their presentation - among the 6 or 8 different possible configurations one can chose from ---options are good & may be the way u are most able to find a set up that is not only tolerable but comfortable. It does take a little bit of getting accustomed to any Cpap device, but not long really for the NasalAire - I wear mine 8-10 hrs w/ no probs & can make it thru the day w/several less hrs sleep-if necessary IF I've worn my Cpap for all of those less hours- but can't even get my head off the pillow in the morn if I haven't. The nasal prong really is so unobtrusive I don't even notice it's there pretty much after get going-although to look at it u wouldn't think so-but there is less leaway on the fit - it must be more exact I believe than the masks (but one supplier offers the product with the complete size range of nasal Nasal Aire II prongs (so u have all possibilities from the get -go-circumventing a lot of purchase/return chores)
I've actually gotten out of bed still hooked up until I've walked farther than the flex tube would allow- not often - but it has happened.-and yes I'm blonde- but not THAT blonde -lol. But ur air settings might also be to blame for ur intolerability (Initially I didn't realize there was any option in that area, & if this is all new for u maybe u didn't either (I'm not sure if the drs are most worried u won't have -enough- pressure if ur sleep issues dictate it so they all start patients out w/fairly high settings thinking to err on the side of caution- but it's kind of a mute point if they are so high the comfortability is negatively affected & therefore u don't use it--(duh :)) so ask ur dr about adjusting the script for the ramp and main air settings on your machine--because there are options-- & changing it solved my intolerability issues, and also did for my sister who was just recently diagnosed but also couldn't stand wearing her mask, or the nasal pillow-- (she got one of each to increase probability of finding something comfortable for the long haul- but wasn't having any luck even so) -more than a couple of hours even though she knew she would have that sluggish feeling a few hours into the day. Her dr. lowered her ramp and main air settings & now she can be comfortable w her Cpap on thru the nite. I hope u find some relief and a good nite's sleep soon.
Karen Day-Lyon said:Apparently, nothing works for me so far. Have had machine six days. Tried nasal pillows and felt like I was suffocating. Tried Comfort Gel Nasal Mask, and have not slept (Literally, at all) since Thursday night. The mask hurts my upper jaw, forehead and nose, and horrible aerophagia, and I just cant sleep with it on. THe most time I have managed to tolerate it is 3.8 hours, and that took a lot of mental dialog with myself just to get to sleep that night.
-
-
I use the Nasal AIre II nose pillow/PRONG- w/ a RESMED machine w/ hummidifier- my ramp is 6-8 (or close if my memory is faulty) but my main max setting can go as high as 12 or 13 if needed (I think the later)- it has worked well for 6 years, so I've had no changes in the last 5 1/2 years-although my initial setting were for even higher #'s. SO the Nasal Aire can accomodate even higher settings ( I think my intial settings were up to 16- but useage showed it wasn't ever getting close to the max & the corresponding ramp with those settings was too high for my comfort).
SO if the mask isn't working for u- u might ck out the Nasal Aire II - not all suppliers carry it, nor do all Cpap on line suppliers- my local equipment supplier dropped it -I found out when I went to get a replacement after 1st year because dr. said I should, replace it just for GP and because the insurance covered it. THe supplier rep was surprised that mine was in like new condition & the need for replacement was not really evident by the condition she reviewed the macine printout tho' & found I WAS using it. The supplier had NO other products even close to the Nasal AIre II - so I declined the replacement. I cleaned mine regularly and stored it carefully and only recently HAD to find a replacement-I was lucky enough to find some of the suppliers on the Internet carried it and the purchase direct price was considerably cheaper than even my co-pay was buying it thru a local supplier & using my insurance coverage.
I have no connection w/ any Cpap equipment supplier or manufacturer I just remember all too well, how miserable life can be w/out REM sleep. My sleep study test showed ZERO REM sleep w/ out CPap, although I struggled with the feelings of exhaustion daily for years before one dr. fnally said a stay at the sleep clinic was needed for evaluation.
The nasal AIre II is available in several sizes (at least 5 or 6 I think- I ordered replacment recently- one supplier offers a kit that includes ALL sizes for the nose prong piece) as well as Juvenille sizes, and has MANY (like 6 -8 I think) options for configuation in how it is worn so all in all your options for getting a proper & comfortable fit and way to wear it are exponentially greater. (u might also see my other lengthy post in this forum in response to Brandy's question)
Ginny Edmundson said:I was so disappointed that the nasal pillows would not work for me after my pressure was increased to 10. Using the Quattro FX with some leaks in eye area. Have just ordered a SMALl headgear to see if this will help. I have to tighten the medium so much as my face is small.
KDub said:Nasal pillows don't help much if your mouth falls open when you fall asleep. I have the same problem with getting a mask to seal because I also have a beard. The mask I have rubs the skin off the bridge of my nose. I try to cover the nose with tape, band-aids, etc., they all end up hampering the seal and letting air leak.
-
-
Cyndi, thanks for the info. I have a LOT of experience with CPAP with critical care patients, but none in the home arena. I actually managed to keep the thing on for four hours last night, and slept for at least part of that time, so it is likely getting better. Of course, I was exhausted when I got home from eight hours of intensive neuropsych testing, too. Maybe I should do that every day.....get my brain so tired it can't keep me awake thinking about how bugged I am by the machine and its acoutrements. *smiles ruefully*
Cyndi Palmer said:Karen - please see my other lengthy response about the Nasal Aire II nose prong --It's not like any other nasal pillow product I've seen on any Cpap supply web sites- so take a look....(I've been using mine for about 6 yrs now) and see my comments/info on air settings in my other post- maybe one or other or both will help u find a product and comfort level conducive to use.
The Nasal Aire II is the utmost least obtrusive device I've seen on the MANY Cpap sites I've researched featuring Cpap equipment & u won't find it listed at all on several of them - I apologize I'm short of time to go back & dig out the info for the sites that do have it - it is made by Innomed (or similar name) if my memory is correct. I'm not sure if it is adaptable to all cpap machines or not I use a RESMED w/ hummidifier and I don't use the convential straps supplied with it - I'm somewhat claustraphobic and can't tolerate something covering my face or a lot of strapping/binding parts ( I also have thick but fine long straight hair and between the morning hair bumps caused by the strapping, the general headachy feeling from having straps across my forehead and the velcro pcs getting stuck and tangled in my hair --it didn't take long before the McGuyver in me came up with an alternate solution- whcih I have noticed lately the company that makes the Nasal aire II now shows a similar configuation/use (see my other post for descript of my personal configuration choice) in their presentation - among the 6 or 8 different possible configurations one can chose from ---options are good & may be the way u are most able to find a set up that is not only tolerable but comfortable. It does take a little bit of getting accustomed to any Cpap device, but not long really for the NasalAire - I wear mine 8-10 hrs w/ no probs & can make it thru the day w/several less hrs sleep-if necessary IF I've worn my Cpap for all of those less hours- but can't even get my head off the pillow in the morn if I haven't. The nasal prong really is so unobtrusive I don't even notice it's there pretty much after get going-although to look at it u wouldn't think so-but there is less leaway on the fit - it must be more exact I believe than the masks (but one supplier offers the product with the complete size range of nasal Nasal Aire II prongs (so u have all possibilities from the get -go-circumventing a lot of purchase/return chores)
I've actually gotten out of bed still hooked up until I've walked farther than the flex tube would allow- not often - but it has happened.-and yes I'm blonde- but not THAT blonde -lol. But ur air settings might also be to blame for ur intolerability (Initially I didn't realize there was any option in that area, & if this is all new for u maybe u didn't either (I'm not sure if the drs are most worried u won't have -enough- pressure if ur sleep issues dictate it so they all start patients out w/fairly high settings thinking to err on the side of caution- but it's kind of a mute point if they are so high the comfortability is negatively affected & therefore u don't use it--(duh :)) so ask ur dr about adjusting the script for the ramp and main air settings on your machine--because there are options-- & changing it solved my intolerability issues, and also did for my sister who was just recently diagnosed but also couldn't stand wearing her mask, or the nasal pillow-- (she got one of each to increase probability of finding something comfortable for the long haul- but wasn't having any luck even so) -more than a couple of hours even though she knew she would have that sluggish feeling a few hours into the day. Her dr. lowered her ramp and main air settings & now she can be comfortable w her Cpap on thru the nite. I hope u find some relief and a good nite's sleep soon.
Karen Day-Lyon said:Apparently, nothing works for me so far. Have had machine six days. Tried nasal pillows and felt like I was suffocating. Tried Comfort Gel Nasal Mask, and have not slept (Literally, at all) since Thursday night. The mask hurts my upper jaw, forehead and nose, and horrible aerophagia, and I just cant sleep with it on. THe most time I have managed to tolerate it is 3.8 hours, and that took a lot of mental dialog with myself just to get to sleep that night.
-
Permalink Reply by Jonathan Spencer on
-
I bought one of these but the standard mouthpiece didn't fit my teeth. The maker supplied a kit to make a custom mouthpiece but my dentist wants $500 to make the mold (she tells me it is a 30-minute procedure).
This seems to be an expensive roll of the dice on something that might not work. Does anyone have information about a cheaper way of getting the mouthpiece customized, preferably in the NYC area?
Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN said:Has anyone tried "No-Mask," the one that fits into the roof of the mouth and holds nasal pillows? Facial hair should be no problem. It looks like a clever idea, but I've never gotten any feedback from anyone who has ever used it. The doc who invented it (for himself, initially) has a website.
-
-
Hi Brandy,
Iv'e only been on cpap since December '10. However, I tried every mask available until I found the Swift nasal pillows. With the Swift you hardly know you are wearing a cpap. The nasal pillows are great!.
Bettye
-
-
The Swift and Swift LT for her are great. But only works if you don't open your mouth. I was so disappointed when my pressure was raised to 10 that I could not use it anymore. So count yourself fortunate!
Bettye Kray said:
Hi Brandy,
Iv'e only been on cpap since December '10. However, I tried every mask available until I found the Swift nasal pillows. With the Swift you hardly know you are wearing a cpap. The nasal pillows are great!.
Bettye
© 2024 Created by The SleepGuide Crew.
Powered by
