"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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#$%^%##@ MASKS!!
It was time for a new mask, so I thought I would try the one that inserts into your nostrils. Terrible. Same as the mask that fits over your nose only. The problem is that due to allergies, colds,etc., I breathe through my mouth a good part of the night and of course, snore while doing so. So I tried the mask that covers your nose and mouth but not your whole face. HORRIBLE!! Ended up waking every night and tearing it off as it drove me crazy!!! Or crazier!! :) Unless anyone has some brilliant solution for this, I guess it is back to the full face mask for me!! Was hoping to find something else, but nothing works.
I wish you could hook up a small cannister of Oxygen to these machines!! I have often awoke in the night, thinking that a couple of good shots of O2 would be a life saver.
Hi to everyone. Haven't visited for a while. The winter blues I guess!!
Gary
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brittany on
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I have had the Mirage Liberty for about a month now and I really like it... It is what I guess you would consider a hybrid mask. It goes around just the mouth and has nasal pillows on-top of it so I feel significantly less claustrophobic. There is nothing pushing on the bridge of our nose so there is no pressure there and if you are congested or your mouth pops open there is no problem.
The only issue is .. if the skin between your upper lip and your nose is super sensitive it may take a while to get used to this mask. It really is the only down side I have seen.
ALSO - the setup comes with L,M,S nasal pillows so you can change them out at your discretion. You can even cut them apart and use a combination of sizes together if you need it. But generally your supplier will only supply you with ONE size of plastic that goes around the mouth piece so make sure you get fitted properly or chose carefully what size to go with. I am using a small mouth piece with medium pillows.
I understand your !#$%&^% frustration! I have tried so many masks in the past six months its enough to make your head spin. Just my own experience. Maybe something like this will help you.
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Gary - I, too suffer from a gazillion allergies. What I do is every night, just seconds before I put on my mask, I give myself a shot of nasal decongestant up each nostril. THEN mask up and go to sleep. Works like a charm! DO NOT USE A DECONGESTANT AT ANY OTHER TIME DURING THE DAY!!!!! You CAN become addicted to it and the consequences are truly nasty! I watched a classmate of mine trying to withdraw from it and it taught me a scary lesson! The last I heard, they were considering surgery to reopen her nasal passages. Save it for at night ONLY! Also, I have learned, I MUST use the humidifier at all times. I used to think it was for winter time only. Because of my allergies, for me that proved untrue.
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Gary - I had a respiratory therapist advise me against supplemental oxygen. He said it would negatively affect my oxygen absorption during the day. Try the decongestant. It made a world of difference for me.
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Have you looked into making your bed less of an 'allergy zone'? All the bugs that cause allergies love nothing more than to bed down in our mattresses where it's dark and damp and a perfect breeding ground for them! Check out latex mattresses and pillows or also consider a pillow protector or low allergenic bedding - made from wool or tencel, both of which are natural fibres and contain no chemicals which may irritate your allergies (and bed bugs don't like!). These products won't solve your apnoea but they will make your sleep much more restful, because your allergies will be under control.....sometimes simple changes can make a big difference.
Good luck and wishing you better sleep! If you are in NZ, www.naturalsleepshop.com delivers these products free to your door, so when you are ready to upgrade, check it out!
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Hayley - what makes my nose swell shut at night isn't so much "allergies" per se. It's the constant stream of air from he CPAP machine going up my nose and irritating the crap out of my sinus passages, just like allergies.
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If it's stressing you out, could you practise breathing techniques for relaxation? This is one of the keys to getting better sleep whether you suffer with sleep apnoea or not - we all breathe too shallowly during the day and live life at such a frantic pace! Can't hurt to give it a try and see if it makes any difference....
Sorry to hear of your discomfort - hope it improves. :)
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Thank you Hayley!! Wouldn't have any Scottish Blood, would you?? Lovely name.
Thanks for your comments. We have a neighbour problem. I think they are vampires, never hear them all day, and they go all night!! I am often awakened by them, and often cannot get back to sleep. Over the last 3 nights I have been up at 4AM,2AM and 5AM!! But I have been doing breathing exercises to relax, and practicing "Mindfulness Meditation" which I would recommend to one and all!!!!
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Thank you everyone for the most helpful comments!! Much appreciated!!
Gary
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