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My Tips & Tricks
Hi everyone! I've been using a CPAP machine now for about 3 weeks. I'm still in that "sleeping all the time" phase but I'm enjoying it muchly. :)
When I first started I had a few problems, two of my biggest complaints were: my head lolling over and letting leaks occur (I wear a full face mask) and secondly: the forehead brace was leaving me with what seemed to be painful invisible bruising where the brace had been pressing into me all night (no amount of adjusting fixed it without allowing air to leak into my eyes).
So here's what I did to solve these issues: I found a soft cushy hand towel, folded it a few times and placed it between me and the brace, I even left a few inches on the bottom hanging down to cover my eyes and block out the light (this helped me to stay asleep longer). It's now super comfy and no more "bruising".
As for the other problem I went to W**-Mart and purchased a lovely, soft, memoryfoam travel pillow (you know- the U-shaped ones people take with them on planes etc) from the pharmacy department.
Although it vibrates that really doesn't add anything to my sleep experience and other than playing with the on/off button some nights I pretty much an oblivious to the plastic workings in the back and side.
It's great for back sleeping and I'm finding that it's also perfect for when I roll over because my head and neck are supported but the mask isn't touching anything and doesn't get as dislodged.
So, I hope those tips help a few people.
Sweet dreams!
-Elissa-
When I first started I had a few problems, two of my biggest complaints were: my head lolling over and letting leaks occur (I wear a full face mask) and secondly: the forehead brace was leaving me with what seemed to be painful invisible bruising where the brace had been pressing into me all night (no amount of adjusting fixed it without allowing air to leak into my eyes).
So here's what I did to solve these issues: I found a soft cushy hand towel, folded it a few times and placed it between me and the brace, I even left a few inches on the bottom hanging down to cover my eyes and block out the light (this helped me to stay asleep longer). It's now super comfy and no more "bruising".
As for the other problem I went to W**-Mart and purchased a lovely, soft, memoryfoam travel pillow (you know- the U-shaped ones people take with them on planes etc) from the pharmacy department.
Although it vibrates that really doesn't add anything to my sleep experience and other than playing with the on/off button some nights I pretty much an oblivious to the plastic workings in the back and side.
It's great for back sleeping and I'm finding that it's also perfect for when I roll over because my head and neck are supported but the mask isn't touching anything and doesn't get as dislodged.
So, I hope those tips help a few people.
Sweet dreams!
-Elissa-
Views: 475
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Thanks for sharing, TushyGalore! Karen (Padacheeks) makes some wonderfu, soft, colorful "pads" for the forehead brace, the bridge of the nose, the straps across the cheeks ... all kinds of attractive, soft "padding" for CPAP masks.
A soft, down pillow works well for me. And there is the PAPillow as well as various memory foam pillows, etc. one can check out at WalMart and I think someone said even Walgreen's.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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thanks for posting this -- so much of this treatment is trial and error, and your experience is good evidence of that. I like the Oxygen Pillow personally, but I've also heard good things about the PAPillow.
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Permalink Reply by Martha G. Lee on
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Where do you buy the Padacheeks?
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Permalink Reply by Donna Hall on
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Thanks, I hate my pillow. Didn't know I should try next!
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Karen (padacheeks) is a member here tho she doesn't post often. She does have a website. Either send her an Invite (top right of this page) or do a google search on padacheeks or go to cpaptalk.com and look for her there. She is often in their Chat room about 8 PM or so.
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I have had multiple problems with masks. My full face mask is quite painful on the bridge of the nose. I just tried the pad-a-cheek nose bridge protection fleece pad and I still woke up with a mark across my nose and soreness. It did help a little but not quite enough. I am thinking of adding padded mole skin or something padded to the pad-a-cheek. You always have to worry about breaking the seal when adding anything to the mask.
I also have a Liberty mask. It leaked horribly around the sides of my mouth. I lined the seal with Mack's silicone ear plugs and it worked perfectly. I am having a few problems with the nose pillows slipping and leaking part way through the night. I may try the next pillow size up to have a better seal.
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Permalink Reply by Gordon Osmond on
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Hi everyone.
I only wish my PC was as easy to use as my Cpap machine.
I suffer from eczema and any artificial material, like my Cpap mask straps, causes me a lot of problems. I place a couple of old, well washed, handkerchiefs over my head before I put on my mask. I must look fearful but who cares.
I get a lot of condensation in my mask. Does anyone have any quick answers?
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for the condensation, you can try a combination of turning down your humidifier setting, placing a Snuggle Hose or some other fleece cover over your hose, placing the hose underneath the covers, and making sure your machine is below your shoulders when you sleep.
Gordon Osmond said:Hi everyone.
I only wish my PC was as easy to use as my Cpap machine.
I suffer from eczema and any artificial material, like my Cpap mask straps, causes me a lot of problems. I place a couple of old, well washed, handkerchiefs over my head before I put on my mask. I must look fearful but who cares.
I get a lot of condensation in my mask. Does anyone have any quick answers?
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Priebe on
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Padacheek: http://www.padacheek.com/index.html
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what about going to the auto parts store, buying a chamise (a REAL one) - cutting in into the size you need - placing it between the face and mask. It is soft and I don't think it would harm your skin. It softens with water, so getting it wet to soften it will help. Hey, they don't call me "Mr. Gadget" for nothing!!!!
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Permalink Reply by tushygalore on
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That's a good idea! Heck, I could cut some pieces to fit inside my mask too... I think I'm drooling into it at night and that's just gross. :P
Ron Sowell said:what about going to the auto parts store, buying a chamise (a REAL one) - cutting in into the size you need - placing it between the face and mask. It is soft and I don't think it would harm your skin. It softens with water, so getting it wet to soften it will help. Hey, they don't call me "Mr. Gadget" for nothing!!!!
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