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Update on I tried...I can't, I won't
- Suggestion to call doctor and inform about problems resulted in the doctor submitting a new script to the medical supplier for a full mask.
- Picked up new mask at supplier. I asked if the doctor changed anything on the number and she said no. I asked if he prescribed a Bi-PAP to be certain this wasn't a mistake and she said no, he only ordered the full mask.
Unfortunately, for the first 6 days after receiving the new mask I had just gone into a full blown sinus infection so finally started on the mask last night. My troubles were:
- The mask had to be tightened several times to stay snug with the amount of air blowing out (18) and thus left a sore and bruised red mark on the bridge of my nose.
- I awoke after one hour feeling like my throat had dried to the point that it was almost closed entirely. Drank some water. Check the machine setting to make sure it was set all the way up for moisture and it was. Replaced the mask and hoped for the best.
- Awoke one hour later again and same problem...extreme dry throat...almost entirely closed. I turned on the light, checked the water level and found it to be almost empty. I started at the full level. I refilled the machine, drank more water to loosen and soothe my throat and fell back to sleep.
- Awoke 2 hours later to extreme dry throat again. This time checking the water level showed hardly any difference from where I'd filled 2 hours before. At this time (around 4:00 a.m.) I decided to remove the mask and ask more questions from my friends here for suggestions or comments.
Thanks everyone,
Kathy (you can still call me Smitty if you want)
Views: 177
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by mountainman on
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hi smitty --- my first try using a mask was ok but i wondered why they were'nt monitoring my progress. this was my family doctor and i now know that ya need to see someone who does only sleep disorders in order to make sure your getting the right treatment. first i found out that loosing some weight can make things better - the tissue in your throat relaxes when you sleep and can cause some of the airway blockage. there are over 80 sleep disorders and it might take some time to diagnose which one or combination of them you have but only someone trained in the area of sleep will have the answers. i now use a sleep machine with a smart card and have it downloaded every month so they can track my progress along with my weight loss -- i also use the humidifier set on 2 and a breathright strip on my nose. it all works pretty good although like everyone here i too have some nights where i want the mask gone --- but - i get over it and use the stuff --- keep trying and keep masking till ya find one that says i'm comfortable
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Have your tried one of the rinses for extremely dry mouths? Do you have problems during the day with dry mouth?
Is your humidifer working properly? Reason I ask is that if you used almost a full tank of water in 2 hours and refilled it only to not use much the next time -- wonder if there is a glitch there?
I know that someone mentioned on one of the forums that you can purchase an inline humidifier, but I have no concept of how that would work.
I challenge the pros to help you out and try to figure a solution for you.
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Permalink Reply by Smitty on
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It was my thought that the humidifier isn't working properly. I'll bring it in to the medical supplier tomorrow and ask her. I also want a larger mask. I already have looked in the mirror to see if I can get the mask up off the bridge of my nose by making some strap adjustments. Its really sore today so I'm sure going to feel it if it sits in the same place again.
sleepycarol said:Have your tried one of the rinses for extremely dry mouths? Do you have problems during the day with dry mouth?
Is your humidifer working properly? Reason I ask is that if you used almost a full tank of water in 2 hours and refilled it only to not use much the next time -- wonder if there is a glitch there?
I know that someone mentioned on one of the forums that you can purchase an inline humidifier, but I have no concept of how that would work.
I challenge the pros to help you out and try to figure a solution for you.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Smitty, I had my CPAP sitting iside a plastic box on the floor. The box was larger than the CPAP, but I started having the same type of humidifier problems you mention. Mainly some nights it would empty the tank and other night use 1/2 inch at most. My DME told me the box could be obstructing airflow and making the heater think it was on when it wasn't. Or something like that. Anyway, remedy is to take the machine out of the box so air can circulate around it. I'm sorry you're having the dry mouth. I used to take meds that made my mouth dry anyway and wiht the CPCP it was miserable.
Keep experimenting. They do make mouthwashes and toothpaste for dry mouth which may give some relief. Good for you for trying so hard and reaching out for help.
Good Luck,
Mary Z.
Smitty said:It was my thought that the humidifier isn't working properly. I'll bring it in to the medical supplier tomorrow and ask her. I also want a larger mask. I already have looked in the mirror to
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You bring back memories. I had a friend in high school. Her first name was Forrestine and her last name was Smith. She was named after her dad, but it was modified to fit a female. I always called her Smitty, although no one else did. When I bump into her now, she is still Smitty to me.
Do you have a room humidifier? I wonder if you increased the humidity in your room overall if that would help. I know that when we mouth breathe our mouth gets dried out. If I remember you said you used a full face mask -- but with the high pressure you have it could still be drying out your mouth.
Keep after the doctor about trying out a bipap or at least an apap. I know my son-in-law has a pressure of 15 and has an apap. If he can stay off his back, his pressure needs drop. But on the back and it needs to go up. That is why, in my opinion, apap's are good.
Good luck and please keep us updated.
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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The thought occurs that if we mouth breathe w/a full face mask, yes, it does tend to dry the mouth out somewhat but the humidifier doesn't have to work as hard and doesn't use as much water if the humidity is contained in the mask and airway.
HOWEVER, a lot of leak thru out the night will gobble up that humidifier water like its going out of style.
There are several possible fixes for the sore bridge of the nose. Have you checked the Mask Fitting Tips? Hanging hose above the head. Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs, Padacheeks ..... lots of potential fixes.
Are you on real friendly, real cooperative basis w/your family doctor. Ask him/her to write you a script for a bi-level auto. Get a copy of your current script and let him/her use that as a guide. It must include an IPAP and an EPAP pressure. I'd suggest 2 cms below your current set pressure for EPAP and 2 cms above your current set pressure for IPAP and have him/her include "full face, nasal cushion, nasal pillows or oro/nasal (hybrid) mask of patient's choice". You might as well cover all your bases while you are having him/her write the script.
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Permalink Reply by tushygalore on
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I'm not sure what your mask is like but mine has a dial up near the forehead and I can adjust that and often get a better fit on the bridge of my nose. Also I removed the rubber forehead brace and now use a soft piece of fabric folded to the thickness I need and it helps to better distribute the pressure on my forehead (I was getting bruising!) so maybe you could do something similar on your nose, just small piece of cushy fabric between you and the mask.
I feel you on the closed dry throat, I get that all too many nights! I keep water with a straw nearby then just slip the straw under my mask for a sip (easier than undoing the mask completely). I'm trying to train myself to keep my mouth shut which helps tremendously.
When I first started I found it helpful to rig myself all up and just watch TV or read- without planning to sleep. It helped me get used to the feel of everything and I could adjust the mask and fiddle with it without the stress of knowing that I needed to be getting to sleep right away.
It's not going to be easy but eventually you'll work all these kinks out and be resting so much better and FEELING better too!
Hang in there, Smitty!
-Elissa- (tushygalore)
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