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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 15, 2009 at 1:29pm

You've already shown that you have what it takes to get well with Sleep Apnea: you are not prepared to give up after one night of uncomfortable sleep. That's a HUGE first step, and the one that most people who fail fall prey to. So congrats for getting this far!

Sounds like you have a high pressure setting of 15, and that you start up with a Ramp of 4 cm/H20, and then pop up to 15 within a 30 minute time span.

I will say that the full face mask is a tough one to get used to, and a tough one to use properly. Perhaps you can get a nasal mask -- I would recommend the one I use, the ResMed Activa Nasal Mask, and "train" yourself not to open your mouth at night. There are many ways to do this, including just time trying to do it, as well as starting off with a good chin strap.

The main thing is to try one thing, use it for a week, check results, then try another thing, use it for the next week, check results, compare and contrast, then make a decision and keep experimenting. You CAN do this.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Bozard on April 15, 2009 at 2:41pm

Mike,
Thanks for your response. Your suggestion sounds like that would work for me. I looked on line at that mask. I called my company that gave me the mask yesterday. They think that with a pressure of 15 the chin strap would not keep my mouth closed. They said I could come in and try the nasal mask. Why would the sleep study tech not tell me about the chin strap I wonder? I am just so confused and so upset about all this. I think my hang up is the part over my mouth. I do not know what to do....

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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 15, 2009 at 3:06pm

i myself have tried a mask that covered my mouth and nose, the so-called "hybrid" ResMed Liberty mask, and it didn't work for me. that's the closest i've gotten to a full face mask, and it wasn't working for me. i am just dealing with the mask leak/mouth opening issue on a day to day basis and trying to get it under control.

i find that i often open my mouth when my sinuses are acting up. have you tried a saline nasal rinse or neti-pot? also, do you have a data capable machine?

Sandra Bozard said:

Mike,
Thanks for your response. Your suggestion sounds like that would work for me. I looked on line at that mask. I called my company that gave me the mask yesterday. They think that with a pressure of 15 the chin strap would not keep my mouth closed. They said I could come in and try the nasal mask. Why would the sleep study tech not tell me about the chin strap I wonder? I am just so confused and so upset about all this. I think my hang up is the part over my mouth. I do not know what to do....

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Permalink Reply by bonesigh on April 15, 2009 at 8:56pm

Sandra,
I will take time to get used to it but you WILL get used to it. I never thought it was possible with a bi-pap pressure of 18/14. The wind would just gush out of my mouth if I didn't keep it clamped shut. Even with my mouth shut when I would drift off my cheeks would puff out like a chipmunk! I found the chinstrap completely useless myself. The air would just gush through my teeth anyway.

The only thing that worked for me was time and determination. Eventually my brain, mussels, nose ect. excepted their fate. After trying several masks I use the Mirage Quattro as you do, or have tried to do. It's really fairly comfortable now. A bit big for my face though. It helps to keep my mouth shut by sleeping on my side with my face at the edge of the pillow and another pillow in front of the mask, kind of hugging the pillow, creating a tunnel in front of me. I wedge one hand under my chin to help keep it shut. It will just take time for you find your perfect position. Good luck, I know you can do it!

Sandra Bozard said:

Mike,
Thanks for your response. Your suggestion sounds like that would work for me. I looked on line at that mask. I called my company that gave me the mask yesterday. They think that with a pressure of 15 the chin strap would not keep my mouth closed. They said I could come in and try the nasal mask. Why would the sleep study tech not tell me about the chin strap I wonder? I am just so confused and so upset about all this. I think my hang up is the part over my mouth. I do not know what to do....

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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on April 15, 2009 at 9:19pm

Give the mask a few days as it takes time to adjust. If the Quattro is still giving you fits after another night or two, ask the DME about swapping it out for another mask, such as one of the Fischer and Paykel full face mask, the Hybrid or Liberty, or other similar full face mask. Many users find it takes multiple masks before finding the perfect fit. Hopefully your DME will work with you and has a generous mask exchange.

Is your machine set for a range of pressures? In your profile you list that you have an M series apap. That machine can be set for a range of pressures. I would see if the doctor could prescribe a range, if it isn't already set that way. Then for part of the night you may be able to get by with a lower pressure and only go up to the 15 when it is actually needed to keep your airway open. I know I have my apap set for a range of 9 to 15. For the most part I stay between 9 and 10, but have went up as high as 15 sometimes.

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