Going from cannula to mask

[princesscaine]

Hi I’m a career for my mum who’s got copd and been on oxygen for 6 years , recently changed from cannula to mask for carbon dioxide retaining , just wondering if anyone has had problems with mask not fitting properly or sore nose and ears and I’ve also noticed her sats are slightly lower on a mask not a cannula?

[Annie31]

Hi there, hang around as I'm sure there will be someone along well versed in using oxygen etc and maybe have some suggestions for the soreness for your mum. As for her sats, does she have a respiratory team you could check with? Might be a safer bet to do that as they would know your mum and her needs. Best wishes to you both.

[princesscaine in reply to Annie31]

Hi thanks for reply , they’ve checked her blood gas 2 weeks ago on the mask and said her levels were fine and to go back in a month it’s just when I check them they seem lower than what they were on a cannula but it’s been like that for 2 weeks and she looks well and feels well so I don’t know if it’s normal ? They aren’t a team you can just ring up if you know what I mean 🙄

[Annie31 in reply to princesscaine]

If you are just a little concerned, and as her carer you have that right, I would just give them a ring and put it to them exactly as you have said above. Just say you need that reassurance to put your mind at rest. I'm sure they will be fine about it. They can probably give you some advice on the soreness at the same time

[princesscaine in reply to Annie31]

Yeah thanks I will sometimes you feel like you’re bothering them but it’s better to check.

[Annie31 in reply to princesscaine]

Of course it is, and remember what you do is invaluable to them too!

[Spacecat1]

I have the mask it does take a bit of getting used to if not happy ask for smaller mask. I found the canular wouldn't stay in place. Dont use cream if find mask moves a lot. Good luck

[Ian1967]

Hi princesscaine, I’m a bit confused, your mum has been on oxygen for 6 years and is now retaining carbon dioxide, I can’t really understand why changing from a nasal cannula to a oxygen mask would treat her retention, to do this your mum would have to be on either CPAP or BiPAP, you can use oxygen support through these, the oxygen tube connects to your CPAP/BiPAP machine tube.

I use BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime for carbon dioxide retention, the mask you wear is a BiPAP mask and is adjustable to keep leaking to a minimum, using this it forces the excess carbon dioxide out of your lungs.

Carbon dioxide retention can be very dangerous, I used to get up in the morning and I would be falling asleep, I used to suffer violent body tremors as well, another side effect is headaches, if these symptoms are left untreated the carbon dioxide can basically poison your body.

The mask problems such as the soreness of the nose can be treated with this: hope2sleep.co.uk/cann-ease-...

For treating soreness to the bridge of the nose you can use these: shop.resmed.com/GB/en/CPAP-...

I’ve also used normal sticking plasters on the bridge of my nose to stop the mask rubbing it.

I hope I have been some help.

Ian.

[princesscaine in reply to Ian1967]

Hi yes she tried the bi-bap mask but hated it the respiratory nurse told us that the only other option is an oxygen mask instead of cannula apparently it doesn’t work as well but it gives more controlled flow, it is actually working because she’s not falling asleep now during the day and when they did her blood gas the carbon dioxide had lowered. It’s just since she’s had the mask her sats have been lower and wondered if this was normal ??

[Ian1967 in reply to princesscaine]

Sorry to hear your mum couldn’t cope with the BiPAP mask, they can take some getting used to, did they try your mum with different types of BiPAP masks? Some of them can be really brutal looking and und uncomfortable.

I can’t be certain about why your mums SATS are dropping on the face mask, at a guess it could be, because when you wear a cannula the oxygen is directed into your lungs through your nasal passages, but using a mask it covers a bigger area, giving the oxygen easier means of escape, also when you sleep you are prone to mouth breathing when your jaw relaxes and your mouth falls open, especially when you sleep on your back.

Ian.

[Jomo46]

I’ve been on oxygen 4 years. My nose gets blocked with catarrh. The oxygen nurse tried a mask. The readings showed I needed level 8 with a mask but level6 with a cannula. So I think you are right.Best wishes jo

[princesscaine in reply to Jomo46]

Yeah i think it does her sats have been lower but apparently that can be normal with a mask instead of cannula, hope you’re doing better on a mask 👍