Have posted in sleep matters but hoping to get to a wider audience here as can be a bit quieter on there. No problem if moderators remove as not heart related. But sleep apnea if left untreated apparently can negatively impact cardiac health. My heart condition is already untreatable and prognosis not known so I don’t want to make things worse! Bit of a tenuous link 😊
I have mild sleep apnea and picked up my CPAP machine Wednesday this week.
So last night was night two, I don’t mind at all the air pressure and having something on my face / head plus the squishing up of my nose. It’s not comfortable but it’s tolerable. But it’s only night two.
The mask is ok fits snug no leaks when I put on, I then start machine and takes 20 mins to get up to speed.
I tend to fall asleep very quickly but few hours later start repeatedly waking and dozing from about 3am onwards. I’m dead to the world for those first few hours and don’t change position.
But once I started moving about I get leaks of air at the sides of the mask plus a sound that resembles a whoopy cushion or balloon deflating 🤭 repeated adjustment of straps helped for a little while but when moved - mask hissed and farted.
I’ve got an appointment for next Tuesday to take the stuff back and see if they can offer me alternative mask. I’m going to keep using though for now. I’m on a one week trial.
In meantime What has been others experience and what advice / tips can you offer? This would be most appreciated.
I’ve googled a nasal only mask and that appeals to me. The make of the machine / mask provided is resmed.
Absolutely committed to get on with the CPAP so keen that the leakage issue is resolved. Maybe I just need to not move position in the night!
👍
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Fanfab1
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Welcome to the Darth Vader Night Time Club😆😆😆At least that what we call my hubby.
He had a few hiccups at first ( in getting the mask firm, not inside the mask.
He got a different full mask then used a knot as far as I remember to keep the strap from loosening.
Duh, should have gone upstairs to look at it!!!
The one drawback with the nose only tube is that it can dry out your nostrils and make you more vulnerable to nose bleeds so if you take blood thinners or anticoagulants it may not be the best option.
Another thing that can happen is that you face may get dry or you could get marks were the mask pushes in most.
Your throat and lungs can also get dry too.
So make sure you have as much water as you are allowed each day and a reasonable drink within the hour before bed if you can.
If you can't drink too late for whatever reason at least swill water in your mouth and gargle.
Another thing my hubby's done since was to use a moisturizer each morning on his face , just a basic unisex fragrance free one. He uses Epaderm 2 in 1 because we have it for all this sort of stuff. He also uses a bit of vaseline on his nose and area were the mask rubs to stop it getting chaffed over time,
He got used to it very easily and takes it everywhere. I haven't got used to sleeping next to Darth Vader , or a slowly deflating bike tyre but these things are sent to try us.
He has been healthier , less fatigued and less breathless during the day and doing exercise since he got it and he's had it for years.
Oh , yes , for a while he slept in a more upright position comfy on graduating pillows until he got used to sleeping on his back. It seemed to help.
Thank you for all the tips especially moisturising and staying hydrated. Didn’t know that re nasal type / I’m on clopidogrel. I’m hoping I’ll get some positives too regards reducing tiredness / fatigue. I have an adjustable bed so can play around with best position / incline. I need to give it more time I think. But feeling positive about using it! 👍
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