BIPAP MASK PROBLEM

I am new here and have just started using a BIPAP machine for sleep apnoea and COPD.

I have unsuccessfully tried to use two rigid masks, but am now much happier with one which covers the mouth and has soft nasal prongs. However, I am finding it difficult to get the nasal prongs into position without air leakage. They often come out of position during my sleep and I end up having to put the light on to try and fix them and not being able to get back to sleep.

Does anyone have any tips please? Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome!

I would bring this up with your sleep doctor, as it sounds like you don’t have the correct size.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jess. I am arranging for someone to visit me and check.

Do you use a mask with prongs? If so, don't you find yours come out while sleeping?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh good! I’m glad you’re getting it checked!

I stopped using nasal pillows a long time ago. I don’t recall ever having had a problem with them falling out, but I did have other problems with the prongs (think it had to do with leakage, but don’t remember). Because of this, I switched to a nasal mask. It worked better and was more comfortable (I use the past tense here because I have recently been cleared from using CPAP by my the doctor — long story there)

Here’s a picture of a nasal mask:

resmed.com/us/en/healthcare...

(Mine was the 4th picture)

Are the masks the same for bipap machines? I never used a bipap, only a cpap.

Take care,

Jessica

[carolen in reply to Hidden]

I would love to know how you were able to stop using cpap. I hate it with a passion but have been warned of dire consequences if I give it up.

[Hidden in reply to carolen]

Do not ask me how this happened, but my apnea went from very severe to very mild over the course of 4 years.

[carolen in reply to Hidden]

Wow, amazing. Congrats.

[Hidden in reply to carolen]

I’m sorry you don’t like the mask, but please don’t stop using it. If you really have issues with it, I suggest bringing them up with your sleep doctor. She/he might have ideas on ways to make it more bearable.

Actually, I just thought of something. Are you a side sleeper and use a regular (noncontoured) pillow?

I used a contour CPAP pillow. Here is a picture: amazon.com/Contour-Products...

If you notice, it has a strap. This strap has velcro at the end that you wrap around the hose to keep it in place.

Take care,

Jessica

[carolen in reply to Hidden]

Got a nasal mask yesterday and managed 5.7 hours last night, a record, feeling this might work !

[Hidden in reply to carolen]

That’s awesome!!!

[MichaelBett]

Hi, Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I use Res-med nasal pillows. but i also have a nasal pillow mask which only goes over the nose. The mask straps get loose over time and the pillows don't hold snugly. They made clips that go over the the fabric to tighten them. I also was told that you shouldn't use pillows for over 2 weeks. You might talk to the medical supply store where you received your machine. Best of luck.

[Hidden]

Apologies for any confusion, but I use the Mirage Liberty Full Face CPAP Mask

ResMed Mirage Liberty Full Face CPAP Mask SKU: 61308 61309 | EU-PAP

[EGraceA]

Hi. I'm new to this group. I've had a 'sleep problem' for 12 years, but just got diagnosed today with sleep apnea. Report from a home sleep study. Any suggestions on the type of CPAP machines/masks people like? Will hopefully pick mine up in a week...