Sleep Apnea and CPAP masks

[Catty1]

Kim, it took me almost a month to get used to the mask and how to tweak it, and all. Now it's like brushing my teeth. It does take some time, and I know how frustrating it is.

Are there other alternatives to the machine? Breathe-right strips? Sometimes a minor surgery that removes polyps or etc helps snoring as well. There are also dental devices that position the jaw differently to help intake of air.

Did the doctor say what is causing it?

I hope you get some answers soon.

[catnapper]

Are there other alternatives to the machine? Breathe-right strips? Sometimes a minor surgery that removes polyps or etc helps snoring as well. There are also dental devices that position the jaw differently to help intake of air.

Did the doctor say what is causing it?

My problem is my seriously screwed up sinuses. they're what cause a lot of my migraines. I had surgery 2 years ago that helped, but now have scar tissue to deal with and am NOT having repeat surgery due to fear of more/worse scar tissue. The surgery repaired a deviated septum and its just as bad now as before the first surgery.

The funny thing is, I gained a ton of weight because of the snoring. I was always so tired and resorted to lots of sugary and fattening foods for comfort and quick zips of pep. I stopped walking Callie 2-4 miles a day. I just slept (badly), worked, watched tv, and repeated the same day over and over again.

I already see my normal energy levels coming back (I honestly expected my energy to increase sooner) and I'm looking forward to losing the weight I gained from the lack of sleep.

I just can't wait to find the right mask. As it is, my insurance won't allow me to switch styles anymore. the doctor's office is working with me and letting me "borrow" masks until I find the right one, and then they'll let me borrow it permanently until insurance does cover the change.

[Asiel]

Our son sleeps with some kind of sleep machine that the sleep center sent home with him after the testing. It helps some but not as much as he was hoping. Luckily he does fine on a couple hours sleep a night. He actually falls asleep on his feet during the day if he gets more than a couple hours of sleep, something the doctors are still trying to regulate. I just hate to see him behind the wheel of his car never knowing if he'll nod off. Lucky his job is very accomodating.
I don't know if this will be of any help to people with a snoring problem but we bought buckwheat pillows 2 yrs ago and both my husband and our son have stopped snoring completely since they've been using them.

[Nomilynn]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and the doctor suggested the mask but I said absolutely not until we've tried surgery. I was only 27 and I didn't think having an elephant nose on at night was in any way sexy. How would I ever find a husband with a contraption like that?? For me, the surgery option worked wonders and now I only snore mildly, and only if I'm congested or have been drinking. Not sure if this helps, but perhaps a mask isn't the only option.

Good luck, I know how frustrating it is to always be tired and never feeling any relief.

[Catty1]

I use the nasal mask, and underneath it I wear a chin strap. This combo might work for you, Kim. The chin strap keeps the jaw from opening and causing an air pressure leak.

Hope you get a good fit soon!

[catnapper]

Candace, I have absolutely no problem keeping my mouth closed (at least while sleeping - I have trouble keeping my mouth shut during the day )

My leaking problem stems from the silicone seal not setting properly on my skin. In order to have it seal right, I have to tighten the straps sooooo veerrrryyyy tight on the full face and nasal masks. that puts pressure on my sinuses that are along the cheek bones, and hurts. You should see me in the morning after tigtening -- bright red welts across my face that take at least 4 hours to go away. Loosen the straps so they don't hurt? I have leaks

Nasal pillows actually seal really well for me (YAY!), and the straps can be left a lot looser so they're comfy (YAY! YAY!). I am just having the hardest time finding ones that fit my nostril at the right angle so as to not hit my scar tissue. The new one I tried last night sealed pretty well, was comfortable in my nose, fell at a food angle, but left nice big welts on my cheeks from the straps, which is unusual for a nasal pillow *Sigh*

I swore this was going to be easy. Hubby got his mask, put it, on went to sleep, and life was good. The doctor said 90% of people have no trouble and keep the first mask. The other 10% are like me -- lots of trial and error. and if not for the scar tissue, I'd have found the right mask a onth ago