I recently found out that I have sleep apnea. I started treatment with a cpap. I am having even more trouble sleeping know. I can't sleep with the smell sound feeling of that mask. I have tried three different masks know. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Danialla]

I have sleep apnea and use a bi-pap, a cpap machine with different pressures for inhale and exhale.

I also use the nasel pillows and love them.

What masks have you tried?

[(JD)]

My sister was the first director for sleep studies in FL... just spent the weekend with her. I'll email her this next week and see if she has any ideas for you. I know they do have different things to try, but sounds like you've given it a good go already. TC

I tried a full face mask but did not like how it made my cheeks puff out. The nasal cusion would not stay put due to I sleep on my side and move all night. The only thing I somewhat tolerated was one over the nose.

I tried to PM you but I am not sure it worked.

Thank you everybody! Any help is very appreciated. I am terrified to go to sleep without the machine, but can't sleep with it.

[jbug]

I have slept with a CPAP for about 5 years now. After you get used to wearing the mask it is a great help. There are times I can't sleep with it and practically rip it off my face. I am going to have to start wearing oxygen along with my mask. I hope you are able to get use to wearing the mask.

Jbug

I am getting a little better with the mask. i have one that goes in the nose and over the top of my head. That helps with the clausterphobia.

[Danialla]

I am glad that things seem to be working out. I think you will really feel a difference in the quality of your sleep soon.

Take care

[tsha]

I have been using a cpap with nasal pillows for a few years.
For me it was just a matter of getting used to it and finding how to set it up so it works for me. I sleep on my stomach and move around a lot too. But I figured it out and now I use it every night and even take it with me when I travel.

[okiedokie]

What do you use when you're a mouth breather? My nose is always too stuffed up for me to breathe through. I can't get used to my CPAP either.

Suggestions?
Thanks,
Okie

[Danialla]

That is a good question Okie!

I use the nasel pillows with my bi-pap machine and they worked work great. But I can't use them or the bi-pap machine when I am congested.

Let us know if you find out anything.

Take care everyone.

They have masks that cover your nose and mouth, and even one that covers your whole face. Also if you use just a nasal mask and your nose is stuffy you need to ask your doc about a med for your nose at night like nasonex. Thats what I use. Also you may need a chin strap to hold your mouth shut if you are using a nose mask. I can't get used to my cpap either.

[Danialla]

The nasonex sounds like a good idea. I wonder if those "Breath Right" strips would work too???

Anyone?

I don't know if the strips will work or not. You have to be careful on what you use because some chemicals (I know one of them is petrolium like in chap sticks and vics vapor rub) can break down the chemical componets in the material of the mask. The mask breaks down at a microscopic level and you can inhale them making you very sick. Also check the ingrediant in chap stick and stuff.

[okiedokie]

I use the Breathe Right strips every night and they WORK LIKE A DREAM!!! I have an internal deviated nasal septum on the right and it makes all the difference. If I'm congested too, it also helps, but not enough for me to totally breathe through my nose. I am planning to have surgical correction and reduction of the turbinates, so I CAN use my CPAP. I hate surgery though....
Best,
Okie

I am no longer on cpap. I say my sleep doc and since I am fighting the machine and getting less sleep which in turn causes a mania I don't need to use it no more. I just have to lose weight.

[dawnhopeful]

Originally Posted by okiedokie

What do you use when you're a mouth breather? My nose is always too stuffed up for me to breathe through. I can't get used to my CPAP either.

Suggestions?
Thanks,
Okie

Hello Okiedokie,
Have you heard of the mouth guard with the Halstrom Hinge. It consists of upper and lower braces joined together with a hinge. The lower jaw is pushed forward so that the tongue is pushed out of the way of the airpipe. When you relax during sleep the tongue falls back in the mouth obstructing the air passage. I have only recently got one for my mild sleep apnea. I dont think it can be used by people with severe apnea. You can read more about it by googling Halstrom Hinge. The ddentist who invented it lives in my city in B.C. Canada
dawnhopeful

[Lee ann]

You all are so smart! I'm going through the same problems too. Stuffy nose, can't get used to machine, move around too much, have to lose the weight. When it rains, it pours, unh?