Wits end

[sleepless]

Hi I've just been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and have started with the S9Escape CPAP and I'm not having a good time.
I'm completely worn out but can't sleep with the mask on my face leaking air in my eye and making lots of windy noise.
I've been using it for 2 weeks but it doesn't seem to be improving anything.
How long will it take to get used to it and feel some benefit?
L

[Tigers Fan]

Depends how long it takes you to learn how to adjust the headgear so you don't get leaks. For starters.

TF

[jackieb]

Hi welcome to the forum I would not have put it so bluntly as TF but it does take a while to adjust to using cpap try and adjusting the headgear whilst lying down and do not have it too tight it really is a case of trial and error but you will get there in the end. I must admit I felt like giving up quite a few times the mask and machine became my demon for a while but I can now sleep up to 8 hrs and feel a lot better more energy and not tired during the day.

[ElleCee]

Sounds like you need some Remzzz to help stop the leaks.
Also, a word with your clinic might help. Leaks that bad should not be happening.

Lorraine

[dravidio]

Mmm - you caught Tiger in a grumpy mood. Let us be a bit more sympathetic. You don't give details as to what mask you are using - if you are a mouth breather or nose breather. Don't expect instant success - a few people seem to achieve it but in my experience and reading the experiences of others it can be difficult. You do need to know how to adjust the headgear on your mask - and it needs to be re-adjusted when you are lying down. The knack is to get it leakproof with the minimum amount of pressure. However if you can stand it I would advise having it tighter rather than looser which goes against most opinions...

[carole]

chin straps

HI I do sympathise I have had mine a couple of months and still havent got the hang of the probs your talking about. I am just thinking of investing in a chin strap can anyone advise on what is best please. And no grumpy answers lol

[Richard]

Coming to terms with CPAP

Hi there - I wish I knew your name.


The whole idea of spending the night with a face-mask clamped to your face takes some getting used to. And the No.1 complaint of CPAP-users is the wretched whistles, squeals and farts that come from leaking masks. Sleep-clinics are not too helpful with the leak problem, either.

Firstly, think of your CPAP as your new bed-partner, who will gently take care of you during the night. Before you go to bed, to get used to the mask, you can try wearing it without the connector so you can move it around till you find the most comfortable position.

Then, get into a routine of going to bed about the same time every night; it's best not to drink alcohol for a good two to three hours before you go to bed, and don't eat cheese! Take a milky drink to bed with you, and when you get into bed relax for a while: don't put the CPAP on the minute you get into bed. Maybe connect yourself to your iPod and listen to some nice soothing music.

To tackle the leaks, you can buy Remzz Face-Mask Liners from this site; these act as a 'gasket' between the face-mask and your skin and stop the leaks. (I'm assuming here that you use a full-face mask). In practice, you will find the pressure your machine is set at will dictate the number of Remzzzs you will need to do the job effectively: if one Remzz is not enough to stop the leaks, make a wad of two or three of them. Adjust the straps so there are no leaks and the straps are not uncomfortable.

This may sound very complicated, but once you're established with a routine that suits you, you will take it all in your stride and you are in good company here, believe you me, there are hundreds if not thousands of CPAP-Therapy users up and down the country with exactly the same problems as you.

Sweet dreams.

Richard

[sleepless]

Hi there - I wish I knew your name.


The whole idea of spending the night with a face-mask clamped to your face takes some getting used to. And the No.1 complaint of CPAP-users is the wretched whistles, squeals and farts that come from leaking masks. Sleep-clinics are not too helpful with the leak problem, either.

Firstly, think of your CPAP as your new bed-partner, who will gently take care of you during the night. Before you go to bed, to get used to the mask, you can try wearing it without the connector so you can move it around till you find the most comfortable position.

Then, get into a routine of going to bed about the same time every night; it's best not to drink alcohol for a good two to three hours before you go to bed, and don't eat cheese! Take a milky drink to bed with you, and when you get into bed relax for a while: don't put the CPAP on the minute you get into bed. Maybe connect yourself to your iPod and listen to some nice soothing music.

To tackle the leaks, you can buy Remzz Face-Mask Liners from this site; these act as a 'gasket' between the face-mask and your skin and stop the leaks. (I'm assuming here that you use a full-face mask). In practice, you will find the pressure your machine is set at will dictate the number of Remzzzs you will need to do the job effectively: if one Remzz is not enough to stop the leaks, make a wad of two or three of them. Adjust the straps so there are no leaks and the straps are not uncomfortable.

This may sound very complicated, but once you're established with a routine that suits you, you will take it all in your stride and you are in good company here, believe you me, there are hundreds if not thousands of CPAP-Therapy users up and down the country with exactly the same problems as you.

Sweet dreams.

Richard

Hi Richard, thanks for the advice, my name is Liz, I will look up where I can buy some of these face mask liners.
It gives me great encouragement to hear that its possible to overcome these problems. Also trying to see the whole CPAP thing as a friend seems a more positive approach - thanks again
Liz

[ElleCee]

Hi Liz,

You can buy the RemZzz liners fron Intus, right here, on this web site, no need to go looking for them!
Good price and quick delivery too

Good luck
Lorraine

[Berneta]

New User

Hi Liz, everyone has given you good advice. It just takes time to get used to using the mask and using it correctly. You will eventually get used to it--but it may never get to be your "friend". To some it seems like a friend and bed partner with time. But--Its medical therapy and what you need. Keep trying and give yourself time to go through all the emotional baggage that comes with OSA. There will be anger--denial--rejection--learning--and eventually acceptance. Good luck, Berneta

[cwmfelin]

Remzzzs made a huge difference to me. Am almost at end of first month and everyone's advice was to give it a month and you'll see a difference. I have, it's not perfect yet, but am getting there. I do look forward to bed time now and hope the same for you.

Chris