This forum has been very helpful, and I appreciate all the suggestions I've already gotten.  However, I am still struggling with my CPAP.  I'm only in my third week, so I know it takes time.  However, I find that when I relax to sleep my mouth pops open and I wake up gasping like a fish     I have the Breeze nasal pillows mask, which I like although my nose is a bit sore - the Ayr nasal gel seems to help that.

I have tried several suggestions from folks on this forum - increasing my heated humidifier setting, taping my mouth shut, used a chinstrap.  With the chinstrap, all I did was make my jaw VERY sore and I still got air in my mouth.  I have TMJ and wear a night guard for that, so the various mouth devices are not an option.  I tried tape several nights, but just got panicky, heart racing, etc.   (Sorry, rested gal!)  I've also tried putting my tongue up against the roof of my mouth - works until I relax and then POP goes the mouth!

So, I'm thinking I may need to try a FF mask.  I know, everyone is different - but any pointers would be appreciated, as a new mask will be on my dime as my insurance won't buy another one for 6 months.  I sleep on my side pretty much all the time - used to turn from one side to the other, but have been sleeping on my right side due to the exhaust air from the mask - didn't want to blow on poor hubby all night!  I use a PB 420 - I think it's G?  Anyway, it's a straight CPAP with heated humidifier, pressure set at 10.  I used the ramp the first couple nights, but felt I wasn't getting enough air so quit using it.  I still take a little while to relax, but that has gotten better.  

With my mouth opening, I pretty much give up after about 2 hours, as I work full time and have a family and have to get at least some sleep - I was already sleep deprived, and now it's just worse.  I am really getting frustrated, no energy to do anything, use all I do have at the office, and my poor family gets shafted.  With the holidays coming, I'd love to get some relief.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Karen

Hi Karen,

As with anything, it depends on the shape of your face.  I love the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit 431, but I think it might not be as wonderful for people with fine features or a narrow face.  ResMed's FF mask would then be my suggestion.  Respironics also makes a FF mask.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I like my Ultra Mirage II.  Once I tweaked the adjustments, it's pretty much leak free for me.  I'm also researching the Hans Rudolph FF mask, the 7600 VMask.  It is soft molded silicone rubber and the only hard plastic on it is the connection elbow.  Call your DME and make sure it's too late to exchange masks...don't just assume.  I started out the the nasal pillows and had the same problem you're having.  I called my DME and was able to exchange for the FF mask the next day.


_________________
Ramona


Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley

I have a similar problem.  Seems like the only nights I can get a good night's sleep are on the weekends, when I can dedicate 10-12 hours trying to sleep.  I have the Respironics full face mask at 15.  I wouldn't recommend it - it's been very leaky on me.  It is now adjusted better than ever though.  I also have 2 sizes of Hans Rudolph.  They both leak, but the woman at HR was very helpful and is sending me some things that might help.  The HR is 100x more comfy, so I hope it will work out eventually.

I'm going back to the sleep lab again this afternoon to try on other masks, but I think the only other one they have is a ResMed and that didn't work last time.  I sleep on my side too and can get the Respironics to be pretty much leak free, but I turn over in the middle of the night and that's when the air starts poppin', & that wakes me up for awhile.  I then take it off, put it back on, make adjustments and eventually go back to sleep.

What are others experiences on how to be compliant and get enough sleep on a work nights, while adjusting to all this??

What I am saying is that in the 7.5 hours in bed, I now get about 6 hours of sleep.  The other 1.5 hours gets taken up by leaks, waking up and taking longer to fall asleep.  6 hours a night isn't enough for me.