I have been using a CPAP with an IQ nasal mask for about a month and a half.  I'm working out the kinks but have a couple of questions.

1.  My nose is still getting cold at night. I have the humidifier on but that just made things too moist.  I've tried sleeping with the tube under the covers but it invariably comes out.  Also, I don't use the forehead strap that keeps the tube over my head because it seems to be causing leaks out of the bottom of the mask.
2.  I've been oversleeping every day this week! Does this mean the machine is working too well or not enough? I get 7 or so hours of sleep on average.  Is this a common "learning curve"?

Thanks!

Amy

Amy,
 You might want to look into nasal pillows to help with the cold nose.  A standard mask blows air on all exposed surfaces inside the mask, the nasal pillows, just inside the nose. I also find nasal pillows have a superior seal, less leaking for me.
 You might also want to google for the sleepzone heated cpap tube, which warms the air to about body temp.

We do need time to catch up on lost sleep.  Ideally, if we have enough rest, we will wake before the alarm goes off.  You mention you are getting 7 hours sleep...you may need more...try backing up your bedtime by 30 minutes...evaluate for a few days, and if you still can't wake before the alarm, back up another 30 minutes...until you find how much nightly sleep you require.  Some people will do fine on 6 hours, others need 9....the recommended 8 hours is an "average" and we as individuals can vary widely.

Thank you so much for the suggestions.  I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to help!

Amy

teacheramy wrote:

I have been using a CPAP with an IQ nasal mask for about a month and a half.  I'm working out the kinks but have a couple of questions.

1.  My nose is still getting cold at night. I have the humidifier on but that just made things too moist.  I've tried sleeping with the tube under the covers but it invariably comes out.  Also, I don't use the forehead strap that keeps the tube over my head because it seems to be causing leaks out of the bottom of the mask.
2.  I've been oversleeping every day this week! Does this mean the machine is working too well or not enough? I get 7 or so hours of sleep on average.  Is this a common "learning curve"?

Thanks!

Amy

Amy,

Don't know the IQ nasal mask.

The cold nose and humidification, you need to tweak the settings until things improve. Depending on where you are (weather wise) you may need a 'hose cover' to insulate it. Your DME should help. There have been mentions here of an Australian heated cover which appears to work well. Leaks at the bottom of the mask.......there is probably an imbalance in the tension between top and bottom strap. Probably the upper strap is too tight causing the lower part of the mask to lift off your face. Maybe the fact that you are not strapping the tube at the top is contributing to this. Best to set your system up in daylight when you are calm.

I believe that your oversleeping is part of the catching up process, paying off the sleep debt.

So far, so good. Keep at it  

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)