I've had my CPAP machine for several weeks now I to be honest it's just NOT going well.  I've got the Resmed S8 Vantage with humidaire (that I've tried at alll levels) and am using the Swift Nasal pillows.  I find that the back of my throat gets so dry that I start to cough which causes the pressure to go crazy, which causes me to cough more - to the point of throwing up!  This usually occurs after about an hour.  I've tested it by staying awake - and yes I get these results while awake - so I KNOW it's not that I am opening my mouth.

I used a nasal mask at the titration study - and got more than 5 hours of sleep before they woke me up to send me home.  So my new theory is that the nasal pillows are just too direct - the air is going straight up my nose to the back of my throat.  I'm thinking that perhaps a nasal mask may give me better results since it is more diffused.

I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on this - and advice on which mask to try.

Many thanks

You might be on the right track. I'm wondering where I have the S8 elite, I can change the setting for a particular mask. Either just nasal, full face, etc... Do you have access to that part of your menu?? Just a thought...

Yes I do have access to that menu - currently it is set to the swift.

tosleepperchancetodream wrote:

I've had my CPAP machine for several weeks now I to be honest it's just NOT going well.  I've got the Resmed S8 Vantage with humidaire (that I've tried at alll levels) and am using the Swift Nasal pillows.  I find that the back of my throat gets so dry that I start to cough which causes the pressure to go crazy, which causes me to cough more - to the point of throwing up!  This usually occurs after about an hour.  I've tested it by staying awake - and yes I get these results while awake - so I KNOW it's not that I am opening my mouth.

I used a nasal mask at the titration study - and got more than 5 hours of sleep before they woke me up to send me home.  So my new theory is that the nasal pillows are just too direct - the air is going straight up my nose to the back of my throat.  I'm thinking that perhaps a nasal mask may give me better results since it is more diffused.

I would appreciate everyone's thoughts on this - and advice on which mask to try.

Many thanks

A very good observation. I questioned pressure settings with ResMed (UK) on the basis that because of the fact that with nasal pillows the air was sent straight into the airway as distinct from the nasal mask where it is inhaled. They maintain that pressure settings are the same no matter what interface you use. It still doesn't make sense.

As for nasal masks. Personally I use the Ultra Mirage (ResMed) with a Fisher & Paykell Flexifit as back up. In fairness I think the Ultra Mirage shades it. Mainly because of the adjustable forehead pads (as distinct to rigid ones on the F & P). The F & P has a 'guide rail' at the front of the mask which allows the mask to remain steady while the straps move.

The Ultra Mirage allows for loose straps and the seal, created by the airflow, is very good. No marks on the face.

If you move about while in bed the ResMed Activa mask is excellent. It is somewhat large (relative to some of the other masks) but keeps a great seal and is very confortable.

All in all there is a terrific selection of nasal masks available, all with their own little theories of what gives most comfort. Get your DME to show you plenty of them.

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

Daniel -

So do you think the question is valid?  Is it possible the direct air flow is causing me to cough?

Thx

tosleepperchancetodream, your theory is correct. The explanation is that the air velocity is higher going into the nostrils straight from the nasal pillows. The air going into a conventional mask slows down by the time it reaches the nostrils. The pressure is the same but air speed is different. We’ve actually tested this on the swift and others and the pressure actually goes down. The air escapes through the exhalation vents. That’s why there’s so much blast coming out of the front of them. The air velocity is obviously irritating your sinuses. I agree with Daniel, try some of the conventional masks. You are a great observer!

tosleepperchancetodream wrote:

Daniel -

So do you think the question is valid?  Is it possible the direct air flow is causing me to cough?

Thx

I do. BUT I don't think the cpap companies do.

Looking at things logically........nasal pillows allow for a direct flow of air which commences approx one third the way up your nostrils. I don't use them, but I believe (particularly if your pressure is greater than 12) the effects of the pressured air has to be harder on your sinuses, turbinates etc.

Nasal masks allow for a build up of air pressure within the mask, which is then inhaled (as distinct from being driven in) must be easier.

Nasal pillows obviously need inhalation to get the air in also, but not to the same extent as a nasal mask.

Anyway, regardless of my ramblings (and sense sometimes) the medical community, the cpap manufacturers and others decree that they are the same (pressure wise)..............so you probably need to look at masks.

Kind regards,

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

Daniel, I work for a CPAP company and I agree with you guys. I guess one out of the bunch is better than none. :)

I really appreciate all the input - and tommy, no doubt in my mind you ARE one of the good guys!

My pressure is only set at 7, but perhaps I'm just terribly sensitive.  I am getting a mirage activa and will let you folks know if it helps.

Once again - you guys are all the best!

Thank you so much for the compliment tosleepperchancetodream. Good luck with the mask and let us know how it goes.

tosleepperchancetodream wrote:

I really appreciate all the input - and tommy, no doubt in my mind you ARE one of the good guys!

My pressure is only set at 7, but perhaps I'm just terribly sensitive.  I am getting a mirage activa and will let you folks know if it helps.

Once again - you guys are all the best!

Excellent choice.

One thing, when you think your straps are loose, you may have to loosen them more. There is a very large expandable area which should not be forced onto the face. The air pressure will create the seal.

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

Hi Guys: At the sleep study I used the FlexiFit 407. Didn't have any major problems with it considering the circumstances. So this is the one the Dr. recommended. Since I usually read a few pages to relax and go to sleep this didn't work worth a darn. Didn't think of that at the time, Didn't like the velcro, etc .etc. After two weeks I coerced the group into another mask that I had checked out on the internet. The Mirage Vista Nasal Mask. Lots of good points, quick disconnects, angle adjustment for tilting the mask up or down, easy disconnect from hose to mask in case  you have to visit the john, You can wear glasses, liked the look of the headgear adjustments and several other good points.
Unfortunately, in my particular case, I can't seem to get a good adjustment so the mask doesn't leak.  The air discharge is way more than the flexiFit and is angled so the discharge is aggravating, seems to blow directly on me. It is much noisier and appears to put out a greater volume on discharg. OK I screwed up.
 Still working with it but in all honesty I do find the FlexiFit the most comfortable and have been using it more often. I had a tendency to overtighten the mask, both of them, and finally discovered that a little looser when laying down enabled the mask to billow up and fit more snug. And there is a definite difference in pressure points after putting the mask on standing up and then laying down.
Hang in there and good luck.  

I just completed my sleep study and found the cpap mask to be completely foreign and invasive.  Air being funneled down my nose... ughh.   The physical sensation I found to be completly overbearing.  the mask was so tight and I felt so restricted...How does one get used to this sensation enough to actually fall asleep-   I ripped the mask off after 30 seconds as I felt totally claustrophobic-  They tried just the nose piece but again, the sensation of air against the back of my sinuses totally kept me from relaxing.      I also found I had to exert so much effort to exhale I was opening my mouth.     Is this the normal for a sleep study or did I have a bad experience with bad staff?     Am I a bad patient?   I just can't see wearing an appliance like this for the rest of my life-

I had a similiar experience at my sleep study...  I took the mask off and had to do a lot of self talk to get up the nerve to put it back on. It freaked me out. That was in August.

I got my CPAP machine 9/1.  It took me a few nights to get used to it and about 2 weeks to fall in love with it.

I'm sleeping very well now.  I will not give it up.  CPAP is foreign and invasive at first.... but keep trying....and try to relax.  That was the key for me.  Now it doesn't bother me at all and I LOOK FORWARD to having it on and getting a good night sleep.

I hope things go as well for you.

thanks Louise- you described it exactly-  I freaked out.    What is the most comfortable mask out there?  is there a premiere brand or model that stands out from all the rest?  If I'm going to do this I MUST be comfortable and not feel so trapped.