I am new to this forum and have Sleep Apnea.

I've used my Bi-PAP for over a year and experienced trouble since the second month.  I would go to the doctor, who would write a change on my pressure and send me to the medical supply people.  Every three months, I'd get a new mask (I use the gel over the nose only type).  So, I'd pay my deductible and have about a month of comfortable sleep in the next three months.  

I just realized what the problem is:  even when I tightened the mask to the point that it really hurt my face and left marks on my face for hours in the morning, my mask wasn't secure on my face all night long.  I could always feel it slipping when I'd move.

I found a product that adheres or "glues" the mask to my face.  Now, I know that sounds horrible, but it's not at all.  My mask stays secure all night.  I am now using it with a mask that I used for over 5 months.  The "glue" washes off easily and it does not irritate my skin, in fact, I actually think the skin around my nose is softer than the rest!

I've read that I can't sell on this forum, but hope that anyone who is interested can email me at:  NRhoads@aol.com.

NRhoads wrote:

I am new to this forum and have Sleep Apnea.

I've used my Bi-PAP for over a year and experienced trouble since the second month.  I would go to the doctor, who would write a change on my pressure and send me to the medical supply people.  Every three months, I'd get a new mask (I use the gel over the nose only type).  So, I'd pay my deductible and have about a month of comfortable sleep in the next three months.  

I just realized what the problem is:  even when I tightened the mask to the point that it really hurt my face and left marks on my face for hours in the morning, my mask wasn't secure on my face all night long.  I could always feel it slipping when I'd move.

I found a product that adheres or "glues" the mask to my face.  Now, I know that sounds horrible, but it's not at all.  My mask stays secure all night.  I am now using it with a mask that I used for over 5 months.  The "glue" washes off easily and it does not irritate my skin, in fact, I actually think the skin around my nose is softer than the rest!

I've read that I can't sell on this forum, but hope that anyone who is interested can email me at:  NRhoads@aol.com.

Hi,

I think your problem might have been solved by either changing the mask to a double skinned silicone type which uses a type of 'bubble' technology to create a good seal, without overtightening the straps or making sure that your dme supplier ensured a proper fitting gel type mask for you. If your straps are too tight then you will have leaks. You should not have mask marks on your face in the morning.

You should not have to use glue. My advice is to start screaming at your dme supplier to sort out the mask, or take your business elsewhere. Modern masks are designed for comfort.

Please keep us advised.

Daniel


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

(Anon)

Daniel,
Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

I do have the double skin type of mask.  My nose is quite small so I have to use the "Petite" mask.

I really am very happy with what I'm doing, finally!  And I don't have to pay my deductible every three months.  

The "glue" isn't like elmer's, or any other regular glue.  It's used primarily by women to keep their straps in place, etc...  I've been using it for almost four weeks now and I feel like I did when I first got the machine.  I can only say that I feel like I have a life again, and I didn't have to keep trying other masks.  I just get a great night's sleep.

Nancy

Most DME's carry that same type of adhesive- they use for helping keep suport stocking up though it also used to help with bra straps, hair pieces, bathing suits, etc. I am very allergic to adhesives including most medical tapes (have to bring my own roll of $30 tape with me to the hospital and such) yet I can use the roll on medical adhesive though I don't think I would ever to put in on my face. There are a lot of other options in masks available that are better then the gel type masks, even with a small face. I started out on an Ultra Mirage 2 years ago but I switched to nasal pillows a long time ago and more recently to the ComfortCurve. If you can't stand the thought of something inside your nose the ComfortCurve may be a good option since its only rest against the underside of your nose to seal.

NRhoads wrote:

Daniel,
Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

I do have the double skin type of mask.  My nose is quite small so I have to use the "Petite" mask.

I really am very happy with what I'm doing, finally!  And I don't have to pay my deductible every three months.  

The "glue" isn't like elmer's, or any other regular glue.  It's used primarily by women to keep their straps in place, etc...  I've been using it for almost four weeks now and I feel like I did when I first got the machine.  I can only say that I feel like I have a life again, and I didn't have to keep trying other masks.  I just get a great night's sleep.

Nancy

Hi Nancy,

I always believe, if it ain't broken then don't fix it. If this works for you then keep at it. The most important thing is to get benefit from the treatment therapy.

Kind regards,

Daniel


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

(Anon)