Sleep Apnea Blog

Posts Tagged ‘mask’

My grandfather is finding it hard to breathe while wearing the mask that is on his CPAP machine. He has a mask and just the tube for the nose but both make him feel like he’s having a hard time breathing, and he’s worried about wearing it at night.

That usually happens for the first few weeks after getting the machine. After awhile he will get used to it. If not, then he should see a doctor because maybe the mask is not sized properly.

I recently had to start using the nostril type mask and I’m having a terrible time. Any ideas will help. HELP !!

I feel your pain. They put me in a full face mask (Moouth and nose) and I suffered through trying to use it for 4-6 weeks. Worst experience in my life.

It is possible that a better mask would help- unfortunately your supplier might charge extra, with no real guarantees that you will be help. If you feel your problems sleeping are severe enough, that’s the only chance you have.

What I did was I went back to the doctor and told him I was not using the machine any longer, and demanded another treatment. If you can’t use the machine, you need to let the doctor know.

You need to talk to the homecare company that provides the equipment. They generally rent the machine and you are eligible for a new mask approx every 6 months.

sleep apnea cpap machine with face mask can’t breathe nose has deveated septum
been to ENT dr hence the diagnosis of the septum. sleep study confirmed OSA
(husband) throat closes and deveated septum can’t breathe with or without mask, what to do? sleep dr not helpful.

First off, you really need to see an ear,nose throat doctor. it could be the cause of your sleep apnea. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. A crooked septum can make breathing difficult. The condition also can lead to snoring and sleep apnea. The cpap is not going to help much.

i’ve had the machine for 3 to 4 months and at first it was fine. now at night water builds up or gets into the mask an drips into my nose when i roll over or runs across the top of my lip. it’s very disgusting and when it happens i rip the thing off in a half sleeping panic and it totally disturbs my sleep.

the machine is the kind that heats the hose with a copper wire and as usual, i put distilled water in the tank.

is it possible it’s just too dry in my house now that it’s winter (i’m in ontario, canada so it’s pretty darn cold out) and water is condensing inside the mask from my breathing? would putting a humidifier in the room help if that is the case?

has anyone had this happen? i need to make this stop since i’m not wearing the mask now most nights and i really need to (husband can’t sleep and i sleep 10 to 12 hours when i don’t use it).

thanks for any suggestions.
i have tried it with no water in it at all and that makes no difference.
i have also tried it with the moisture set to 0 (tank has been empty anyway) and the machine is at least 1 foot lower than the bed. probably a bit more.

There should be a humidfier setting on the machine going from 1-5 and it is probably set too high so lower the setting to 1,2, or 3. Also the machine needs to be lower than the bed. Set it on a step stool about 1 foot off the floor so any moisture in hose drains back to the machine. Also go to http://www.cpaptalk.com and you will learn anything and everything you ever need to know about cpap machines. The moisture issue you have going on is called "rainout". It is very important to have the machine lower than the bed so the moisture can drain back into the
machine instead of your mouth. My husband has sleep apnea and know just about all there is about it. He is always on this site.

the best alternative by far is weight loss. All of the studies show that for every 10% of body weight lost there is a 50% reduction in symptoms. However, there are also many dental devices on the market that can help to pull the soft palate forward. ENT surgeons can do surgeries that open your nose up or remove soft tissue from the back of your throat. Oral maxillofacial surgeons can also do various types of jaw surgery on you too. The 100% cure is when an ENT surgeon does a tracheostomy on you but most folks don’t want the hole in their neck. If you haven’t seen a surgeon or even a very thorough pulmonology provider then you need to have your anatomy assessed as the best alternative for your case. Good luck and God Bless.

Do to wearing the mask, you are probably sleeping so deeply and relaxed that you are not awaken by the fact that you have to pee. Try making sure to go to the bathroom before you go to sleep or setting an alarm clock to wake-up earlier to go to the bathroom.

we have been to the dr to be fitted for a mask 4 times now and no luck! she has a very small nose!dr said shes to young and surgery

Have you checked at www.respironics.com? I work in medical supplies and I know that is a vendor we get some cpap supplies from. I know they do have a line of pediatric masks and they may do custom orders as well. Good Luck!

Can you tell me what brand, modell number etc…..also about the mask…..or even the site I can find more information on it.

Thanks heaps!!

I didn’t have a choice about which machine to get. It was purchased (through insurance) at the Sleep Center. I tried several masks but the one that works best for me covers my nose and has 4 velcro straps – 2 for the top of my head, and 2 for the bottom. It works very well.

when i first got my cpap machine it was a blessing ….but here latley i will go to bed as normal mask on nice and comfie then i awake to find that my mask isnt on my face …so i put the mask on again just to awake that ive taking it off again ..im really at a loss i love my mask but im removing it without knowing plez help

I don’t know what kind of mask and headgear you are using. I use a Respironics headgear which consists of elastic velcro straps.

There is a chin strap available, which is intended for people who have trouble keeping their mouth closed (and thus having a hurricane of air escape through their mouths). Perhaps a chin strap would make removal enough more difficult that you wouldn’t remove it?

If the mask removal isn’t too frequent, it may not actually be a problem. Even a couple of apnea incidents per night doesn’t amount to a serious problem. If I were worried, I’d try adjusting the headgear to be tighter (or looser). I’d try adding another attachment point (such as a chin strip). I’d perhaps try a different mask and headgear completely.

Or, I’d wait a few days and see if the problem corrected itself. Perhaps you are digesting a conundrum and sleeping more lightly than usual.

You can also consult with your doctor, medical equipment supplier, or support group. They may have better answers.