Originally Posted by Jan in VA
What a timely topic this was for me, a one week user of CPAP for the first time! Thank you for starting it.
I have the ResMed S9 Escape™ w/H5i™ Humidifier and I use the Swift FX For Her XS nasal pillow mask. In the Sleep Center I tried a couple different masks and wasn't really good with either. I received the Swift FX nasal pillow when I bought my machine in network locally and find it much more comfortable.
My machine rests on a bench right at bed height at the head of my bed where I can turn it off and on with a hand over my head.
Yes, I still have a some trouble with it....feel like I'm O2 deficient the first few minutes when putting it on; I think I need to adjust the pressure upward a tad, though the Tech said I was ordered for 9 (my chip will tell the Dr. that info in 3 more weeks); I feel like I have to keep adjusting the mask though I probably really don't have to make all these adjustments; I wake up when I feel like turning over and have to move/adjust the hose a few times which makes it harder to go back to sleep; sometimes the exhale and the air bother me; I don't yet really feel like it's doing what it's suppose to as I'm still sleepy when I get up, even after 8-9 hours.
But, interestingly, the Resp. Tech who sold and fitted the machine and mask for me, did tell me that since I've had this disorder for a long time (per Dr.), it probably would take my brain some time to catch up on the idea that help is on the way. She said I might not see the peppy, alert, well-rested affects for a few weeks as my brain learned something new.
Who knows, the idea seems to work to let me off the blame-myself-it-isn't-working treadmill.
Each night is better than the one before and I look forward to a peaceful, loving relationship with my CPAP any week now. Guess I should think of a name for her!
Jan in VA
Jan, stick with it. You'll adjust the mask until it's right for you, but still need to do a little adjusting each night when you first put it on. You can't hit the same spot every time. I have had several different masks and when a new one comes out, I try it. I started with the nasal pillows but didn't like them because my nostrils would get irritated. I don't want to try the one that covers the nose and the mouth, think I have a little claustrophobia. I have the mask that just covers the nose now. Please, please work with it until you are comfortable with it. My hose can rotate on my mask which helps with the moving in the night. I keep my machine on the night stand and don't have a problem with the hose. Humidity/heat setting can help with any condensation. All of this is worth your life. I like to tell the guys that they lose brain cells when they don't use it and they can't afford that. :-D