Sadiemae

I do use a full face mask and I always have those marks on my face. Which sometimes takes quite awhile to disappear. I really need something like this, could you explain a little more how you made them? Pleaaaase!

lots2do

Thank you - I will make some too.

Bobbinchick

I just measured the straps on my mask with a piece of the fabric and then put a mark where my finger was and then measured how wide and how long it should be. Then I cut 2 pieces of fleece 3 1/2"W x 7"L and then sewed them up on the long edge,1/4" seam allowance. Back stitch at the beginning and at the end of the stitching and then use a pair of hemostadts and then turn them right side out and then you unfasten the mask from the straps, depending on the style of he mask and slide them on. If you prefer, you can cut them a little bit wider and add velcro to the long edge and then wrap it around the straps with out having to unfasten them from the mask. They do feel good against the skin and are washable. when I get back from Seattle, I do plan to make a couple of sets of them. I can't get over how many diffrent styles of masks there are and what we have to do to make things more comfortable. Enjoy, Huggies, Fay

Sadiemae

Fay,
Thank you so much. I am definitely going to make some for my mask. The material they use is definitely not the most comfortable, and sometimes if it turns just the wrong way my long hair gets caught in the velcro. Ouch!!!

CajunQuilter2

I used to use a c-pap now I have a mouth appliance which I can tolerate much better.

Quiltgranny

Hi Fay,

I use this exact same mask, too!! It is by far the BEST one I've ever had, and I've used several. Anyway, I'm still using the velcro wraps that came with mine, but after nearly 6 months of use (I do hand wash them frequently), they're beginning to feel a bit scratchy. I can see how using fleece would make our masks even more comfortable.

Bless your heart for posting this great idea, too. As another poster mentioned, I imagine that there are many of us CPAP users out there, but we rarely say anything about it. If anyone out there has been told they have sleep apnea but are dubious about using a CPAP - my advice to you is JUST DO IT! I could not believe how much better I sleep and feel after using one now for almost two years.

I am quite claustrophobic, and couldn't imagine being able to use a mask, but I was fortunate that my doc recommended a
"CPAP desensitization" clinic for me. All it really amounted to was wearing my new mask (mask only, not using the machine) for only 15 minutes a day (while awake) for a week, then twice a day for 15 minutes each for another week before I was to start using my CPAP at night. This made a HUGE difference in my ability to use a mask. It helped me to wear it while I was watching TV or something like that where I was a bit distracted and not really thinking about it.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you do not begin CPAP therapy, you leave yourself wide open for a stroke or even death. This is serious business. We quit breathing many times a night when we have untreated sleep apnea. Oxygen then cannot be carried to our vital organs as needed. And, we do not get the amount of sleep nor quality of sleep we need. I was so "sleep deprived" when my apnea was diagnosed, that my doctor advised me to NOT drive, operate machinery or make any important decisions for at least two months until I could get caught up on my sleep. We need our CPAP masks to force our airway open during the night so it will not collapse and cause us to stop breathing.

Sleep apnea has been found to run in families too, so if you or someone in your family has it then it's possible another family member has it or may develop it as well. My son was actually diagnosed with it a couple of years before I was. And, out of all the possible symptoms to watch for, the only one I had was snoring. I didn't take naps during the day or fall asleep during other activities, etc. Sleep apnea can really sneak up on a person.

I hope my taking the time to share this helps someone else out there.

Quiltgranny

I do, I just left a lengthy reply concerning CPAP.

Sadiemae

I agree! I have people tell me they don't use their machines for a huge variety of reasons. I have used mine every single night since I first received it. One night the power went out and I had the worst migraine when I woke up. The doctor said it was because my body has now become accustomed to having oxygon when I sleep. No more oxygon deprivation. I suppose it was easier for me to just force myself because my husband would desat and I knew what it looked like. If that doesn't scare you nothing will.

heather1949

I used one in hospital for week , they were testing me I hated it. I feel for all of you that have to use them, but hey you need them, so God Bless you all.

Norene B

I make straps for the cannula that they use for oxygen. My husband was getting sore ears and when I put one on his, the ears healed.