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Re: New and frustrated

Posted by GreatWhite on March 31, 2006 at 23:28:14:

In Reply to: New and frustrated posted by missdroopythang on March 31, 2006 at 17:44:52:

18cm is quite a bit of pressure (I'm an 11cm) and will be tough to get a good seal. The same masks come in several sizes - depending on the shape of your nose. There is also the entire "Nasal Pillow" array to look at, as well.
I was lucky enough to have a great doctor, that wrote a great specific prescription - and I received a nice Respironics Profile Lite (despite having Apria as a supplier) - but it still took me almost 2 weeks to get the straps adjusted right!
The Humidifier setting of 5 seems high to me - unless you live in a desert - I experimented with these settings as well - I was worried about dry throat & those nose bleed warnings. I started with the 3 setting. I was getting only an 1 hour or so of "mask time". Finally when I used a humidity setting of 1, I got my first 4 hour "compliance night" - the neccessity of a humidifier at all, is a hotly discussed topic in this forum...
I'm also surprised that someone jumped so quickly to the full face mask, without suggesting the simple and inexpensive "chin strap" - and these are only required when your mouth opens during treatment. As a lifelong "mouth breather", I thought it would be impossible for me to adapt to a simple nasal mask, but after about three nights my body learned to adapt - and now I easily keep my mouth shut.
I wish I could give you a simple fix, like "flip this switch" and everything will be better - but it might take 3 to 4 weeks to adapt.
BUT you are on the right path, and if you stick with it - it will get better, it can't really get worse, can it?
Finally, I pass along the best advice - which I received right here in this forum (sorry, I can't remember who said it) - Your body wants to be better, it seeks the rest it needs - Trust your body to adapt to the new, better enviroment that your CPAP provides - and you'll be amazed when the "fog lifts"...
DON'T GIVE UP - find a new doctor - find a new supplier - whatever it takes - and REMEMBER: WE'RE HERE FOR YOU - and we have all been down the road your on, we know the way, and we brought a flashlight...

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