CPAP Diaries: Day 2

[mapsedge]

But first: Day 1.

There was no miraculous cure, no glorious night of restful sleep, but there is hope. The amount of condensation in the tubing was disconcerting though, especially when it built up enough to be noticeable as a cold, trickling sensation by my left ear. I think I had the humidifier turned up too high, but when I turned it down there was already condensation in the tubing so it was too late.

I removed the mask and shut off the unit about 2:00a.m¹.

Now, Day 2.

Another rough start. To avoid the condensation, I turned the humidifier off. I woke up with a very painful burning in my sinuses and nasal cavities - I don't remember what time. I do remember waking up this morning without the mask.

I guess I should clarify this whole mask thing. What I wear isn't really a mask per sé: it's more like a scuba regular that fits under my nose, leaving my mouth uncovered. I was warned that my nose and sinuses would get sore since those structures are getting all of the incoming pressure, but I haven't found that to be the case. What is annoying is the scritchiness of it against any tiny bits of stubble my razor missed, and there are plenty of those.

I thought I would mind the hose or the straps over the head and face. I don't.

I will probably switch to a mask that covers my mouth as well, just so I can stop worrying about my mouth dropping open and my cheeks flapping like a basset hound with his head out a car window.


¹ All times are approximate. I was asleep after all.

Comments

[akaashben.livejournal.com]

Having my mouth drop open was an issue for me, as well. Cheaper than a new mask (especially one that covers both nose and mouth) is a chinstrap - basically a strap of neoprene or elastic with some velcro that wraps around your head and under your chin to provide just enough pressure to keep your mouth closed when you're asleep. You might be able to make one yourself, knowing your skills.

I got a chinstrap within the first week of getting my CPAP.

Also, a good resource for all things CPAP-related is CPAP.com. They offer reviews and (often) cheaper prices than your insurance-approved vendor. The do not, however bill through insurance, so you would have to either pay-out-of-pocket or submit the reimbursement paperwork to your insurance company yourself.

[billthetailor.livejournal.com]

The RT was hesitant to let me have the just-the-nose version, but her concerns were about sinus pain. Thankfully, Apria offers a 30 day exchange on masks, so getting a new one is as simple as a visit to their offices.

[jehosefatz.livejournal.com]

Observations from my experience, for what they're worth:
The full face (including mouth) mask is more convenient, especially if you have nasal allergies (which I do.) With nose-masks (covers the nose) or nasal masks (pipes directly into the nose like a large ... whatever that oxygen tube thingy is called) I have to take antihistimines about every other night to be clear enough for them to be effective. I trained myself to keep my mouth shut with the nose-mask. The full face mask has a tendency to dry out my throat and make it sore. Frankly, I don't think that the nose+mouth cover is as effective in keeping the airway open than just the nose/nasal, although that may just be my throat construction.

I currently use a nasal direct mask - lighter and more maneuverable - except the last week or so when I had a bad headcold so I switched to the full face for a bit.

Humidifiers - heated or not - are a big help in winter when everything wants to dry out and get sore. I wish I had more control over temperature.

- J

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

...mouth dropping open and my cheeks flapping like a basset hound with his head out a car window...

*gigglesnort* I hope you don't mind that I laughed 'til I cried when I read that part.

[billthetailor.livejournal.com]

There are reasons I write the way I do :)