Sleep Apnoea masks

bdrcm

I am thinking about changing to a hybrid mask. Could anyone here share their experiences if they are using a hybrid mask or have one that doesnt leak.

Tropheus

It's really a matter of finding one that suits you. I think they will all leak a bit depending on the position you're lying. Can you check your machine stats to see how much the mask is leaking?

As they're made of silicone, they don't like alcohol based cleaning solutions as it will pretty quickly cause damage and will leak easily. Make sure you're using something like mild washing up liquid for cleaning. I also use alcohol free baby wipes to wipe the mask in the morning when I'm finished using it as I've read that oils from skin can also cause damage.

I have the Resperonics Wisp nasal mask and find it pretty good. I've been using CPAP for over a year now and learned the hard way when it comes to cleaning the mask. I knackered a mask in a couple of months by cleaning it with hand soap. Since then, I'm getting much longer from a mask.

bdrcm

Thanks Tropheus for the reply. I have so much to learn. I didnt know that I could check the machine stats. Ive just found out how to do that. I found that really helpful. I changed to the Phillips Arena and moved to smaller size. That has really helped the leaks. Ive changed the pressure so Im not waking up every half hour. Now just to solve the lip swelling.

Thanks for the info regarding cleaning the mask. I have been using dove soap because the provider told me to use whatever I wash my face with at night. I was looking at baby wipes but I was afraid to use them. I'll change over to them now.

I really thought this was as easy as plugging it in and off I go, except obviously adjusting to something on my face which I dont really mind. Im on the cpap for two weeks now and still not feeling any real benefits. Did it take you long to regain energy?

looksee

If you have been waking frequently you will not feel any better as that is much the same as the original problem. I think what happens is that when the pressure builds up to deal with the apnoea that is when you get a leak and the noise/irritation wakes you.

I tried about 6 or 7 masks I think, and ended up with one of the earlier ones. It does take a while to get used to them and you have to stick with it. I was told that if I had one for 4 hours a night it would be sufficient, but I find I really need more than that. Trouble is I go through phases of taking it off in the middle of the night and really have to concentrate on not removing it.

I was not given any very useful information about cleaning the mask, the baby wipes are a good idea. I find the water holder tray, which has a lot of odd corners, is very difficult to clean and gets quite murky. I have had the machine for about 18 months. I was not aware I could read the information - my machine records onto a small card/chip, if I put that in my computer should I be able to read it?

Tropheus

You can read it on your computer with this software - it's freeware.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead/