Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

Hi @lolaemma, I don't use a BiPAP but I have similar breathing problems with one or both nostrils due to a deviated septum. I frequently use a nasal wash before I go to bed but it doesn't always clear my nasal passages. I've also resorted to putting some CPAP non petroleum based skin moisturizer inside both of my nostrils and found it helps keep them open. I think it's because it has some Aloe Vera and sort of acts like Vicks (that stinky stuff) my mother used to rub on the chest when I had a cold. I've thought about getting a septoplasty but at 77 I'm just not sure I want to go through the pain.

Hi John sorry to hear about your issue. Have you recently contacted an ENT to discuss the possibility that what you fear is no longer as complicated as it once was. Many previously painful long recovery surgeries have become in and out " nips".

@lolaemma, I kind of put it on the back burner since I just had cataract surgery for both of my eyes but I may contact my primary care on the patient portal to see what my options are, etc...

@johnnbishop, thanks for the posts. And I am sorry for your issues....I have a deviated septum also, and have not had much luck wearing a CPAP.....ALBEIT for 1 night...it was very annoying and I had to finally return it...perhaps they make a smaller version....I was kindly directed to this link by a mentor from another discussion group....Teresa....she was kind enough to direct me here....thanks...

Hi @robbie1956, Finding the best mask for yourself is probably the biggest challenge each of us with sleep apnea faces. I've tried at least 6 different masks in the first year and now have settled on a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask because I mostly breath through my mouth. It's best if you are able to work with a sleep medicine therapist if possible. I got my first one at the Mayo Clinic Sleep Medicine Store and then found a medical supply company closer with easier access that I liked so I was able to work with them to find something that fit my face the best and worked with the least difficulty. Even that was a struggle for the first few months. There is another discussion that you might want to check out as I think there has been discussions on different masks.

Cpap and sleep: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cpap-and-sleep/

Did you have an overnight sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea? Normally when you have the test they try several styles of masks to see which one works better for you. I think they woke me up twice to change the style of CPAP mask and then told me at my follow up with the sleep medicine doctor that they thought a full face mask was the best.

I have used a cpap machine 10years. I have had mask problems like everyone. My main problem was that I am allergic to silicone mask. I discovered the Resmed Airtouch F20 full mask a few years ago. The F20 has foam seal, therefore the silicone doesn't touch my skin. However, during the last 3 months, the bridge of my nose is highly sensitive due to the use of the mask. Apparently, I have moved during sleep and the silicone area of the mask touched my nose. Another thing that happened last month, I received a mask that leaked excessively. I adjusted the strap and the mask made an indentation on the bridge of my nose. I visited a Technitian at my pulmonary doctor and she tested the mask and decided that the mask was defective. Today, I am going back to my pulmonary doctor's office to try to obtain a different mask that don't cover my face because my nose has not heal. But, as I mentioned I am allergic to silicone. Does any one is allergic to silicone and use silicone mask? I remember reading a post of someone that has similar problems with silicone. That person used some type of cream to help with silicone touching the skin. I'll appreciate any information about this issue.

Nothing will happen there will just be a pause in your useage. Have you gone back to where you purchased the machine to see if they can try a different mask or help adjust something?

@moesilverio, I tried the Airtouch F20 to replace an AirFit F20 but eventually switched back to the AirFit F20 because the sleep medicine technician told m the foam seal on the Airtouch breaks down easily and only lasts for about 1 month. I don't have a silicone allergy but I do get the CPAP nose which bothered me a lot. I discussed it with my Mayo Sleep medicine tech on my annual follow up appointment and she told me about a CPAP Comfort Cover and gave me their website. I ordered a couple of them and have been using them for the past couple of years. They come 2 to a pack and I wash them in a small laundry bag which makes it easy for cleaning. They make them for a variety of different masks - here's one for the AirFit and AirTouch F20 if you want to see what they look like - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/fits-airfit-and-airtouch-f20-full-face-mask/

For a CPAP skin/nose moisturizer I really like the Roezit brand with the Aloe Vera and Emu oil base. I first found it at my local medical supply store but they don't always have it. The sleep therapist told me the brand really doesn't matter as long as it doesn't contain petroleum based oils. Here's the product details - https://cornermedical.com/product/roezit-dermal-care/ I'm sure any similar cream or moisturizer will work for you.

As explained on my post, the problem is not the machine. The problem is that I am allergic to silicone. All masks are manufactured with silicone. The only mask that has foam seal is the Resmed Airtouch F20. but some how the silicone touched the bridge of my nose and produce an indentation on the skin. What I need is a nose pillow type of mask. But since these type is also made o silicone, I am looking for a cream or lotion that could prevent the silicone damage on my nose.

@johnbishop, Thanks for the valuable information. My therapist ordered some pads and liners for the mask. I found some other liners similar to the one you sent me. I'll try it and let you know the results.