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Can't sleep

Posted by danavs @danavs, Feb 10, 2017

It's 4 am and I was only able to sleep about an hour sitting in a chair. I'll have to do the same till my skinned/bruised forehead heals. I'm 79 and need lots of sleep. I quit breathing an average of 36 times an hour and can't wear my cpap mask because the strap goes over my forehead that is hurt. I fell again this afternoon and my head hit a cabinet and the pain is horrible. The firemen who came to pick me up said not to put anything on the wounded forehead, that it needed air. The pain was horrible and I stood it as long as I could, then patted some prescription Lidocaine on it. My skin is so delicate and I also have a skin disease. I have a number of bruises, but the forehead is the worse and trying to wear the cpap mask would be unbearable, would rub against the wound, and I wouldn't be able to sleep. In past I've tried to sleep w/o mask for other reasons, but I would soon awaken gasping for breathe with nose stopped up and sore throat from breathing through mouth. So I try to sleep sitting up in a chair. I do thank God I didn't hurt my back this time and I did not have to go to the hospital.

I know most of you are in much worse shape and I'm not complaining. I just needed to share with someone. My TV went out and I finished reading my devotional on internet, so I needed someone to talk to. Thank you all and God bless.

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thm946 | @thm946 | Feb 12, 2017

I have 70% lung function. Cpap setting of 11 made it difficult to exhale against the high pressure. Bipap lowered the exhale pressure allowing me to breathe freely. I feel very comfortable using the bipap when ever I'm in bed, even for short naps. Mark
Additional info. I use aResMed Mirage Quattro full face mask & after 4 to 5 months of use the face cushion loses its rigidity causing air leaks needing to be replaced. At that point cleaning does not help

REPLY
hosta, Eve | @hosta | Feb 12, 2017
In reply to @thm946 "Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I..." + (show)
@thm946

Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I solved air leaks by cleaning cushion that contacts face with wipes every 2 or 3 nights. It removes oily residue from my skin for better contact to my face. Every so often I check the elastic head straps as they stretch a small amount, tighting them a little bit helps maintain a better seal. Hope this helps you. Mark

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Thanks for the tip, Mark. What kind of wipes do you use?

REPLY
thm946 | @thm946 | Feb 12, 2017
In reply to @thm946 "Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I..." + (show)
@thm946

Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I solved air leaks by cleaning cushion that contacts face with wipes every 2 or 3 nights. It removes oily residue from my skin for better contact to my face. Every so often I check the elastic head straps as they stretch a small amount, tighting them a little bit helps maintain a better seal. Hope this helps you. Mark

Jump to this post

I have a large budget container of disinfecting wipes. Whatever that's enomical where I shop. Mark

REPLY
hosta, Eve | @hosta | Feb 12, 2017
In reply to @thm946 "Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I..." + (show)
@thm946

Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I solved air leaks by cleaning cushion that contacts face with wipes every 2 or 3 nights. It removes oily residue from my skin for better contact to my face. Every so often I check the elastic head straps as they stretch a small amount, tighting them a little bit helps maintain a better seal. Hope this helps you. Mark

Jump to this post

Thanks again, Mark

REPLY
danavs | @danavs | Feb 12, 2017
In reply to @thm946 "Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I..." + (show)
@thm946

Eve I'm a mouth breather also. Used bipap & full face mask over 10 years. I solved air leaks by cleaning cushion that contacts face with wipes every 2 or 3 nights. It removes oily residue from my skin for better contact to my face. Every so often I check the elastic head straps as they stretch a small amount, tighting them a little bit helps maintain a better seal. Hope this helps you. Mark

Jump to this post

Hello again, @hosta. Disinfectant wipes are not recommended for masks. I use Professional CPAP Mask Wipes 100% pure cotton. It's a safe & effective natural cleansing formula, unscented wet wipes. Mask cushions should be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

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