Originally Posted by
RFTraveler
What I mean is that, according to my doctor, my sleep issues are fairly moderate, and that the setting of 10 in H2O was fairly conservative. And, I've had friends much higher... However, since you posted I've done a bit of web searching and see that at least one website describes the average pressure for CPAP therapy as 10 cm, or around 4 inches. Guess it's time to chat with my doctor again. Weird thing is, although the CPAP does test as accurate, 10" feels really low to me...not like when I started therapy, when 10 felt like it was popping my ears etc when it came on. As mentioned above, I've actually had it in to confirm the setting.
I use a full face mask, as I tend to have a lot of sinus issues. I might be able to use a nasal mask now, but when I started, I was having a lot of problems with open-mouth...
RFT
You can always try a chin strap with a nasal mask, or some people even use Poligrip tape to tape their lips together.
Opening your mouth when using a CPAP is the worst type of cotton mouth you can have. LOL!
I love my little Resmed machine. Even though my pressure is pretty high I don't have any problems exhaling against it, it's got the EPR feather that lowers the pressure automatically when you're exhaling so you're not trying to fight a tornado when you're breathing out. I only used the ramp feature for a couple of nights, now I just start out at full throttle and fall asleep within minutes.
I have tried a variety of masks and the one I love the best is the Ultra Mirage II. I have an Activa and really love it, except that it kills the bridge of my nose and I can only stand to wear it a couple of nights before my nose is almost blistered. I want to try one of the gel masks, those look pretty comfy.
There are several sleep forums on line, but the best one I've found so far is on
www.cpap.com They sell everything from machines to masks to accessories and have a great forum where you can get answers about anything related to OSA and equipment.