Apnea Mask Hacks

[YouTransistor99]

I like the Res-Med Quattro mask but it seems I am always having to re-adjust it, otherwise it starts leaking and I don't sleep well.

I got a new rubber pressure plate and the blue ring that holds it in place and that cured the problem for a while but the new one is now doing the same thing. Anyone have any ideas what gives?

[debthebeader]

To know I'm not alone and people are not to embarrassed to talk about it. I was on chemo lost a lot of weight...then got a Thyroid problem and gained it back. Wahhh. I hope I don't sound to whiney. But the S.A. is back and causing lots of health p. Super headaches and blah blah blah.. I don't have a CPAP now. The one I was buying they took because I could not afford it. Bad people.lol. Thanks for sharing. You raise my spirits.

[kchurch79]

I have the snuggie too. When I first got my CPAP, my cats were quite interested in the hose and would chew on it. The snuggie kept them disinterested in it. I also find that the snuggie helps cut down on the odd tube sound when it moves.

[tushygalore]

@kchurch79 , it's a handy thing for sure!

[AnotherWhiteDevil]

I own the Typical broke after 2 months model that costs $200 to replace...So now I own the Afganistan model (the one that requires low tech re-enginering with duct tape) to get me a good night of somewhat sleep. Oh, and camping is out of the question, so is Surviving a post nuclear war, Impressing women, watching tv before sleep, Sneezing without loosing an eye. On a lighter side, It works great for a quick elephant haloween costume piece...

[charles43110]

I use CPAP - My friend has an MDA illness - uses BiPAP. She could not use mask and head gear, I got her a much smaller device to cover her nose & mouth. At the fabric store I got light weight stretchy stuff only 1/4" wide. Experimented designing her new head straps. Took a little experimentation. But, we came up with a simple system that works great. Now it takes just 20 mins to cut new pieces and hand sew another one. We do this about 3 times a year. Used to hate her machine, FIXED IT

[trishylala]

oops... lol i see you have the quattro!! have you tried to fisher and paykel forma? or the respironics comfortgel? or the mirage ultra? or did they let you try more than one?

[tushygalore]

They've said that I could try other kinds but I haven't known what to ask for.

I've been reading about a new device that goes in the mouth instead of on the face and works no matter if your a mouth or nose breather. It's available in the UK now... here's hoping they see fit to let us have it too!

[MojaveMomma]

@tushygalore I had major leaks, and now use the fisher and paykel now - no leaks and much more comfortable.

[trishylala]

you know i am a respiratory therapist, and i work for a sleep med company. CPAP IS MY JOB!!! you know they have several types of masks... the resmed quattro is a good full face mask. message me if i can help you out some :) its totally my job

[tushygalore]

I had NO IDEA that's what you do for a living! :D

[fanuvgod1]

What pressure are you on? What size mask do you have?

[tushygalore]

I think my pressure is at 10 and the mask is a small.

[fanuvgod1]

You shouldn't have to do all that to the Quattro (name of your mask). It's made to seal really well with having to tighten in to tight, especially with your pressure that low. Ever try an extra small?

[tushygalore]

I didn't know there was an x-small, I'll talk to my provider about it.

I often feel the mask is too large so that might be a solution! They told me that my nose and neck are abnormally short for an adult woman so that short nose may be contributing to it now sealing well.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Cygnusia]

Thanks! The pillow does seem a little "over-full" but I can easily remedy that with a little cushion-gutting!

[tushygalore]

I wouldn't want to start tearing up memory foam, it might be weird and lumpy forever. I've learned to just squish it down and tuck it in where ever I need it to be and it stays really well. :)

[Cygnusia]

I also found the horseshoe pillow at Walmart, but I found it in the travel section for 9 bucks... didn't have to deal with gutting it either! I'm only on my second day of CPAP, so I'm having a lot of difficulty getting comfortable at night.

[tushygalore]

I found one in the travel section of our Wal-Mart too but it wasn't as soft ans squishy and lovely at the one I have now.

I hope the pillow helps with your comfort level!

It's probably going to be rough going until you get used to it but don't give up!

GOOD LUCK!

[ICELANDIC1]

Okay...I have heard..."Shush, Wush, and Tush" all in one vid. Your linguistic ability rivals none..... :-)

Subbed!

[chipmunks26]

Hey there. I have a Sleep Apena Machine and in the middle of the night I take it off and don't remember doing it all. What can I do??? I feel like I am lacking oxgyen when I wear it.

[fanuvgod1]

there's nothing you can reall "do" about it. If you're doing it in your sleep it's just something you have to hope you stop doing.

[DeathDealer48]

wow you are a trooper for wearing that beast. i would cry lol

[tushygalore]

I've grown to LOVE it! Once I put it on I can get totally comfortable and I go right to sleep. It's a whole other world of sleeping for me and once I'm asleep I barely know I have it on. :)

[charlambe]

what in the world happen to my comment? lol.. I know I left one and now I forgot what I said. lol Oh well thanks for the info. Wow that eye mask would work great too with keeping the air out of your eyes. Plus the pillow. Such great ideas. Thank you for making the video.

Oh my name on here is Char and then Lambe which is just Lamb like the animal. Oh yeah I can now sleep on my back to and haven't done that in years.

[tushygalore]

"Lamb"... got it!

I hope my tips help ya out. Soon I'm going to be trying my hand at making some sleeping masks that are 100% air-proof, when I do I'll send ya one to test for me. :D

[fehquig]

LOL With the masks on you look like a big mosquito... I just thought it was funny.

[tushygalore]

Now come on... you KNOW I look SEXY in that plastic mask! LOL

[fehquig]

How could you NOT look sexy, especially with a kitty on your T-shirt? LOL

[divagirlrn]

Great video! I'm going to try some of your tips because I've all but given up on my CPAP, but my doctor wanted me to go back to my Resp. Therapist to try out more masks. I'm going to try your tips before I do that thought. Thanks so much for making this video.

[tushygalore]

Just keep in mind that every time you wear it you'll become a little more used to it and soon you'll be able to cope with wearing it all night. It'll make a HUGE change in how you feel... it's so worth the hassle!

Hang in there!

[RiverBirch1967]

Btw, dentist recommends Biotene spray (from Target or Walmart) for dry mouth at night. I have to spritz myself because I sleep with my mouth open.

[tushygalore]

That's a great tip and I'm going to buy some a.s.a.p. and give it a try! I'm so tired of the dried out mouth and the stinky breath all day from it.

THANKS!

[RiverBirch1967]

Getting ready for bed with you must be a marathon timewise, and esp you have to get up after sex and put all that stuff on.

[tushygalore]

I'm so used to gearing up that it only takes me a few seconds. More than a few nights it's umm... had to be taken off for a while then put back on later. No biggie. ;)

[RiverBirch1967]

I wanna see you sell those eye masks in your store with snarky cute sayings! I use them alot.

[tushygalore]

I've actually been mulling over a few ideas for designs and it's just been a matter of getting the fabric and some other supplies I need and putting in the work on them. Hopefully I'll be able to after Falcon gets back to work.

[RiverBirch1967]

Kitty Toy! Kitties love that at night, right?

[Jinxie228]

I have to have sound and I can sleep with the light on, sadly. lol I am going for a sleep study in a couple weeks... Thanks for the video.. I've away for a while catching a few vids once in a while.

[tushygalore]

What I usually do is to put in earbuds and listen to my Zune while I fall asleep... I like sound when I sleep too. :)

[Jinxie228]

Oooh I will have to try that if I end up with a one of those dang things. lol

[RichochetTV]

I have been on my CPAP for about 7 years now I get them marks on my head also.

[tushygalore]

I don't even care anymore... it's a pretty good trade-off if you ask me. ;)

Today Falcon drew a finger across one of them and said "Wah happen? GANG FIGHT?!"

The brat!

[rayzorbiscuits]

Hey Tushy, thanks for the tips! I am on my 2nd week with my CPAP. I am using the "nose pillow" mask right now and I think a pillow like yours would help me from ramming my mask up my nose. Could you tell me where to get one? I don't get out and shop much, so I am not sure where to start. I would greatly appreciate it!

[tushygalore]

Congrats on getting your machine! I'm anxious to hear how you progress with it!

I got the pillow at Wal-Mart in the pharmacy area near the haircare products. Only $10!

[gothlover4u]

You can be a Top Gun Flyer now lol.

also makes me want to think if Luke I am your father lol

[tushygalore]

Oh yes.... living/sleeping with Falcon I think I've heard it all by now. Ha!

[wonderwoman27229]

LOL...you and Falcon are a trip !

[tushygalore]

Thank you ma;am! ;)