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+--- Thread: MuddyDog Therapy (/Thread-MuddyDog-Therapy)
MuddyDog Therapy - MuddyDog - 09-03-2021
I've just been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea at and average of 93 events per hour. My oxygen dropped to 54% during the sleep test so they started me on a cpap half way through the test. My oxygen went back up to 91% after that. I have been given a Resmed machine and decided on a full face mask since I am a mouth breather. I'm having an awful time trying to get the mask to stop leaking air out the sides. Does anyone have any tips for me? I have a beard.
I will attach some reports for any advice.
RE: MuddyDog Therapy - Gideon - 09-03-2021
Wellcome to the forum.
You are tucking your chin (most likely). Note clusters of obstructive events in all 3 of your days, that is the tell. You might be able to resolve this with pillow modifications, think flar/thinner, less firm, one vs two pillows etc. If that doesn't work then a cervical collar (see the link in my signature.)
RE: MuddyDog Therapy - srlevine1 - 09-03-2021
I, too, have a beard. I tried and tried to use a full facemask but couldn't control the leak rate.
I tried Gideon's suggestions of a flatter pillow and a thin cervical collar (short neck) and found that moving side-to-side (restless sleeper) and tilting my chin down introduced unacceptable leaks.
I switched to a nasal mask (ResMed Mirage Activa LT with the knob adjustment) and achieved acceptable results. My trade-off mask is a Phillips Dreamwear which works great when the beard grows a little too bushy.
Best of luck on the mask derby.
RE: MuddyDog Therapy - Sleeprider - 09-03-2021
Gideon himself has a large beard and ended up with the Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillows. I'm surprised he missed your comment about the leaks with a beard. I always enjoy his experience in that area.