British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Hi, I have been using cpap for over 5 years and I can't believe it I feel like a newbie. After an average of 7 hours of use per night I find myself waking up nearly every 2 hours and wide awake too!! About 4 am till 7am that's when I'm flat out and when I do wake up my nose is bunged up and my mouth dry. and I have a headache. I have a humidifier and find myself wrestling with what setting to put it on. No. 1 and the air is too cold and number 2 my throat is so dry.Never had this problem before. Also the mask, Fisher Paykall full face that I have been using for years the brand not the mask suits my well and now I find that if it isn't leaking I get a high pitch squeaking sound from it and sometimes the mask is ok. Also the hose has residue of water in it and sometimes the mask too. During the cold weather I have used a hose cover but have abandoned that now. I have done the usual making sure the straps aren't too tight or too loose. It's driving me to exhaustion as I seem to be loosing the battle, or my mind at the moment. The machine was my best friend, but now my enemy.Can't believe this is happening after all these years. I have an appointment at the sleep clinic tomorrow so hope they can sort me out. Any advice please would be appreciated.

Hi Nuneatonman, Thanks for your sound advice. That's what's good about this site people here understand what you are going through. I am pleased to say the sleep unit were good, checked the
machine, hot plate and came to the conclusion after reading the card,my mask was leaking quite a bit.When I had my annual review last September, they didn't have the Fisher Paykall 431 in stock so gave me what I wanted but it had been used on demonstration days so although it had been sterilized wasn't brand new. I am a fan of this mask after trying lots of different ones, although the valve connecting to the mask and tube is noisier than previous ones in the past. Fortunately I had a spare older valve and swapped it over. Had a good 5 1/2 hours sleep last night without waking up and was soon able to drift off again. Feel human again to-day. Yippee!!

Hi, I sent an email to F.Paykall asking why the difference and was it a new format. No reply just yet. I'm not sure it is a fault as the new mask I was given this week and also last year both had valves which hiss a bit,but still annoying. I didn't buy the mask as it came from the sleep clinic. I hope they respond to my question. If not I'll have to ask the S. Clinic.

Hi again,

You know when you say the valve hisses you are sure its not a vent hole ??? my quattro has vent holes on the elbow and on the top part of the mask.

Is it hissing where the it joins into the mask ???? because if its that and it comes off wrap some plumbers ptfe tape (99p) most d.i.y shops around the joint and push it back into the mask it will solve the problem for sure .

Regards,

Hi,

Yes it hisses at vent holes and it is the valve that goes into the bottom of the mask and is attached to the elbow joint. There are two little holes on either side of the valve which should close completely when air is passed through. This works ok with previous valves but although you can't see any difference to the valve the earlier ones do not hiss. Thank you for your advice but what you are saying doesn't apply here as the joining joints are fine. Wish it was the answer as if my old valve breaks I will be in a pickle!! I have kept a previous valve and swapped it over with no issue. I will contact the sleep clinic but I am away from home this week for 4 weeks. Thank you for taking the time which is much appreciated. Regards.

From F&P website -

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare warrants that Fisher & Paykel Healthcare masks (excluding foams and material diffusers), when used in accordance with the instructions for use, shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials and will perform in accordance with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s official published product specifications for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by the end user.

Don't really matter if you bought it or the sleep clinic should come under there warranty.

Pity it could'nt be glued but if its a safety valve not worth the risk.

When i had the 432 mask with jaw cup they told me to wear a chin strap to fix the leakage problem !!

Regards,

Hi,

Thank you for your views and sorry not to have replied earlier but have been in Malta. The day before leaving I contacted the sleep clinic and told them my tale of woe. They swapped the mask and all is well now. Obviously a faulty valve. Also changed my machine as that had been playing up too. It only takes a bleep to send us into disarray!!!

Hi JoJo! You seem to be in the process of working through your problem with the help of our trusty knight in shining armour NM37! I'm glad he's been able to suggest a few things!

Just wanted to say that although I'm in double figures as regards the number of years I've been using CPAP, I too returned to newbie status a year or so ago when my Sleep Tech tried me on a full face mask. (This didn't solve my problem and I'm now on an upgraded machine with my trusted nasal mask and much happier again.)

What I'm trying to say in a roundabout way is that it is VERY normal to have to start the learning curve again even if one has been on CPAP for several years, so don't feel bad about it. And feeling 'new' reminds us again what real newcomers feel so perhaps motivates us more to help.

Glad things are starting to get better, and do keep in touch!

JoJo ,

Great result new mask and a new machine thats how to do it girl ,

Regards,

NM37 Knight in shining armour !!!

Yet again thanks for your comments and views. We have to take control ourselves sometimes don't we?!! Kind regards to you all. Jo.Jo.