Well, my first post to this board was on Oct 3rd. ("Can't Exhale...") The advice I got worked, so I am going to try for 2 for 2.

Now I am able to fall asleep with the mask, and the air flow at the regular setting (9 - no more training wheels at 4 needed!) And I did get the chin strap and passive humidifier. So while I feel like "Silence of the Lambs", I do fall asleep with the first 5-10 minutes.

Now the problem ... I wake up every 90-120 minutes. I think it is because I roll over and the mask slips slightly. I wake up with air leaking out the mask, and I am on my side. (My preferred way to sleep, although I start out on my back now).

After two of these 90-120 minute sessions - or 3-4 hours - I take it off and then get what feels like a restful remainder night of sleep.

I have tried tightening the mask, and I have tried tipping my head back on the pillow. I have tried scrunching up my pillow.

Is this normal? If not, any other ideas?

I've found that tightening the mask doesn't help. Most air-cushion seals (with two layers of silicone and the air fills up between them) need the straps to be on the loose side. Try loosening the straps just a little and see if it helps. You might have to adjust them more than once.

When I turn over in bed, I've found that a very slight movement of my head generally re-establishes the seal well. Try moving your chin just a bit. I'd be really irritated if I had to re-scrunch my pillow everytime I turned; perhaps a memory foam or CPAP-type pillow would help.

If your mask is on the heavy side (to a certaine extent, all are "heavy"), try positioning the hose so it doesn't pull downward. Perhaps attaching the hose to the strap atop your head might work. Or try putting a hook on the wall above your headboard, and attach the hose to it (I haven't done that, so I can't really give instructions for it).

Finally, perhaps you don't have a good fit on your mask. Having the right mask for you is crucial. That can take luck, good guidance, and persistence.

Hang in there! Getting used to CPAP can be a chore. Good luck!

You may just have the wrong mask for you. I think that the mask needed depends on your face and how you sleep.

A memory foam pillow may work for some people. Me personally, I find it too firm. I like using it under a very soft down pillow, which relieves the pressure of the mask against my face. But of course with down you have to re-scrunch sometimes. I've just known some people who find memory foam pillows too firm, depends on the person.

I too wake up a few times a night due to leakage. at this point, if I can get back to sleep easily, I consider that a restful night's sleep. If you're able to get back to sleep easily, don't keep taking off the mask. You really need the CPAP, the risks of not using it aren't worth it, especially if it's not affecting the overall amount of your sleep.

Hi Wannabe! Was reading your post, and as you have same problems as me, wondered if you had discovered anything to help with rolling over and leaking???
Thans!!!
sleeps with whippets

I wipe me mask with a baby wipe about 15 minutes before I go to sleep. I find that this tends to keep the seal good and fresh even in the event of changing sleep positions.