I had a realization, need mask advice please.

Hello everyone,

I came to a realization while I was trying to nap yesterday. I am still having severe neck pain (which is causing headaches). I made a post about it a while ago if you recall.

Anyway, I realized that it is the way I sleep. I am a side sleeper and I sleep with my shoulder crunched up on the opposite side that I sleep on. I assume that this is nothing new since I can't find another position that is comfortable or a way to keep my shoulder down without my arm falling asleep.

I've never woken up with neck pain until I started using my mask with headgear. It must be the straps are irritating my muscles in my neck. I've tried tightening it and loosening it, I still always wake up with neck pain. If I sleep without the mask, I'm fine. I can't sleep on my back because then my mouth hangs open and that makes my therapy ineffective.

Can anybody give me some suggestions on masks that don't require the headgear around the neck area? (My current mask info. is below.) I'm fine with the strap around the top of my head but the strap around my neck is obviously causing some issues. I would appreciate any ideas you can give me as my DME appt. is Wednesday. (I have to fight them for a better machine too ugh.)

(Edit: Yes, I have called my DME to explain all this neck pain I'm having. All they said was "That mask shouldn't hurt your neck" and they couldn't give me any advice. My doctor even told me the same thing. Hence, my frustration.)

Thanks in advance!

krazykchan -
top pic = your mask
bottom pic = resmed mirage swift li for her

sorry to read about your neck pain -
when I compared these two masks,
I could see that your mask's straps sits very low in the neck -
I'm positive this is your problem. Wonder what the
other hoseheads will say. Personally, I think it's
better to get a mask with straps higher up.

krazykchan,

I also developed a simular problem with my right shoulder as I slept on my left side and also woke up with a stiff neck each morning. I used to take a couple of Advil before going to bed and this eased my pain a lot. I did find that when I changed from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask I no longer needed the Advil. It might have something to do with the straps pinching a nerve while I slept but now I am having the best sleep in 20 years.

Marietjie wrote:


krazykchan -
top pic = your mask
bottom pic = resmed mirage swift li for her

sorry to read about your neck pain -
when I compared these two masks,
I could see that your mask's straps sits very low in the neck -
I'm positive this is your problem. Wonder what the
other hoseheads will say. Personally, I think it's
better to get a mask with straps higher up.

Great idea! Why didn't I think of that? I'm just not so sure about sticking things up my nose. My nose is very small.

Sleepy Taz wrote:krazykchan,

I also developed a simular problem with my right shoulder as I slept on my left side and also woke up with a stiff neck each morning. I used to take a couple of Advil before going to bed and this eased my pain a lot. I did find that when I changed from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask I no longer needed the Advil. It might have something to do with the straps pinching a nerve while I slept but now I am having the best sleep in 20 years.

That is good to hear! I am, once again, hopeful. Like I said above, I'm not so sure about sticking things up my nose. Are nasal pillow masks comfortable?

krazykchan wrote:I'm not so sure about sticking things up my nose. Are nasal pillow masks comfortable?

I have DJD in my cervical spine. I have a 4 1/2 inch titanium plate in my neck. I had headaches from my neck long before sleep apnea reared its ugly head.
I understand about the bottom strap of any mask. For me it creates just enough tension to put a little extra "tuck" on the cervical spine which causes pain and headaches. It was for this reason that I opted for the Swift LT for her nasal pillow system. To me, a whole lot less uncomfortable than the bottom strap is. There are also the nasal cushions which are sort of like the pillows but they don't have that little piece that goes into the nostril. I haven't tried those yet but I want to.

Pugsy wrote:

krazykchan wrote:I'm not so sure about sticking things up my nose. Are nasal pillow masks comfortable?

I have DJD in my cervical spine. I have a 4 1/2 inch titanium plate in my neck. I had headaches from my neck long before sleep apnea reared its ugly head.
I understand about the bottom strap of any mask. For me it creates just enough tension to put a little extra "tuck" on the cervical spine which causes pain and headaches. It was for this reason that I opted for the Swift LT for her nasal pillow system. To me, a whole lot less uncomfortable than the bottom strap is. There are also the nasal cushions which are sort of like the pillows but they don't have that little piece that goes into the nostril. I haven't tried those yet but I want to.

Thanks for your reply. I will ask to try the Swift LT at my next appt. I am past the 30 day mark so if I have to pay for it out of pocket than so be it. I don't want to keep living with this and then have bigger problems later on.

krazykchan wrote:I will ask to try the Swift LT at my next appt

Krazy....If you buy nasal pillows, get yourself a
tube of Lansinoh cream (at the baby department)
(nipple cream). Put a tiny bit inside (front) your
nose - it is sticky and you get a better seal
- will prevent leaks. AND if you are a mouth breather,
you will have to tape your mouth.
I covered the straps with padded material.
Much less marks (hardly any) on face.
I don't think I will ever be interested in any
other masks besides nasal pillows.
(with heated humidifier, of course)
GoodDay !

You might try adjusting the strap by shorting the back strap with a few stitches (or a safety pin to find the sweet spot) - the strap that goes from the top to the bottom strap. Probably if you lift the bottom one by an inch it will make a world of difference - These things were made for generic peoples - we are not generic. Don't be afraid to take scissors and sewing needle to them.

@ krazykchan: Are nasal pillow masks comfortable?

Very! I love my OptiLife, click on the link and an image will be displayed.

I had to switch to side sleeping from my back. At first, I put one hand under pillow and clutched a pillow against chest with the other. Then, I got rid of the pillow and folded my blanket so my arm was supported sorta in front of my hips in the blanket pocket I'd folded. These stopped that schrunching up of my shoulder.