Unusual results

I have had my CPAP machine for 1 year 5 months and have felt a lot better whilst using it. One of my symptoms was incredible pain in my hands and arms during the night. The first night I used an APAP machine for pressure testing, I had absolutely no pain during the night. I have been able to stop taking Tramadol to get me through the night. No more daytime sleepiness etc. Life has been great.

About a month ago I noticed the pain disturbing me during the night and was frequently falling asleep in the car. I was also waking a few times a night really gasping for breath despite using my CPAP machine. I use a hose lift and mask liners.

At Kath's suggestion I phoned the clinic who orgnaised an appointment for me. Last week I was given an APAP? machine to monitor my breathing and a new mask.  I had noticed a piece of my old mask was missing. It was a cover for a breath testing tube and so my mask was leaking from the tube but I was given a replacement mask as mine was a year old.

I used the new mask and machine for the full seven days and went back yesterday for the results. I felt a bit better when using the APAP machine, less sleepy, no pain durig the night

The results were nothing I expected. I was told that my apnoeas were average ( 3.5 per hour, was 20-25) and that the greatest concern was mask leakage. It had leaked a lot more than expected. I remember her saying 2. something, don't really know what it means. I was given a new, different mask. She said that I could continue on CPAP as it helped my symptoms despite having leakage and few apnoeas

Last night I tried the new mask and was awake dozens of times with it moving off my face and constantly leaking. I have had palpitations all day, which was common before I started to use CPAP.  What I don't understand is how the apnoeas have gone down so much. My weight hasn't gone down.

I also think I may need more help on how to keep a mask on without leakage. After this length of time I should have got it right. I was allowed to keep the replacement Hans Rodulf mask I was given last week as well as the old one and I also now have the new mask which is an Almara full face. As I didn't have any liners for the Almara I used it without last night and suffered raspberry blowing noises on my face constantly. 

Basically, I am confused, and looking for more ideas on how to keep my mask in place please. I clean it carefully, used mask wipes, clean my face very carefully, use a liner and hose lift. I tend to sleep on my side and have a special pillow.

Just remembered that she decided to leave my pressure as it was but has said she will refer it to the senior nurse practitioner for more advice.