Hi Lisa

Thank you for getting back to me..That is good news then, that it is normal to only have 5 hours sleep, I guess I was hoping for a miracle. and finally sleep through...I just cannot bring myself to put the mask back on at 3am it feels as though I am about to put a blanket over my face, at least when I go to bed at 10.30 ish I am worn out and usually only toss and turn for a short while, but at 3 in the morning I try and I toss and turn and just end up taking it off..I am only on a low setting 5.5 so there is no need for a ramp, even though there is one on my machine...

I also wake up with a red nose, is there a cream or anything else that I can use to prevent that..

I do have a humidifier and I have it on a low setting as I experience rainout if I turn it up any higher..

Thanks for your input...it has been very helpful

Deb 

Deb, it does take time to get used to wearing the mask all night, I've had mine for a bit over a year and still some night I just find I put it off without knowing. I have not got to the stage where I can't sleep without mine, it is another part of my body lol. CPAP also doesn't help you sleep. it helps you breathe or breathes for you and therefore the flow on should be better sleep. I say to everyone it's a marathon not a sprint. Where are you getting the red marks? on the bridge of your nose? If so, a couple of this I always suggest to new users, Use Mask Liners, You can get a 6 pack of Remzzz's either from where you get your mask and machine and then if they help you can make your own and have your hose coming from above your head, either over a bedhead or you can buy a hose lift for about $25 or you could get someone to make you one. Having your hose coming from above your head stops the mask being pulled down or getting tangle and helps with leaks. Your mask could be too tight which causes the marks, if you do the other two things you may be able to loosen the mask a little, let us know how you go.

Terry's right about the Hose Lift, and is our biggest seller to Australia.  I would have thought one of the CPAP distributors over there would be stocking them by now.  There is a very good CPAP Moisture Cream that can be used WITH the masks, as it won't damage them like 'normal' moisturisers do.  My sleep clinic calls it the 'magic cream.'  There's also the CPAP Nasal Cushion Pads if the problem is on the bridge of your nose.

5 hours usage is good in the early days, and as your body gets used to it, people normally find they can tolerate the equipment longer in time.