Sleep apnea

[bmwdoll]

I was diagnosed with OSA about 2 years. For all this time I am struggling with the cpap machine/mask.
I got over the embarrsement/discomfort but still having problems that make me not use it.
I have a good machine with humidfyer. But I get so bone dry in the mouth-tongue that it wakes me up.(no moisture to even swallow) I have tried different things but guess I am still mouth breathing with mask on. I have a full faced Mirage Quattro mask.
I fine this so annoying I rip off the mask and am then unprotected. Then I wake up feeling sick-nasal membrane irritated& feeling awful. I then can't stay awake if I sit down so I am exhausted.
Can you suggest anything to try?
I am desperate and want to try to learn to live comfortably (as can be) with SA.
Thx, Nancy Newcomb
I go to STANFORD- they are out of ideas.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you've tried everything, including going to Stanford. I don't have any other ideas, except to try other full-face masks or possibly turn up your humidity settings. If you haven't had a titration in a while, you may want to consider this option as well.

There's a great forum sponsored by the American Sleep Apnea Association at www.apneasupport.org. They have some great moderators and participants that have a wealth of experience with issues such as yours. Good luck.

[bmwdoll]

Thanks for the return comments.
I am going for another titration at Stanford in the middle of February.
Hopefully they can come up with some solutions. This is really terrible to deal with not controlled.
I find I am getting fearful because of heart/stroke problems.

Stanford is opening a new State of the Art Sleep Disorder Clinic in Feb in Redwood City, Calif. this location is about 20 miles north (toward SF) from where they are now.
I just can't understand why this dryness gets so bad. I have turned my humidifyer up but any higher I get rain out.

I will check into the SA site.
I have been in touch with Talk About Sleep. They are excellent.
Please check them out if you haven't.
Thank You,
Nancy