I am diagnosed with Stage B, borderline Stage C, COPD due to advanced emphysema. I also have difficulty breathing through my nose at times due to multiple deviated septum occurances. As a result I regularly experience Nocturnal Hypoxemia with occasional dangerously low O2 saturation levels while sleeping. My pulmonologist prescribed nighttime low volume oxygen therapy about two years ago to aid in this. I use a home oxygen concentrator for O2 supply at 2 Lpm volume.
Before the O2, I used to wake up in the morning so groggy it felt like a bad hangover for a couple hours. My energy level was unbearably low as well.
While the O2 did help somewhat, it changed my sleeping habits allowing me longer protracted periods of deep sleep using a standard nasal cannula. However, overnight oximetry was still showing unacceptable periods of O2 sats and the positive results weren't consistent. I logically attributed this to times when I couldn't breathe through my nose and was mouth-breathing instead.
After discussing the issue with my Dr, he recommended I use a face mask for O2 delivery in place of the nasal cannula. I tried several masks in both non-rebreather and rebreather styles and they all made matters worse, some much worse!
Then, through internet research, I found the OxyMask and its design was intriguing and really made sense to me. The first one I used was the OM1125-8, the standard size, one elastic style, and I was very pleased and impressed with the results. My first overnight oximeter report showed zero events less than 92% O2S. However, that soon changed as I got accustomed to using it. I found the mask was a little small for my long face and the one elastic didn't hold it in place well. I continued to wake up at night short of breath with the mask fallen down around my neck or off my head entirely from sliding up(I'm an active mover during sleep).
After more thought, research and reading other's reviews, I decided to try the OP1425-8, the large mask with two ear loops, to see if that would solve the minor remaining issues. It worked phenominally!
I did raise my O2 supply volume 1/2 Lpm as was recommended in comments for this type of mask. I also reconfigured the two ear loop elastics, one to stretch around my neck as a lower band and the other around my head above my ears as an upper band. I found the mask was more comfortable and remained in place more securely all through the night.
I will bring the mask with me to the next appointment with my pulmonologist and see what he has to say about the OxyMask but I, as one of many, couldn't be more pleased with this innovative mask!
I'm extremely pleased to say, my nighttime 02 Sat problems are 100% solved! I can honestly say the OxyMask has dramtically changed my life! I sleep all the way through the night and my waking energy level is very much improved! Thank you, Southmedic for designing and producing an awesome solution for all of us mouth-breathers! I can't give a higher recommendation for this product.
