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Post by scrapmomof2 on Mar 22, 2016 21:14:01 GMT
I was just told by my doctor that I need to start using a cpap machine. I started a week ago, but it's really hard to get used to. I feel like I'm being suffocated. I have adjusted to wearing it about 3-4 hours a night, but when I wake up in the middle of the night, I am all sweaty and feel claustrophobic. So I rip it off my face. My doc says I'll feel less tired during the day, have less brain fog and feel more energetic. When does that start happening?
The machine I have is extremely quiet, has a humidifier on it, and has a heated tube. Supposedly a really top of the line machine. I'm just wondering when I'll be happy with the results.
How do you like yours, and how often do you wear it at night....how many hours? Do you bring it with you when you travel? I'm going to Florida for 5 days and will be bringing it on the plane.
Any tips, tricks, and hints are welcome!
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Deleted
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May 17, 2024 13:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 21:19:23 GMT
You need to try different masks.
But I never got use to it, it gave me nightmares.
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Post by KelleeM on Mar 22, 2016 21:42:54 GMT
I'm a long time successful cpap user. I use it every night and bring it when I travel. In fact I can't sleep in a bed without it.
It takes getting used to. If you search here there should be a thread or two with some tips. My biggest tip is, if you can, take a sleep aid like Tylenol PM. It helped me get to sleep and stay asleep so I wouldn't take off my mask. It probably took me about a month to really adjust and start feeling the benefits. Ive been using it for about 11 years now.
It's really worth the struggle to get used to it.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057 
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Post by AllieC on Mar 22, 2016 21:51:11 GMT
My DH has had one for about 6 years. He took about a month to really get used to it and did change from a full face mask to the less restrictive nose one. He had his SD card read shortly after and it made no increase in the apnoea attacks that were recorded so he has stayed with this mask.
He didn't think it was making a huge difference until he went away for 2 nights for work and didn't take it. He said the difference was huge and now will take it for any overnight stay.
Hang in there, it is worth it.
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Post by beachbum on Mar 22, 2016 21:53:48 GMT
I agree with megmc, try different masks. I had a 2 night sleep study, the second night was trying different masks. The one I have is a Wisp - very light and very comfortable. The first 2 they tried I could not stand, the first size of the Wisp I was too big and I felt claustrophobic with it on. Once I found the right mask all was good. DH uses the nasal pillow kind, he likes those better. When I got my machine home I slept well the first night.
ETA -I use mine every single night, I sleep much better with it now. We take ours every time we travel, even if it's just one night.
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Post by scrapmomof2 on Mar 22, 2016 22:19:30 GMT
I think I have a whisper mask, not the pillow for under the nose, but one for the nose only...if I use while just holding over my nose while watching TV, I can use it for quite awhile, and I can fall asleep with it on, but when I wake up is when I realize it's on and I start to panic. I think I will try a Tylenol PM and see how that works.
So I can figure about a month to get used to it.....good to know.
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Post by marysue63 on Mar 22, 2016 22:24:24 GMT
I started using a cpap machine the beginning in November. I had to try 3 masks before I found one that felt comfortable to me. I started with the one that covers the nose and mouth because I'm used to sleeping with my mouth open. It seemed awfully bulky though and I had heard good things about the nasal pillows so I tried that one next. I hated that one! I tried to like it but having those pillows sit directly on my nostrils really bugged me. Now I have a new model that covers my mouth and kind of sits under my nostrils. I like that one because it's just from the nose down, it doesn't impair my vision.
Other than having trouble finding the right mask I was also having trouble just sleeping so my dr gave me an rx of Ambien to use on those nights when I'm really struggling. I got those in January and probably used them less than 15 nights, but they were so helpful in the beginning. I think you just need to stick with it, don't be afraid to try different masks, and wear it every night as long as you can. You'll eventually get used to it and once you start to feel rested in the morning you'll be happy to stuck with it.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 22, 2016 22:49:45 GMT
DH has been using one for over 1.5 years and could tell a difference from the first night. When his mask broke in the Fall, he didn't replace it for about 2 weeks. Longest 2 weeks of my life because the snoring was back and me poking him all night. He admitted later that he felt horrible.
When my sister started using one she complained about it like you. DH commented that if his didn't have the water reservoir, he didn't know if he could deal with it.
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Deleted
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May 17, 2024 13:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 22:54:01 GMT
DH has used one for a long time (off and on) and had different masks. I believe he sleeps better and it definitely helps his snoring, but unfortunately he doesn't feel like it helps him feel any more rested. To be honest, I think he has an unrealistic expectation about what "rested" feels like. Not saying that you or anyone else does, but I definitely think that DH has some fantasy of being able to pop out of bed smiling and ready to tackle the day with a pep in his step and a twinkle in his eye. That's not happening for a 53 year old shift worker. It's just not.
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Post by paperaddictedpea on Mar 22, 2016 23:08:42 GMT
I'll be honest; I was slow to adapt. It took a couple of months before I could fall asleep quickly with the mask on, and a couple more before I could sleep without waking up every few hours. Most of my friends and family that use CPAP machines adapted much faster, though. I think that it would have been easier if I didn't have a full face mask. Despite the adjustment period I'm so glad I stuck with it because I feel SO much better when I use it. I sometimes (accidentally) sleep part of the night without it and I can definitely feel the difference the next day.
I've traveled with mine several times now, once by plane, and it's been no problem. The airline should let you bring the machine on the plane as an additional item because it's considered medical equipment. When I travel by car I bring some distilled water with me (I was told I shouldn't use tap water in my machine), and the one time I flew I was able to buy some at a drugstore next to the hotel. I'm told that sometimes hotels will have/provide distilled water but I've never asked.
If you're up to 4 hours a night using the machine after a week I think you're doing well. Stick with it; you'll be glad you did!
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Post by zztop11 on Mar 22, 2016 23:13:20 GMT
Try the site cpaptalk.com They have tons of useful information and forums to help you. I've been using mine for about 5 years and absolutely love it. I knew I would love it and it only took me about one night to get used to it. (very abnormal I know) Some suggestions to help you get used to it: Wear it in the evening while you watch t.v. Do some self-talk. Say things to yourself like "This isn't that bad. Yes, I can breathe with it on." "I'm going to be feeling better soon." Things like that. As far as being all sweaty when you wake up at night. I think there is a way to turn down the heat of the humidifier, so you won't feel like warm air is blowing on you. Check on that. I don't use the humidifier part on my machine anymore because I like the feeling of cold air on my face. By turning it off, the machine blows cold air. Also, I am extremely claustrophobic too. Once I got the cold air blowing on my face, that wasn't an issue at all. Maybe you want to put a little fan on your bed side table. Having that cool air blowing on you may take away the sweating and the claustrophobic feeling. Good luck.
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Post by scrapmomof2 on Mar 22, 2016 23:14:30 GMT
Thanks paperaddictedpea Like I said, I am falling asleep with it, just I'm still waking up and wanting to take it off is what concerns me. Maybe if I take a sleeping aid for a few nights, I'll sleep through the whole night. I did notice after night two, I didn't have brain fog the next day, so maybe that's what is meant by a better nights sleep.
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Post by paperaddictedpea on Mar 22, 2016 23:14:45 GMT
Not saying that you or anyone else does, but I definitely think that DH has some fantasy of being able to pop out of bed smiling and ready to tackle the day with a pep in his step and a twinkle in his eye. LOL; this was me! My doctor went on and on about how fantastic I'd feel so I fully expected to wake up one morning just bounding with energy. That hasn't been the case, but I truly notice the difference when I've used the machine less than normal the night before. Also, I'm no longer falling asleep at my desk in the middle of the afternoon and overdosing on caffeine to get through the day. |
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Post by compwalla on Mar 22, 2016 23:24:00 GMT
Took my husband about two months and a few different masks. He's been using it three years and can't sleep without it now.
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Post by lauralaforest on Mar 23, 2016 0:44:56 GMT
My husband has one that he got about two years ago. Completely saved my marriage!! I couldn't stand the snoring and thought it was selfish of him to not do anything about it as neither one of us was getting a good night's sleep. Now…..he uses it every single night and we take it with us when we travel. He used to yawn from morning until night, now I see a difference.
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