Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 18:00:11 GMT
I had my first night with a CPAP machine and I feel it was a disaster. I am anything but rested. I feel exhausted. I have the one that just goes over the nose. Not the pillow one but the one called wisp. I also have the humidifier with it. I am absolutely exhausted. I doubt I got any sleep last night. For those who have it how long did it take you to adjust?
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~Susan~
Pearl Clutcher
You need to check your boobs, mine tried to kill me!!!
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Jul 6, 2014 17:25:32 GMT
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Post by ~Susan~ on Jul 12, 2014 18:03:24 GMT
I personally don't have one, but my DH does. It took him at least a couple of weeks to really get used to it. Now he doesn't even nap without it. It was a real life changer for him.
Hopefully, you will get more replies and suggestions from the ladies here.
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Post by Neisey on Jul 12, 2014 18:04:25 GMT
My DH uses one (and it has changed his life for the better! And mine too!) but it did take a few changes to the settings and the type of mask to find what was right for him. Good luck with it and hope you find some fast solutions to a better sleep!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 18:04:44 GMT
It took me about a month to adjust. The biggest help was to take a decongestant before bed even when I didn't feel congested. The nasal passages aren't used to that kind of air pressure going through so there IS an adjustment period. Just keep using it!
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Post by NanaKate on Jul 12, 2014 18:30:12 GMT
When I used a bipap I was one of the lucky ones that could tell a difference immediately. I do remember them telling me though that for some people it takes weeks or even a couple of months to get used to it and notice a real improvement.
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Post by KelleeM on Jul 12, 2014 18:46:24 GMT
I've been using mine for about 10 years now. I wear a full face mask and it definitely took getting used to. I would wake up without my mask on in the beginning. I started taking Tylenol PM after a week or so and it seemed to help me get into a deep sleep faster and allowed the machine to work for me. I'm a cpap success story, for sure. I used to nap at any opportunity and drove drowsy ALL the time
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 19:07:59 GMT
It took me about a month to adjust. The biggest help was to take a decongestant before bed even when I didn't feel congested. The nasal passages aren't used to that kind of air pressure going through so there IS an adjustment period. Just keep using it! I will try that tonight! I took a muscle relaxer and tylenol PM last night.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 19:08:49 GMT
I've been using mine for about 10 years now. I wear a full face mask and it definitely took getting used to. I would wake up without my mask on in the beginning. I started taking Tylenol PM after a week or so and it seemed to help me get into a deep sleep faster and allowed the machine to work for me. I'm a cpap success story, for sure. I used to nap at any opportunity and drove drowsy ALL the time Thanks for the advice! I am glad that it changed your quality of life. I am hoping I have that same experience. I took tylenol PM and a muscle relaxer but I still couldn't sleep.
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Post by gavinsmom on Jul 12, 2014 19:27:06 GMT
I took some Benedryl for the first several nights. After you've had a little rest, it does get easier
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Post by gavinsmom on Jul 12, 2014 19:28:03 GMT
A decongestant is a stimulant. You want an antihistamine like Benadryl
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Post by lilacgal on Jul 12, 2014 19:39:38 GMT
It took me weeks to get used to mine. I got an awful cold at some point and stopped using it. I need to start back again. After a few weeks, I could start feeling a difference.
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carole3k
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Jun 27, 2014 18:27:54 GMT
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Post by carole3k on Jul 12, 2014 19:53:50 GMT
I totally understand how you feel. I have had a CPAP for 5 years now and can't imagine sleeping without it. At the beginning it was really hard to get used to but my Dr. said to try it for as long as I could each night and build up to a full night. She also gave me a perscription for a sleeping pill and that also helped. Don't worry if it doesn't come naturally at first. It is a huge adjustment having something on your face while sleeping. If after a couple weeks it still feels strange, you may need to find a different mask. I have always used the wisp one because I am not brave enough to mess with what is working for me.
Good luck and Hugs!! Hope it gets easier!
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 12, 2014 20:57:08 GMT
I use the wisp, too. The wisp is my third try at finding a cushion that works for me and is comfortable. It does take a few weeks to get used to it. For me it was dealing with 'where does the hose go' as well as 'how tight does the darn thing have to be'.
Thursday was my 2 year anniversary with it. I can't even imagine how I ever got through the day without CPAP.
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Post by Sharon on Jul 13, 2014 0:37:13 GMT
DH has one. He does sleep better with it but prefers not to wear it. He will nap without it.
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Post by kkooch on Jul 13, 2014 1:52:45 GMT
I have been using mine for about two months. Like everyone said it takes some adjusting. Hardest for me is I am a stomach sleeper and that's pretty much impossible now. I am happy to say that I am sleeping better now and actually wake up and have to feel if I have the mask on. Hang in there!
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Post by donna on Jul 13, 2014 1:58:03 GMT
Mine had a humidifier with it and I can't use it. I use the CPAP fine without the humidifier.
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Post by ~KellyAnn~ on Jul 13, 2014 6:08:25 GMT
Hoping you get a better night's sleep and can soon tolerate your mask. I have had my CPAP for more than ten years and never sleep or travel overnight without it - it's my security blanket! I don't think it took me long to adjust because I felt so much more rested after using it.
Much of getting used to the contraption is mental - so keep telling yourself that you are going to wear it for your health. Look at it this way - if you have diabetes, you might need to use insulin or take a pill, if you have a broken leg, you have to wear a cast and use crutches. You have sleep apnea and need a CPAP machine.
Are you feeling claustrophobic with the mask on? If so, try wearing just the mask around your home. Keep adding a few minutes in the morning or night to work on adjusting to the feeling of it on your face.
Are you having problems falling asleep with the air pressure? Try doing some deep breathing exercises. Lay in bed with your CPAP on and breath in deep for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds and then slowly release your breath for four seconds. Relax.
Practice good sleep habits, too. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends. (I still struggle with this one as I love to sleep!) Make sure your bedroom is conducive for sleep - comfortable bed, dark, quiet, limit or avoid tv or electronic devices. Don't go to bed with a full tummy and avoid caffeine late in the day.
I have a friend that wears his mask for an hour or two when he goes to bed, but then takes it off the rest of the night and feels that that's good enough. Following his logic, I asked if he puts his seat belt on for a mile or two and then takes it off for the rest of his trip?!
I'm off to sleep - will be thinking about you and sending good thoughts! zzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2014 6:13:48 GMT
DH has used them on and off. When his weight is under control, his breathing gets much better and he doesn't need it. Amazing. But I do recall that it takes him at least a week to get back in the groove of using it. The noise factor for me is really loud, but it's better than waking up to check on him many times during the night to make sure he's breathing (without it). Make sure you keep it all clean so you don't get infections. I'm sure you were instructed on all of that though.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2014 23:03:42 GMT
Mine had a humidifier with it and I can't use it. I use the CPAP fine without the humidifier. Mind has a humidifier too. Maybe I will try it without it tonight.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2014 23:05:48 GMT
Hoping you get a better night's sleep and can soon tolerate your mask. I have had my CPAP for more than ten years and never sleep or travel overnight without it - it's my security blanket! I don't think it took me long to adjust because I felt so much more rested after using it. Much of getting used to the contraption is mental - so keep telling yourself that you are going to wear it for your health. Look at it this way - if you have diabetes, you might need to use insulin or take a pill, if you have a broken leg, you have to wear a cast and use crutches. You have sleep apnea and need a CPAP machine. Are you feeling claustrophobic with the mask on? If so, try wearing just the mask around your home. Keep adding a few minutes in the morning or night to work on adjusting to the feeling of it on your face. Are you having problems falling asleep with the air pressure? Try doing some deep breathing exercises. Lay in bed with your CPAP on and breath in deep for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds and then slowly release your breath for four seconds. Relax. Practice good sleep habits, too. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends. (I still struggle with this one as I love to sleep!) Make sure your bedroom is conducive for sleep - comfortable bed, dark, quiet, limit or avoid tv or electronic devices. Don't go to bed with a full tummy and avoid caffeine late in the day. I have a friend that wears his mask for an hour or two when he goes to bed, but then takes it off the rest of the night and feels that that's good enough. Following his logic, I asked if he puts his seat belt on for a mile or two and then takes it off for the rest of his trip?! I'm off to sleep - will be thinking about you and sending good thoughts! zzzzzzzzzzzzz Thanks for these ideas. I am lucky that mine is completely silent or I never would be able to sleep. It's super hot here right now and my roommate has the a/x set at 77 at night. I have two fans going too. I slept a bit more last night!
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Post by peanutterbutter on Jul 13, 2014 23:23:26 GMT
My husband has found it helpful to have the hose draped up and over something - in his case a floor lamp this is right above the headboard - he can move around and roll over without worrying about being tangled up in the hose, the hose just moves with him. Most people do take some time to adjust - try to do a little more every night -once you get several hours with it, you'll really feel the difference. Good luck!
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Post by jamieson on Jul 13, 2014 23:38:02 GMT
My only wish is that I'd started using a cpap machine thirty years ago! It's changed my life, and I can't sleep without it now. It took awhile to get used to it, but I found that reading all the benefits of cpap machines online helped me through the transition. I used the ResMed Mirage FX for women. I switched to the wisp, but found I like the softness of the Mirage better.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2014 23:44:16 GMT
Congratulations on getting a bit more sleep. Just keep at it! It is worth it. Someone mentioned a decongestant is a stimulant. Yes, it can be (some more than others) You aren't taking it to help you sleep. You are taking it to clear the nasal passages as much as possible so the air has as free a flow as possible. If an oral decon makes you jittery try a nasal spray like afrin. Problem with afrin is the fact it can only be used so many times before you start getting a problem with rebound congestion.
I only use my humidifier in the winter when my air is super dry. Too much humidity will cause water to pool in the hose and make a gurgling sound. Keep working with it!! Totally worth it.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 13, 2014 23:56:06 GMT
Hi me (the OP!) Glad to see you slept a bit more.
One other thing that I do is when I put my mask on for bed, I actually don't try to go to sleep right away. I put it on, then read for 10-30 minutes depending on my sleepiness. My sleep doc doesn't want me to read in bed, but that's what I've been doing since I learned to read. Every night for the past 40+ years is a hard habit to break. Also, I'm a stomach sleeper, and yeah, he doesn't want me doing that either but I do {shhh don't tell him}. But there is no way I can get rest sleeping on my back. Believe me, I've tried. I can get away with a side sleep, but not my back. I also took the ramp off. I felt like the ramp up wasn't giving me enough air, so I turned that setting off (check with your doc first on this). I know, I'm breaking all the rules, EXCEPT wearing it for 7+ hours per night. Which IMO is the most important. Keep trying with it. In the beginning I was only able to wear it for 45 minutes to an hour and worked my way up to 4 hours within a week or so (which was my insurance companies goal for covering it). Now as I stated earlier I'm at 7 on a regular basis (I usually take it off at 4:30 a.m.)
I also lurked a lot in the sleepapnea dot org forum. There is a wealth of info and support there.
Good luck. CPAP really is a life saver.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 14, 2014 0:02:08 GMT
My only wish is that I'd started using a cpap machine thirty years ago! It's changed my life, and I can't sleep without it now. It took awhile to get used to it, but I found that reading all the benefits of cpap machines online helped me through the transition. I used the ResMed Mirage FX for women. I switched to the wisp, but found I like the softness of the Mirage better. I used the Mirage FX for women, but switched to the wisp in January. I liked the FX better, but I hated the plastic piece that went over my nose and forehead. The only issue I have with the wisp is that I'm really small and petite and I had to do some modification on the headgear to help it fit properly.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 0:06:57 GMT
DH has one. He does sleep better with it but prefers not to wear it. He will nap without it. I wish you could convince him otherwise; he's risking heart damage, not to mention his life, by not using it.
I've been using one for nine years now and I will not sleep without it. I'm on vacation at the moment and it's here with me. Took me about two weeks to get used to it.
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Post by Sharon on Jul 14, 2014 0:17:01 GMT
DH has one. He does sleep better with it but prefers not to wear it. He will nap without it. I wish you could convince him otherwise; he's risking heart damage, not to mention his life, by not using it.
I've been using one for nine years now and I will not sleep without it. I'm on vacation at the moment and it's here with me. Took me about two weeks to get used to it.
I know! I've tried to convince him but he won't listen.
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Post by melissak on Jul 14, 2014 0:18:53 GMT
I personally don't have one, but my DH does. It took him at least a couple of weeks to really get used to it. Now he doesn't even nap without it. It was a real life changer for him. Hopefully, you will get more replies and suggestions from the ladies here. I agree 100% My DH has one as well and it took him a few weeks as well to get used to it. He has had it over 4 years now and if he falls asleep without it he has a horrible night!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 0:22:01 GMT
Hi me (the OP!) Glad to see you slept a bit more. Also, I'm a stomach sleeper, and yeah, he doesn't want me doing that either but I do {shhh don't tell him}. But there is no way I can get rest sleeping on my back. Believe me, I've tried. I can get away with a side sleep, but not my back. I also took the ramp off. <<<<<<<< How odd! My doc doesn't want me to sleep on my back but I can sleep on my stomach if I want. I'm a side sleeper so it doesn't matter much to me. It must be related to what area of the throat is causing a blockage.. maybe? I know if I do end up on my back it doesn't take me long to realize I can't breathe even with the cpap.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 0:23:10 GMT
I'm another that travels with mine. My insurance allows it to be replaced every 5 years. I use the old one for travel and the new one stays home. That way I don't have to worry about accidentally forgetting a power cord or something.
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