For those who have CPAP machines for sleep apnea. I have a ?

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!

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.

I took some Benedryl for the first several nights. After you've had a little rest, it does get easier


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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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.  

I know!  I've tried to convince him but he won't listen.