Question:
Question about sleep studies and the CPAP
I had my second sleep study last night and I totally blew it. I feel like such a loser because I was fitted for a CPAP machine and I absolutely could not tolerate it. The tech tried 3 different types of machines and I could not handle any of them. I must have severe claustrophobia that has not been diagnosed. I felt so sorry for her because she was trying so hard to help me. I am so scared now that all this preparation has been for nothing because I screwed up my sleep study. I dont know if this has happened to any of you but will someone please let me know what to do from this point? I am nearly crying now because I have worked so hard to comply and do all the necessary things and I think I have ruined my chance. — [Deactivated Member] (posted on June 12, 2008)
June 12, 2008
I don't think you screwed up your changes for surgery. Did you stay the
night or did you leave? If you left, you should try to reschedule it. When
I was fitted for a cpap, it took them almost an hour to get one that fit
because my face was to small. My suggestion would be to reschedule the test
and when they put the mask on, try to relax and think of something soothing
so you'll fall asleep faster. The faster you fall asleep, the faster
morning will come and it'll be over! Good luck! :)
— trinity1803
June 12, 2008
It's OK..... I truly don't think that this will impact your surgery chances
in any way. They obviously determined you have sleep apnea and it takes a
while to get used to those machines. I have tried 2 different masks and I
am claustrophobic also. My machine increases pressure in 5 minutes and I
notice once the pressure is up to where it's set to be, it's easier to
breath. I have to remove the mask several times in the first 5 minutes to
try to get thru the tough part. One thing I notice is trying to focus on
my breathing "pace" helps too. Just try to relax and focus on
breathing evenly and don't give up!!! It took me a full month to get used
to my machine. Try to schedule another study and hopefully it will go much
better. GOOD LUCK!!!
— psturgill
June 12, 2008
Daphne, My new cpap is great, I can deal with the masks, but I didn't like
the one you may really like. There are two spongy thingies that hold air
tubes into your nostrils, NO Mask at all. It might work for you. If you
think you might be able to try, ask your sleep therepist to look it up. If
she can't find it, email me at [email protected] and I will call my doctor to
find the name and address where you can find them. Good luck, Lyn
— SkinnyLynni2B
June 12, 2008
Many people feel awkward with a CPAP mask. In my 2 sleep studies, I had no
need for a mask, but the neuerologist who looked at the test, and the
consult with the lab determined I needed the CPAP. Initiall it did feel
awkward to me also. But you also must remember, this test is probably a
guage for the anesthesiogist to determine the anesthetic for surgery. CPAP
users usually use a slightly different anesthesia to make sure you wake up
correctly from surgery. After surgery, most RNY patients do not use the
CPAP for very long after surgery. I used my CPAP for 3 months post op, but
from support meetings, I know many who were off of their machine within 2
weeks. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
June 12, 2008
Daphne,
I would talk to your doctor. I have or had sleep apnea depending on how
you look at it. I went for my sleep study and I also freaked out and could
not finish the test I was so embarrased I would not even go back to the
doctors office after it. I told my surgeon this and he said not to worry
that they would just make sure they monitored me more during surgery and
that they would give me extra breathing treatments after surgery I was fine
and now I sleep through the night and dont snore or wake up at all and am
just a little over 2 months out from surgery. Keep your chin up and things
will work out. Good luck Cheryl
— Harley2006Angel
June 12, 2008
I have used a cPap for YEARS. I am out from surgery 3 months now, and over
70 pounds lighter, and I no longer need it. I do recall listening to
advertisements for a different type of cPap delivery system that did not
require a mask. You may want to check out this site: http://nomask.com/ .
The gear is a little more expensive than the traditional cPap gear that I
used to get, but if it HELPS, then it may be worth it. I don't know if your
insurance company will pay for it, or if you will have to pay for it out of
pocket, but you will probably have to take it WITH you to your next test if
you are willing to try it. Do not open it until you get to the hospital,
since they seem to want to have sterile equipment to work with. I don't
know that this will help, but I hope it does.
Hugh
— hubarlow
June 12, 2008
It does take about a week to get used to using the CPAP machine. I didn't
like the mask either, so I use what they call Nasal Pillows (it is kind of
like the nasal canulla that they use for oxygen only bigger). I have had my
CPAP machine for about 3 years and am so used to it that when I no longer
need it, I don't know how I will get to sleep - I actually like it that
much! I am sure that your experience will not have any effect on your
ability to get the surgery! Good luck!
— Judy A.
June 12, 2008
Hy husband had a horrible time dealing with the anxiety of using his CPAP-
his doctor gave him xanax for a week weeks and that helped- now he loves
his machine.
— Kristin B.
June 12, 2008
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and I know the feeling, I couldn't then
and I still can't tolerate the CPAP machine. I tried it their way, my way
and any other way and I just can't handle the mask. They told me to wear
it several minutes during the day, to get use to the machine, I did, but it
didn't work, either. All I know is I did the very best I could and it
didn't work and I did have my surgery done 4-16-08 and it hasn't bothered
me at all. I was just embarrassed because I flunk a sleep study. Your
surgeon will work with you because after you lose a few pounds, you
probably don't need it anyway. Good Luck
— dyates2948
June 12, 2008
Daphne - I was in the same place as you. I went online and found the mask
that would work for me. Do you sleep on your back, side or belly? When
you put the mask on the machine should be off. Start breathing you will
find that there are holes that allow you to exhale and take air in. Once
you realize that you are not going to suffocate it will set your mind at
easy. Sit there for a few minutes breath in and breath out. Turn the
machine on and immediately turn on the ramp. If your machine does not have
a ramp you will need one with this feature. What this does is starts the
air pressure off at a lower volume then what you need for your level of
Sleep Apena. Again sit there and breath in and breath out; get in to a
rhythm and then lay down. You will fall asleep. I have 400 hours in on my
machine and I'm waiting for my surgery date. I am using a Comfort Lite 2
mask with nasal cushions. It did the trick for me. Make sure the mask is
not to tight to your face. Hope this helps and good luck! Lisa
— ldillabough
June 13, 2008
Thank you all for all the great advice and help! I love this website and
all the honest answers. I have not heard from my surgeon yet but I hope to
soon. I am going to reschedule and try this again. I did ask my PCP about
Xanax and if this might help and he said it could so we will see how it
goes. Again, thanks to all of you wonderful people!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 13, 2008
I am a Registered Nurse who has been dependent on CPAP for 8 years. Some
people need to try to use it during the day with the AIR ON (otherwise it
is hard to get enough air), while watching TV or reading. Do this for more
minutes each day, until you feel safe. I prefer the nasal pillows type.
With a mask when I turn to my side, my cheeks always dislodge the air
seal.
Now that I am used to it (it took a month) I would never be without it. I
wear foam ear plugs to soften the sound.
Once you are diagnosed with sleep apnea you are at high risk for strokes
and heart problems, and falling asleep while driving. Teach yourself to
gradually get used to it. If you need ativan ask your doctor. INSIST that
they find you a mask you can tolerate.
Good Luck
— nancycarle
June 13, 2008
I had a problem with the mask as well. It kept blowing air in my eyes
everytime I moved. I ended up holding the darn thing all night long. I
didn't sleep at all. I don't think you blew the test. But the "nasal
pillows" might be a better bet for you. That is what I ended up
getting when the rep came out to my house. They are great!
— Senji
June 13, 2008
Daphne, and others, I too have sleep apnea and also have claustrophobia. I
use the Mirage Swiff II by resmed.
http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/products/masks/mirage_swift_ii_nasal_pillows_system/mirage-swift-ii-nasal-pillows-system.html?menu=products
It works better for me. I think there are even less intrusive in the face
systems now, but I have had mine nearly four years. Check it out. The
assistant at the sleep center should have plenty of samples. And no, I
don't want one in my face. Egads.
— MzCruse
June 13, 2008
Sorry to hear you are discouraged. I was diagnosed a year and a half ago
now and absolutely love the sleep I get now. BUT, it was not easy in the
beginning. The mask felt really akward and the pressure of the air going
up my nose felt really strange. Are you a mouth breather? I breath
through my nose when I sleep (with my mouth closed) so I am able to use the
mask that has the nose pillows on the end. It just sits there and the
straps go around your head. It's much better than the other ones. If you
are a mouth breather and need the full face mask, I know there are some
smaller ones out there. Maybe you just haven't found the right mask and
maybe you need to give it some more time. I remember when I started, they
put the mask on me and it felt soooooo weird having all that air blowing up
my nose. The lady told me that once you get used to it, you will be able
to talk with it on. I didn't believe her at the time, but now I do. Maybe
you should try it again......I believe you may feel it's worth it in the
end. It does feel funny at first but does get better. Good luck!!
— runningagain
June 14, 2008
My cpap had a button to bypass the 5 minute ramp up to full power. I hated
it unless it was at full pressure. The other thing that I did to help get
used to it was I wore it while I was awake for a bit. I wore it while I
was sitting watching TV so I would get use to the feeling of having it on
my face. I got so use to it that when I didn't need it anymore I had to
wean myself off it because I got claustrophobic without it on. I was so
use to it pushing air into me that I had a terrible time getting to sleep
without it.
— KristineMarie
July 15, 2008
My CPAP was just one that hooked in my nose it was not a full mask because
they couldn't find one that fit right (I sleep with my eyes partially open
and on my stomach) the mask didn't work. The one I had just fit in my nose
(not like the hospital things it was bigger) but I was able to sleep on my
stomach and stuff and didn't have most of my face covered. Since the
surgery I haven't needed it now that I have lost weight.
— Melanie C.
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