Sleep apnea question

I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea and a health technition is coming out tomorrow to give me my C-pap machine. I only used it the one time that I was fitted for it and had a really uncomfortable night. Any tips to make it easier to get used to? I have just the nose one. Thanks, Kathleen

I have one. The first couple of nights I fought it by trying to breath in and out of my mouth and that just doesn't work. I used it about 3-4 hours each night of the first week. But man-oh-man, when I got used to it, I found it to be great. I really do feel that I am well rested in the morning. Some nights I make it through the whole night with it on. At first, I used to wake up and it would be on top of my head or under my chin--I'm assuming I gasped by opening my mouth and just flung it out of the way while sleeping. I have the same one, actually that's the one that Dr O'Brien recommended as it is easier to use. Hang in there, it gets better. Dianne

Dianne, Thanks for the advice. I actually made it through the night last night! Kathleen

When I took my second sleep apnea test, the technician gave me the mask I used there, which seemed relatively comfortable at the time. When the technician delivered the c-pap, I couldn't make their mask work to save my life. So I reverted to the first mask and had no problems sleeping with it through the night. I also had a chin strap to hold my mouth shut. Then one morning, maybe three or four weeks later, I awoke to find a big dent in the middle of my forehead from my testing mask. I decided to try the one that the technician brought. It worked fine and I've had no trouble with the c-pap since then, although I do look forward to the day I no longer have to use it. Diane C.

Hi Diane...I wish I could say the same as you for I also struggle with this mask since it's gotten hotter....I will be glad when they can take this machine...Gail Burke

Diane, It turns out that the one they gave me during the test was less comfortable than the one they delivered last week. It actually is much better so so far so good! Thanks, Kathleen

Sorry Kathleen I too am struggling with this.....I have the mask for mouth and nose. And no I still haven't been able to sleep with it all night. I dunno what to do either... Suggestions welcome also. Shay

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea for over four years. One of the hardest things you need to deal with is the fitting. It becomes even more difficult after surgery when you lose massive amount of weight (and face skin). Not sure what service provider that you use, I use American Homepatient, but they spent a lot of time with the actual fitting. The best fitting on the CPAP nose and mouth covering that I have found has a gel pad for the forehead. If the fitting is correct you should sleep through the night and wake up refreshed. If the fitting is incorrect, or you are breathing through your mouth, you will wake up several times a night. You should replace the mask as many times per year as the insurance company will allow you. Now that I have taken 140 pounds off, I am waiting for St. Francis Sleep Center to get me back in for another Sleep Study. I am anticipating that my sleep apnea has been resolved or that the machine needs to be recalibrated to a much lower level. I actually sleep better without the CPAP at the moment, and so does my wife, since it is still set at the level 9 I was at prior to surgery. Right now I think the machine is forcing too much air into my system, and I wake up from trying to force the inhale. The problem is the only way you can determine the recalibration or status of your sleep apnea is through a sleep study.

Rob, I also use American Homepatient and they were wonderful with their explanations! Thanks for the advice on getting new masks or I would have never thought of that. Congratulations on your weight loss and and I hope you get rid of the mask at the next sleep study! Thanks, Kathleen

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea for over four years. One of the hardest things you need to deal with is the fitting. It becomes even more difficult after surgery when you lose massive amount of weight (and face skin). Not sure what service provider that you use, I use American Homepatient, but they spent a lot of time with the actual fitting. The best fitting on the CPAP nose and mouth covering that I have found has a gel pad for the forehead. If the fitting is correct you should sleep through the night and wake up refreshed. If the fitting is incorrect, or you are breathing through your mouth, you will wake up several times a night. You should replace the mask as many times per year as the insurance company will allow you. Now that I have taken 140 pounds off, I am waiting for St. Francis Sleep Center to get me back in for another Sleep Study. I am anticipating that my sleep apnea has been resolved or that the machine needs to be recalibrated to a much lower level. I actually sleep better without the CPAP at the moment, and so does my wife, since it is still set at the level 9 I was at prior to surgery. Right now I think the machine is forcing too much air into my system, and I wake up from trying to force the inhale. The problem is the only way you can determine the recalibration or status of your sleep apnea is through a sleep study.