CPAP users..

I was just wondering how many of you have had to start using a cpap....how is it working out for you? Do you sleep better? What type of "mask" do you use? Is it comfortable?

I've had one for just over 2 weeks and it's driving me nutty!  I don't think I've had a good night sleep since I've had it.  Just wondering what you all thought Thanks!

Ruth, have you checked this vlog out?? from Moodyblueyes??  its a riot... I don't have to use one, THank God.. http://youtube.com/watch?v=kSPfb5jQ99E

That video is great!  Luckily I don't have to wear that type of mask, but it's still annoying! Thanks for sharing!  What a great person! 

I don't have a CPAP I have a Bi-PAP.  The difference is CPAP is Constant pressure and the BiPAP has 2 pressure settings (It is used when higher pressures are needed).  At first I had a problem of waking up not able to breathe.  It was explained to me as I would take in a measurement of 3 and exhale a measurement of 2 then take in 3 and exhale 2 and so on until my lungs were so full I could no longer inhale.  Once we got the exhale pressure lowered it fixed that problem but now I wake up with my stomach full of air and real bad gas pains.  I mostly do not use the machine as I can not sleep through the night with it on when I do wear it I end up waking up and taking it off at about 2am then I have trouble going back to sleep.  I am not looking forward to that at the hospital because I have to take it with me. I wear a full mask (one that covers both the nose and the mouth) because I dont keep my mouth closed and I get really dry mouth with the air flow.  I cant wait until I loose enough weight so I can get rid of the machine.

We should talk. I have tried to use mine just two nights (tonight will be night #3) but I have only been able to stand it for about 30-60 minutes. Just as I start to fall asleep my body seems to react to the air coming in my mouth...I am a mouth breather so I have a mask that covers my nose and mouth...and I gasp myself awake as if I have to have a breath. It is so disconcerting. I spoke with someone today who said that is normal in the beginning and my body will adjust. I don't know. I have also noticed a lot of bumps where the mask fits on my face and it sometimes leaks air at the bottom near my chin. I am going to try K-Y jelly to see if that seals it and helps the rash. I am not really happy with it right now, but I guess I just have to suck it up and persevere and hope I get used to it eventually. I'm going to try to last an hour tonight. Are you able to keep yours on all night long?

I had to have a cpap machine and I didnt like from the first time I used it..I gave it a good try. They tried me on cpap. bi pap. every machine out there. I dont know what was worse the machine or the doctor that gave it to me.I could go on for hours but I wont. I am very happy I had to have 3 sleep studies but finally I was right I didnt have to have it any more. They but me on it june 2007 and dec 21 2008 the doctor called me and said I no longer needed it.. Thank god because I was sleeping less with it than without. I feel sorry for anyone with a mild case and have a hard time ..hope all goes well..I fixed the machine and the doctor when I truly knew myself that I did not need it..

Good morning, Well..I managed to keep it on for two hours last night without gasping, but I can't say I slept much during the two hours. A little maybe. My face is really bumpy where the mask hits, and today it is a bit red and itchy. I read somewhere that is because of the chemicals which wear off after a while..yuh right...they wear of on your face! I'm going to soak it in warm soapy water today and see if that helps. How are you doing?

Glad to hear I am not the only one having issues with this thingy.  I am able to wear it through most nights but it has taken me 2 1/2 weeks to be able to do so.  Saturday night I only lasted 45 minutes.  I, too, wake up gasping...as though I can't get a deep breath.  The respiratory therapist happened to call me this morning, and she thinks I might need the pressure increased!!!  YIKES!! I can hardly stand it like it is.  I think that I really don't need it either, but I will wear it, or try to, until I lose enough weight that I can go safely without it.  Not sure if this would help you guys or not, but my machine has a "ramp" feature which cuts the pressure in half for about 20 minutes while you are trying to fall asleep.  I've found that it's the only way I can fall asleep with it on.  Also, if I wake up gasping during the night, I hit the ramp button and it lowers the pressure until I fall back asleep.  If you have it on your machine, give it a try! I have the "nasal pillow" type mask which is interesting. I am able to keep my mouth closed most of the time, but they did send me a chin strap to help keep my mouth closed if I needed help.  (Makes me feel like I talk too much..haha) Guess I'll just keep trying...... good luck to all of you with your "apparatus"!   Come on surgery date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!