Fellow CPAP users

OK, I got my CPAP machine a little over a montha go. I fall asleep pretty quickly with it, but I still find it hard to get used to sleeping with the headgear and the mask on. Did or does anyone else find that it took them a while to adjust to it? I sleep well with it, but I do wake up sometimes because it feels weird on my face. Anyone else want to share theor input? Thanks, Shelley

Hi Shelley, I guess we got our CPAP machines just about the same time. I fall asleep with mine, at 4.0, and over a ramp-up period of 30 minutes, it gets up to 11.0 . At this point, it sometimes leaks and makes a funny wheezing noise & it sounds so goofy, I wanna rip it off my face. However, I try to tighten the straps, and get re-situated, and re-fluff my pillows, etc. My husband wakes up earlier than me, usually by an hour or two. Often, I wake up at 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. and cannot go back to sleep with my CPAP, so I take it off and fall back to sleep for an hour or two. I know there are benefits to wearing it, and I will wear it every night, but I have not mastered it either. Good Luck to both of us, LOL ! ~ Kym

Hi Shelley, I have had my CPAP for about 5 years now. When I first got it, I hated it. I would gag and try to catch my breath. I thought the sleep techs at the Elliot were out of their mind asking me to wear that mask all night long. Well, it didn't take too long before my CPAP became my best night time friend. I bring it everywhere, even if I am camping. You will get used to it. The type of mask is very important too. I have tried the nasal type, but I woke with hurting nostrils and a bloody nose. My favorite mask is the Ultra Mirage. It fits best and has minimal leeks. Yes, I still get leeks even 5 years later, but you get used to it. I am so hoping to have the lap band surgery so I may finally one day say goodbye to my old friend. But I have heard of cases where some skinny people use them. Stick with it. If you're really really not happy with your mask, ask them to exchange it. Be careful of LineCare (I don't recall how they spell it) they tried to give me a used mask 2 times. Ask for a factory sealed bag. I think what they do is if someone wasn't comfortable with theirs, they just stick back in the bag and sell it to someone else. Well, that's just one thing I don't care to share with a stranger. Linecare are very nice people and very friendly, its just they need to be more aware of these used masks.

Thank you both for your input about CPAP usage. Kym, it is good to know that I am not the only one struggling here. I too have a pressure of 11.0 when it is at its highest. I was ramping when I first turned it on to go to sleep, but I have adjusted to just letting it start off on 11 and falling asleep. I use mine every night and I think I would be lost without it now. I was worried at first about what people would think if they saw me with my mask on and stuff, but I don't care at this point cause it keeps my airway open and mew breathing at night. It will get better soon. Shelley

Hi, Shelley, I've been using a CPAP machine for about 3 years. It really felt claustrophobic at first but now if I try to sleep without using it I can really tell the difference. I used to ramp up to 10 because the air pressure felt too intense at the beginning but now I just put it on regular pressure right away. I still hate the fact that I don't exactly look like a sex kitten with my mask on but I guess I sounded a lot worse without it. I use a gel mask which is great, and was told by the technician from Keene Medical that it was OK to put a drop of lavender oil in the water, which works great to help me fall asleep. Be careful of the staff at Keene Medical - the people at the store try to look like heroes by chopping off all this money off your bill because they are so sure that insurance will pick up the rest, but their billing department always seems to come around (18 months after the purchasing new tubing and a new mask, in this instance) trying to collect more money. I long for the day when I may be able to kiss the thing goodbye, but that's still in the future. Good luck, Shelley. Smiles, Anne