Did you feel like you were breathing faster with CPAP or panicky???

Picked up my CPAP today. I can't decide if I like the nose pillows or the mask better. Either way I know I will get used to it, I played around with it when I got it home. I felt like I was breathing at my normal pace, like I was breathing faster. I also feel kind of panicky at times with it on. My pressure is set to 8 but it has the ramp up feature so it starts at 4 if I want it too. Did any of you feel these feelings when you first started using it? Jenifer

Jen... There are 3 basic types of CPAP experiences..the first...you get the machine and instantly you cant live with out it....the second...you hate it, tried it and tossed the mask against the wall...and the third, which is the majority of people...gradually ramp up their usage. For years you never slept with with anything strapped to your face...it will take time. If you are still having comfort issues, talk to your sleep lab/homecare provider and ask them to offer more option for you to increase your compliance. I hope this helped. E.C. Frost, RRT isnsleep.com

Hi Edwin. Thank you for both your response on here and on the main board. It is good to hear that my experience is a normal reaction. I have the REMstar M Series so I don't know if it has Cflex or not (as you suggested on the main board) but I will check. If it doesn't I will be calling my DME to see about getting one that does. Thanks again. Jenifer

When I first got mine I would feel a little closraphobic (sp?) on the ramp up so I had it set to go right to full power. Some people don't like that but it worked better for me. It took me about 4 weeks to really get comfortable sleeping with the mask but now I can't sleep without it. We lost electricity the other night and I was up all night. I get panicky without it now.