Just got BiPap machine today

I cannot believe that sleep is possible with that mask on! I feel like I am suffocating with it on. I tried the nose one but needed to try the nose and mouth one. I kept gasping for air with my mouth with just the nose covered.
This will be my first nite using it - hope it works!

I tried several times last nite but the alarm kept going off - I took it off and readjusted but it would always go off after about 10 minutes.
Will try again tonite.

Good Luck! I felt the same as you do when  I first got my cpap.  But I got  use to it real fast.  I can't wait to get rid of mine after surgery.

My surgery is 9/24 - I would love to get rid of the apnea after that! Thank you for the encouragment!

Hey there,

It takes some people up to a month or more to get used to the mask. You will do just fine!
I am a registered sleep tech so I deal with all kind of patients and problems. Once you get used to your full face mask (that's what we call the ones that cover your nose and mouth) you may be able to get a smaller nasal mask or nasal pillow mask which would be less mask on your face relieving some of the claustrophobia.
Hope you start to feel better!

Thank you so much for the encouragement. Last night I tried the nasal only mask and it was better - at least I fell asleep. But it started beeping during the night so i readjusted it but it kept beeping. I just took it off and will give it another try tonight. I wish there was a way to just silence the alarm permanently.
Thanks again!
Maggie

Oh that's great that you felt a little better after the nasal mask! Call your medical equipment company and ask them how to silence your alarm. The alarm is if your a leaking for a long period of time.

Hi hang in there ..i got my cpap machine a month ago ,i hate it!! i have the full face mask i am getting use to it, mine does not have alarm,  i lose suction in the middle of the nite and can hear air then i wake up re do my mask, you will find i think the full mask is better,what is the difference between cpap and bipap machine good luck on your surgery also,i am at the end of all the tests waiting for my date, takecare Deanna

Hello Deanna,

The CPAP is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The BiPAP- is the Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure.

CPAP- One continuous pressure
BIPAP- 2 different levels one on inhale and a different one on exhale.

Example: You may have a pressure of 8 on CPAP and the OP may have 8/4 on her BIPAP.

Thank you for that explanation - my levels are 16/14. It starts out nice and easy and then goes up to those levels. With the full face mask thats when the buzzer went off - with the nose one I think it goes longer before it buzzes.
I am going to try again tonite to use it all nite long.
Maggie