Please help me adjust to the Cpap machine

(deactivated member)
on 9/23/09 2:03 am
AuntBetta
on 9/23/09 10:14 am - Penns Grove, NJ
hey Jules...how are you? I was just wondering how you are doing on your cpap...I still fight with mine....but the nasal mask is way better than what they first gave me....I still wake up 10x a nite...but so far I managed 88 hours...I have to get those hours logged before surgery....I am confident I can do it. Hope you are adjusting as well....
keep in touch!
big hugs,
Betty
candyrnbwgirl
on 9/26/09 6:28 pm - Sealy, TX
1. Set maybe 30 minutes in front of TV or read a book with the mask prior to going to sleep, trust me it will help.
2. You have to remember this is therapy. All therapy takes time to get adjusted to, this one sometimes longer than expected.
3. Nasal pillows can be difficult depending on the pressure you are on, the higher the pressure the more uncomfortable it may be, if this is the case then maybe try using a nasal mask(the one that looks like a triangle and goes over your nose).
4. Being claustrophobic is normal for a lot new CPAP users. If this is you, just keep reminding yourself each time you wear it that this is therapy and in the long run it's going to be so much worth it cause you are getting such a better nights worth of sleep.

Good luck, from a concerned sleep tech!
*C*A*N*D*Y*

    
cicimom
on 9/27/09 7:25 am - KY
I am right there with you.  I just got a machine 2 days ago, to prepare for surgery.  Last night as I got into bed, I got right back out, and threw a sort of hissy fit..... I told my husband I'd rather not sleep at all, than wear that thing........
But, after I calmed down, I went back in for night two.  And, honestly, the beginning is the worst.  The man who fitted me told me that our brains fight it for the first few minutes.  The brain senses danger, and it makes us panic.  However, once the brain figures out that it is not hurting us, it allows us to relax.  I made it through night two last night, and am just making myself do it. 

I REALLY don't like it, but I REALLY want to have this surgery, and have been through so much, that I am NOT going to let a little machine stand in my way.  Just remember you are not alone, even in the middle of the night........

I think it will be worth it.

One thing that really makes a difference on the machine I have , is that it has a ramp button, where you can put it back to less pressure, any time it bothers you...... that is really helpful.

Hang in there ..... You know it will be worth it. 

I've heard from many people that it does get easier to sleep with.
dwpersel
on 10/3/09 7:28 am, edited 10/3/09 7:29 am - Fredericksburg, VA
Hello Jules D,

It took me over a month to adjust to wearing my CPAP with nasal pillows. I also have to use a chin strap or I open my mouth and breathe out of it. I placed moleskin on the nasal pillows portion of the silicone that rests on my upper lip as I could not stand the feel of the plastic on my upper lip. I also agree to take short naps with it on as well as lying down to read to acclimatize yourself to it. It is worth the effort.

Also note that I still need the CPAP ( DRAT!) in spite of my weight loss.

Hope this helps,

Diana

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