Wow....it is like reading my own post! I am extremely claustraphobic also and I know that I would never keep a mask on! I had the nasal aire II at the sleep center but they didn't seal well. When they brought my cpap machine my respitory thearapist suggested another type which is made by ResMed and called Swift Mirage. They are also nasal pillows but the thing rests on your upper lip. You can adjust the tube anyway you like it. Mine is down and connected to the tube from the humidifier. I tuck it under my arm when I go to sleep. It has head gear but nothing around my face! I have had my cpap machine since Jan. 7th and now I can pretty much sleep through the night and my sheets are still on my bed when I wake up! My humidifier is filled everyday. And I increased my setting to 4 I sleep much better with it boosted up! I think the thing that has helped me the most is a routine. Turn on my humidifier....brush teeth.....whatever works for you....read a book....but I do the same thing every night. I don't even think about NOT wearing it. If it bothers me during the night I turn it off and forget it. I think anything is better than nothing! I hope this helps a little. Sue

I have problem with the CPAP too.. Haven't worn it in a while. I go today to see a new doc regarding this. On a side note.. Kingston?? Cool! I grew up in Marlette.

Hi I've been on CPAP for 8 years. I can attest to the fact that it takes some time to get used to. Maybe up to six months. When I started out I wore the mask for the first hour every night for about 2 months. That gradually increased overtime. Now I panic if I don't have it. Hang in there Warren

hi all, just found this board!! I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and fitted for a cpap. My setting is 9 (not very strong from what I hear). During my fitting, I was only offered a full mask, and a smaller partial mask that only covers the nose. I am extrememly claustraphobic - and these didn't work for me!! I have to be "compliant" with all medically necessary things in order to get approval for WLS - which is the goal here!!! I got on line and started researching my options. I found the nasal aire II was the smallest and lest invasive option for me. I then called all around to find a medical supply co. in my area that carried it. I've had my cpap now for three weeks. I thought this would be my answer. And although it is 100 times better then the mask.... I still find myself waking up in a total panic, yanking the thing off my face. I'm breathing WAY too much and too fast with it on. My water tank is supposed to hold enough water for three days....I'm only getting through one night and it needs to be filled. I'm sleeping WORSE with this darn thing then before I was diagnosed. ANY SUGGESTIONS???

I'm pre-op, and I've been noticing lots of fluid retention since I started using my CPAP machine. I used to retain fluid during the day, but it would be gone when I woke up in the morning, now my fluid retention seems to be worse at night. I've read both in posts here and in research posted on the Internet that most people see weight loss and less fluid retention once they begin using the CPAP. Is anyone else experiencing this? I cut alcohol completely out a few months ago, I've reduced my sodium intake, increased my water intake, increased my movement as much as possible, and I elevate my legs at night, but nothing seems to help. I'm finally at the point that I've made an appointment with my PCP to get some tests run. As for sleeping with my CPAP...I've never slept better. I've gotten over taking off my mask in my sleep. I do still wake up a couple of times a night, but I go right back to sleep. I'm wondering if I need to increase the airflow setting. Right now I'm at 10. Any thoughts??? Any ideas or words of encouragement would be great!