adjusting to CPAP

So I got my CPAP machine on Monday and started using it that night.  I know there will be an adjustment period but its a little frustrating.  Does anyone else feel like their face is swollen when they take it off?  It goes away pretty quickly, but I feel like the mask has to be so tight in order to stop air leaks.  Am I doing something wrong?  It is already a small mask.  Hahahaha, the only small I fit into right now.  I am also pretty sensitive to noise.  Not once I fall asleep, but while I am trying to sleep and my machine makes a wizzing noise that almost sounds like someone snoring a little.  It is the air passing through the tube and I know this, but its almost like there is a leak in the tube.  I just want to adjust to the machine quickly since my surgery is next week.  Dr. M wasn't thrilled that I was just getting the CPAP on Monday, he would have liked me to have it earlier, but there wasn't anything I could do about that.

Oh well, I am keeping it on more every night, so I guess that is a positive sign.  Hopefully, I will be able to keep it on all night by this weekend, at least that is my goal.  Four hours last night, so that is twice as long as Monday night!

Amanda

I don't have any experience with a CPAP but wanted to say that your dedication to getting it on & adjusting to it is amazing.

It does get better.  Just keep plugging along.  You are not doing anything wrong from what I have  read.

I have one and it will get easier, not sure what mask you have sounds like the full mask, ask them about The Breeze its a much better one and not so overwelming. I sleep better w/ it I could not do that  full face one. You can look it up online  uner The Breeze. Best wishes and hang in there.

Hey Amanda,

I know its frustrating during the adjustment period but the CPAP sincerely helps. Yes, I do remember feeling like my face was swollen, my sinuses were dry and just overall blah initially. After some time I did become more comfortable with it. The swelling could be coming from how tight you are making the mask. The 'noises' you are hearing are typical of what one sounds like. I do know now days there are different masks and nasal cannulas you can try. They fit in your nose (like receiving oxygen in the hospital) and straps go around your head. I found it more comfortable. You might want to call and ask for other options to help with comfort and adjustment. Stay determined! Keep us posted!

All best!

Thanks Everyone!!!!  I might look into other options online.  The doctor said I wasn't stuck with the one they started me on, but it was the only mask they showed me so I just went with it.  I just might be stuck with this one until after my surgery, don't know if there is time to switch it out, but it is something to look into.

Thanks again!!!
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

I got my CPAP machine on a Friday and had surgery that next Tuesday. I had a devil of a time adjusting to it and not much time before surgery to do so.

Some pointers that I found helped were I used silicone ear plugs, vaseline in my nostrils, put the CPAP machine on the floorand I ran the tubing up over and through my headboard and hold it with rubberbands so I don't have any tubing around my body. I also use the moisiture setting and most importantly I bought moleskin pads, by Wal-Mart or Scholls and cut it to fit the mask where it rests on my upper lip. The silicone mask nasal pillows made me feel as if I was suffocating and sweating at the same time. I also kept on sleeping more and more time with it gradually and also would sometimes just lie down awake with it on to acclimitize to it.

Hope this helps. Now I can't sleep well without it!

Diana

Thanks Diana,

I might have to try some of your tips.  I was considering ear plugs.  I am running the tubing through my headboard so fortunately I haven't gotten tangled in it yet.  Its sad but I think the mask is just too big for my face.  I don't feel like I have a small face either.  But it starts practically on my eyes and hits the top of my lips.  I might see if I can switch out to the breeze that was mentioned earlier.  It looks so much more comfortable, especially since I sleep on my side.

But thank you for all the suggestions!!!!
Amanda

great idea with the moleskin pads!  Wish I had thought of that.

Amanda, you are so good trying to adjust to that thing. You're doing great.