Question:
pre op C PAPs question

I have been getting hot flashes at night while sleeping, not uncommon at 49, but with the c paps mask and the heat, I wakeup in a panic. I respond by ripping the mask off, I have finished all prerequisites for surgery, waiting on the date and trying to get all my hours in with the c paps. I can only wear the mask till the first flash occures after that the unnatural panic won't let me put the mask on again. Anyone else have this. I am not a nervous person, this is very unusal for me. My surgeon's assistant has never hady anyone with this before.    — rekline9w (posted on November 29, 2007)

November 28, 2007
Absolutely, I've had these same panic attacks with the c-pap mask. See if your insurance company will cover the mask that has the "nose plug" that go up your nose. These are not at all uncomfortable and you do not have a mask covering your whole face. Even if the insurance company won't cover it, the cost of approximately $150 is well worth the price. Good luck.
   — memom

November 28, 2007
I wore a CPAP mask for 9 years. On hot nights it was uncomfortable some times. Your "unnatural panic" may be anxiety prior to surgery. I take anti anxiety medication, and have for several years. I normally do not have any anxiety problems, but recently I noted some faint feelings. I have some slight anxiety currently, but that is due to a very slow pulse (40-44) and I'm going to the doctor today to get a Holter Monitor to chart my heart activity for the next week or so. The slow pulse has caused me to faint two weeks ago, and I'm guessing the anxiety is over the fear of that happening again. Your anxiety may be fear of your impending surgery. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

November 29, 2007
Sure have had the same problem. (By the way I have been on an antidepressant for several years). I changed my head gear to the respironics head gear. If the insurance won't pay you can order one from the C-papman.com. It has two different nose pieces. You get both and you will need both. One is a nasal plug and the other fits over the nose (to use when your nose gets a little sore). It happens, but mostly it is very comfortable. Well worth the money. Good luck, Pat
   — pjennjr

November 29, 2007
I don't use a CPap, but I think I have an idea of some of what you are going through. I am 47 and also have hot flashes and some things that support menopause. I was recently tested and found to be in full menopause. Sometimes I feel like I have an anxiety attack, except I am not anxious. Here is my suggestion for you. Exercise. Exercise is supposed to be a natural deterrant for hot flashes, and if you can control them with exercise, you should be able to use your Cpap and get through the night. If not, you are just gonna have to put up with this until you have surgery and lose enough weight to get passed the machine. What you have is a menopause problem I think, and there is no easy answer, but exercise may be your key. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

November 29, 2007
I don't wear CPAP but have noticed with hot flashes, especially those that come on at night, that there is a marked feeling of panic or anxiety just before the flash hits. We were discussing it at work and several of my coworkers reported the same feeling. I wake up with an "Oh my God" feeling something bad is happening or about to happen, and then I get a flash. I wonder if this is related to what you are experiencing! Good luck with everything. Joy S
   — Joyous

November 29, 2007
I agree with the others--the nasal pillows are the best. I do not use C-PAP any longer due to weight loss but did for approx. 10 years. I know the masks are hot, uncomfortable and being a side sleeper, they gap and air leaked. I switched to the nasal pillows and it worked wonderfully. Insurance has always paid for mine. It may be the way they are billed. Julia
   — Julia W.

December 2, 2007
I have gotten those panic attacks at night with the C-PAP mask, but my problem was that I inadvertently ran out of my anti-anxiety medication of Effexor XR. This just happned last night and the last time was 5 years ago. I also jump with witih a start and rip the mask off, but I don't know abut a flash? I was going to suggest you go on an anti-anxiety med for this problem if it happens often enough. I ended up sleeping without the mask just for last night and I picked up some Effexor today and will see if that helps. I tried to take a nap this afternoon and I couldn't fall asleep. I still think I am a bit in anxiety (haven't had effexor for 4 days). Ijust took my second one today. Good luck.
   — KRWaters

December 3, 2007
I wear a cpap too, am 47 years old. Have not yet had surgery. I have always used the nasal pillow type of mask because I am a bit claustrophobic and I knew it would be the only way I could handle a mask. I also take a small dose of anti-anxiety medicine. I know that also helped my mother who had a lot of anxiety with her machine and would not be able to put her mask back on after her first nightly wake up to use the bathroom. It sounds like everyone who answered sort of has the same advice!! New mask and maybe an anti anxiety for a short time. Good luck with your surgery! You might be off that cpap before you know it! Oh, and usually insurance will let you get a new mask every 6 months.
   — Nanci H.