Question:
How can I get used to my Cpap machine?
Hi everyone: I went on the info-library and couldn't find an answer to my question. I just got my c-pap machine and was wondering how long it takes to get used to it and be able to wear it all night? It feels so claustrophobic! Is it just me or has anyone else felt this way? Thanks a bunch for the info. — [Anonymous] (posted on March 17, 2001)
March 17, 2001
My machine has four settings-full,5min delay, 10 min delay, and 20 min
delay which helped me get use to it. After a week of delays, I'm getting
the hang of it.
— Brian G.
March 17, 2001
Mine had a "ramp" feature, which gradually increased the pressure
til it reached the full amount after about ten minutes, or more. That
helped me get used to it. I thought I would NEVER be able to sleep using
it; WRONG!! I adjusted fairly quickly, I think your body begins to crave
that real sleep for a change. I really reveled in sleeping well for about
six months! I would actually sleep for eight or nine hours a night. Unheard
of for me! I came to LOVE going to bed. By the way, I didn't need my c-pap
after about 2 or 3 weeks post op. It was pretty easy to re-adjust to
sleeping withOUT it, too.
— Kathy W.
March 17, 2001
I have had my C-Pap since November and still haven't gotten used to it. I
end up taking it off during the night subconsciously. I too have the delay
feature but I end up with headaches and my jaw hurts from grinding my
teeth, something I never did before. I don't mean to sound pessimistic and
hope that you have better luck than I have. I just am lookibng forward to
NEVER having to use it again. I do plan on getting another mask though and
I hope that it will help!
— Happy B.
March 17, 2001
Adjusting to using a CPAP is an individual thing. Just don't give up
trying. One thing I would suggest is be sure that your mask is comfortable.
That is half the battle to getting used to the CPAP. I was fortunate. I
adjsted to it right away and have used mine every night for the last year
and a half. Oh, and just a side note, obesity contributes to Sleep Apnea,
but weight loss alone does not "cure" it. I plan on having other
sleep studies done as I lose weight
— Pamela B.
March 17, 2001
I have had my Cpap for about 5 weeks now. I have kept it on for most of the
night since the first. The only problem I had was trying to use the delay;
it make me feel sufficated. So now I turn it one full blast and drift on to
snooze land. I can't say how much better I feel now since I have it, I no
longer have that morning hour long zombie mode, where it took me an hour to
wake up. I also can't believe how much the pain in my knee has improved.
<br> Good luck and keep trying ever night.
— Cindy S.
March 17, 2001
Boy can I relate! I got mine last Wednesday and haven't been able to fall
asleep with it on yet. I end up coughing and getting dry mouth so I
constantly have to take it off to drink water. Then I have to turn on the
light to get the darn thing back on straight. The claustrophobia problem
is a pain for me too. Hope we can both hang in there and finally reach
lalaland!
— Mary H.
March 17, 2001
I never use the delay on my c-pap. I have not slept a night without it
since I got it a year ago last October. The key is getting the mask
adjusted properly. Once it warms up on your face you can just touch it
lightly here and there and get it fitted snuggly. Sometimes at first I do
feel confined. When that happens I let a little air escape for a minute or
so then I can readjust the mask and go to sleep. Good luck with yours!
— Pam K.
March 17, 2001
Two reasons I didn't have any problem adjusting were 1) I found the
"white" noise soothing and 2) it stopped snoring completely and
allowed my husband to come back up from the downstairs sofa bed! Don't
fight it. I've been wearing it for 6 years, and have trouble falling
asleep WITHOUT putting it on. But sure can't wait to try not having to need
wearing it.
— danirat
March 18, 2001
When I first starting using CPAP, I used a mask. I tried for a month but I
couldn't used to it. I sleep on my side and the mask was rubbing the side
of my nose making it very sore. I switched to nose pillows and all is much
better! They fit directly on to nostrils and don't get in the way like the
mask did.
— Randy L.
March 18, 2001
If you can't get used to the CPAP, even by using the ramp feature,
as your respirologist if you can try nasal pillows. They fit in your
nose
rather than on your face. I use the mask myself, as I'm used to it, but
you're right about the grinding of the teeth though!
Also, e-groups (yahoo now?) has a cpap support mail group that I found
helpful back when I had lots of questions.
— defatbroad
March 18, 2001
Iuse the twenty minute ramp setting on my CPAP and mine has the nasal
pillows instead of the mask. During my sleep study I had a panic attack
using the mask, so we went straight to the pillows. The CPAP gave me such
good rest that I really didn't have much problem getting used to it.
During the winter I do have problems with dry mouth. I use a humidifier in
the bedroom and keep a bottle of water handy. I also use "Ocean"
saline nasal spray before bed.
— Nanette T.
March 18, 2001
I had all the prombles but changed from mask to nasal pillows and can sleep
much better! Ask your c~pap salesperson.
— [Anonymous]
Click Here to Return