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does anyone have any tips for someone just starting out on CPAP treatment for sleep apnea?
It really does take time to get used to it. You have to keep your mouth closed and breathe in and out through your nose. Don’t try to force yourself to sleep through the entire night the first few nights if you can’t. Use it for as long as you can the first few nights as you get used to it. If you force it, you will not be relaxed about it.
It took me a few weeks to really get used to it. I would wake up without it on and wonder how that happened (it wasn’t just a little out of position – I had ripped it clear off my head). After awhile I didn’t want to sleep without it because I was sleeping SO much better. If you’re using the nose pillows, try the different sizes to get the best fit for you. If it’s too big, it will drive you crazy.
I’ve been using mine for over 2 years now, and it’s a little annoying once in awhile, but it’s worth it to be able to function during the day. I hope it helps – OSA can have serious health ramifications.
Make sure you get the correct mask for you. I had to fight my doctor and actually change doctors to get a full face mask since my nose would get to congested. You may want to start by sitting in a recliner or on your couch in the begining for an hour or two breathing with the mask. I know someone who bought a recliner for his room, and slept in the recliner for a few months until he could et used to the mask and the machine. Also play around with the humidifyer settings to get the most comfortable for you. If you don’t have one with a humidifyer, get one.
They really can help can’t they. I have had mine for about 3 years. One thing, assume you will have to replace the mask every 18-24 months. They do start to fall apart sooner or later.
ronsr try using a Neti Pot it just might work.
You should be replacing your mask and tubing every 3-6 months. Check what your insurance will pay for. I have found that they generally pay new ones somewhere in that range.
I’ve been using a CPAP machine for about 5 years. It makes a tremendous difference. the most important thing is being comfortable with the mask. if you don’t like the ‘full’ face mask, you can get a nasal pillow mask. i find it (and so does my wife) much more comfortable,. you don’t look like a monster when your sleeping. don’t become discouraged quickly. once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. without the mask i don’t sleep for more then an hour without waking up. with the mask, i can sleep six hours straight! i even have my CPAP machine on a Shabbos clock!
hatzlachah rabba!
ronrsr – Are you using a face mask or a nasal mask or something else?
I can’t seem to get used to the nasal pillow mask. It is still uncomfortable. It just feels too big and it presses on my nostrils. It doesn’t come with smaller pillows.
aries and Ron – IMO, I would tell you to get the nasal mask. I can’t really say it’s more comfortable because I never tried any mask myself because I’m not on CPAP. But from puting it on patients, I got the impression it’s comfortable.
A ResMed machine with humidifier and the smallest mask they have. But the pillows although they are soft are irritating because they are still too big for me and they have it set at 7 lbs of pressure. So the force of it hurts so I am not sure if that wakes me up or I happen to wake up and notice that it is bothering me so I take it off.
Nasal Pillow masks for Res Med come with three size pillows!i had the face mask, but i could not get comfortable. the nasal pillow is much less obtrusive.if the force hurts, then your head gear is too tight!
By far the best, and most well made nasal pillows are the mirage swift line. Now, nasal pillows are not for everyone. The headgear has a tendency to slip off during the night. I personally think the swift FX is the most comfortable.
Now, If the pillows are too big (even the small size) ask for the Swift LT for Her. It comes with XSmall size pillows. And those pillows will fit the male swift LT headgear.
Ron, the Quattro is a great full face mask. Among the full faces, its by far the easiest to deal with.You may have been perscribed a F/F mask because the sleep techs noticed that you are a mouth breather. Now, most mouth breathing in the presence of sleep apnea is due to the gasping reflex. It can resolve over time with the correction of the sleep apnea. Sometimes it does not self correct, then a F/F mask is in order.
Here are some tips to get used to your F/F mask.
1)Wear your cpap during the day for 20 min at a time, gradually increasing the time you wear it each day. Yes, simple desensitization techniques!!
2) If you wake during the night, and find it off of you, force yourself to put it back on.
3) If you cannot force yourself to put it back on, get out of bed and do something else. You will soon be tired enough that after donning the mask, you will fall asleep quickly.
4)Clean your mask every morning with mild soap and water and let air dry. nothing is a gross as a dirty facial oiled mask.
5) Use adequate humidification. If your machine has the option, let it warm up the water first. Recent studies of machines show that it can take up to an hour for it to reach your desired humidity level.
I hope this was helpful. PS, just so the public is aware, Resmed and respironics have a deal with DME companies that will allow you to return a mask within a month or so if its not working out. But its important to remember that you must must must! give your body a chance to acclimate to the mask.
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