Hi all...newbie here...I have had my CPAP for several months now and have yet slept with it. If i havent fallen asleep in an hour I take the mask off and go to sleep. I have just ignored it.(for months) When I take my sleeping pills to try and get used to it I wake up in the morning with the mask on the floor and the machine still running. I have no idea when I took it off. The mask really bothers me and I can't get comfortable. I think a different mask might help. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time.
Help! I am soooo tired!
I don't know about the mask question (cuz that seems to be a personal preference), but I do know one thing...
You have to be persistent. Tell yourself you WILL do this EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Once you stick with it, you'll discover little problems that you'll need to address. But it should get easier as you go along.
Trust me, I know this from experience. And last night I had my very first full night on the machine. Six hours straight! Probably more 'real' sleep than I've had in many years.
You need to do this for yourself. I could literally be a matter of life and death!
Good luck. And stick with this board. I've found so much helpful info here.
You have to be persistent. Tell yourself you WILL do this EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Once you stick with it, you'll discover little problems that you'll need to address. But it should get easier as you go along.
Trust me, I know this from experience. And last night I had my very first full night on the machine. Six hours straight! Probably more 'real' sleep than I've had in many years.
You need to do this for yourself. I could literally be a matter of life and death!
Good luck. And stick with this board. I've found so much helpful info here.
Re: Help! I am soooo tired!
[quote="honeydew"]Hi all...newbie here...I have had my CPAP for several months now and have yet slept with it. If i havent fallen asleep in an hour I take the mask off and go to sleep. I have just ignored it.(for months) When I take my sleeping pills to try and get used to it I wake up in the morning with the mask on the floor and the machine still running. I have no idea when I took it off. The mask really bothers me and I can't get comfortable. I think a different mask might help. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time.
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| Additional Comments: I also have a Swift Nasal Mask! | ||||
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Guest
thank you
Thank you for all your help...I feel at home here....I guess my main problem is that I am a tummy sleeper and the mask just won't work for that...I use ComfortGel Mask with Headgear...It itches my nose, feels like its loose on my head...I had to get the small nose piece instead of the petite and that makes it hang over my upper lip....I am just a miserable case I also have restless leg syndrome which will stop if I use the mask...soooo enough of my sorry story.....I am thankful for all of you...may God Bless
Just a beginning
Just about anything is more comfortable than a comfortgel mask, according to MOST people.
Yes, you do need to try some different interfaces. Maybe one of the classics like the Activa, or Swift, or Breeze. Or for a stomach sleeper, maybe even a Nasalaire II if you are lucky to exactly fit one of their finicky sizes.
Some of the new offerings might be a good thing to try too, although I don't have experience with them.
CPAP will NOT make RLS go away, from what I understand. I am taking Gabapentin (or something that sounds like that) to control my RLS in ADDITION to the CPAP.
Persistence pays off with CPAP. Keep trying it and read through old posts for tons of hints on how to make it work.
Yes, you do need to try some different interfaces. Maybe one of the classics like the Activa, or Swift, or Breeze. Or for a stomach sleeper, maybe even a Nasalaire II if you are lucky to exactly fit one of their finicky sizes.
Some of the new offerings might be a good thing to try too, although I don't have experience with them.
CPAP will NOT make RLS go away, from what I understand. I am taking Gabapentin (or something that sounds like that) to control my RLS in ADDITION to the CPAP.
Persistence pays off with CPAP. Keep trying it and read through old posts for tons of hints on how to make it work.
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
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honeydewNM
Thanks!
I called mt RT on Friday to check out some new masks...Now I have to wait for a prescript before I can go look...so much time wasted...I start out on my tummy and then move back and forth to my right side...I think maybe a nasal mask would be better....I woke up the last couple of days with an awful sore throat...I am not sure if its from my hubby or from my empty humidfier...lol...I am going to find my sleep report to ask some questions about the results...they sent me back to my doc and he didnt know anything....Hope everyone rests.....thanks for all your help
I was strictly a stomach sleeper before being diagnosed. I dreaded the tests when I knew I would have to lay on my back. After some perserverence, I am now a back and sometimes side sleeper. I rarely end up on my stomach. Its interesting as now I have less body aches. Give your back a tray too if you want. If not, good luck finding a new mask.
I also started with the ComfortGel. It was not that bad, but I just could not stand nasal mask. I then switched to nasal pillow (Breeze) and found it so much more comfortable (less intrusive). I am also a stomach sleeper and Breeze works fine for me. I also got Flouase for my nasal congestion and it has cleared my nose completely.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
I don't do mornings !!!
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jennie_len
ARG!
I am suprised to find this forum, and see that other people are experiencing the exact same things I am with the CPAP. I am newly diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and I *just* began using the mask (had it for about 2 weeks). I have the comfortgel with head gear and chin strap. It is awful. I hate it. I have not slept a single night since I began using it, and it is already taking a toll on me...
I have tried to sleep with it every single night since I got it. I am trying so hard not to complain about it, but it makes my face hurt sooo much and I am waking up at least once an hour every hour of the night. I have woken up with it on the floor many times as well.
It is uncomfortable, no matter how I adjust it...no matter how I lay down. And I get extremely claustrophobic....I practically panic with it on. I have a lot of hair that gets stuck in it, my skin always has lasting marks on it, and now I am getting a bump on the bridge of my nose where the top rests! UGH!
I thought I was bad in the mornings before....wow, now I can barely even get enough energy to come into work, period. I can't drive I am so sleepy during the day, and I am gaining weight due to the daily inactivity. I have spoken to the dr. office, and they want me to just keep trying with this one...but....it isn't getting better....
What do I do???
I have tried to sleep with it every single night since I got it. I am trying so hard not to complain about it, but it makes my face hurt sooo much and I am waking up at least once an hour every hour of the night. I have woken up with it on the floor many times as well.
It is uncomfortable, no matter how I adjust it...no matter how I lay down. And I get extremely claustrophobic....I practically panic with it on. I have a lot of hair that gets stuck in it, my skin always has lasting marks on it, and now I am getting a bump on the bridge of my nose where the top rests! UGH!
I thought I was bad in the mornings before....wow, now I can barely even get enough energy to come into work, period. I can't drive I am so sleepy during the day, and I am gaining weight due to the daily inactivity. I have spoken to the dr. office, and they want me to just keep trying with this one...but....it isn't getting better....
What do I do???
You can do a search on the forum for your mask and fixes for it. It may just need tweaking.
For the marks on your face from the straps, go to http://www.padacheek.com or PM PADACHEEK (Karen), she is a forum member and makes covers for the straps that keep you from getting all those marks.
Brenda
For the marks on your face from the straps, go to http://www.padacheek.com or PM PADACHEEK (Karen), she is a forum member and makes covers for the straps that keep you from getting all those marks.
Brenda
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| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5 |
Lovin' my Breeze Nasal Pillow Mask
I'm so sorry you'te having trouble with the masks but welcome to CPAP. I think we all have tried several of masks before settling in on one that we like. I personally have used 5 and finally got a Breeze Nasal Pillow mask and really like it. I also use the diffuser with the oils and that is nice also.
Please be patient with the mask thing. I realize that it is expensive to try different masks but you insurance might cover it( not sure about that) or a really good way to try different masks is to trade masks with others on this forum or purchase the slightly used ones at approximately half the price.
Make sure you research the size carefully and think about whether you are a side sleeper or not and if the mask you are purchasing will work for a side sleeper. Best of luck to you ank keep us informed of your progress.
Victoria
Please be patient with the mask thing. I realize that it is expensive to try different masks but you insurance might cover it( not sure about that) or a really good way to try different masks is to trade masks with others on this forum or purchase the slightly used ones at approximately half the price.
Make sure you research the size carefully and think about whether you are a side sleeper or not and if the mask you are purchasing will work for a side sleeper. Best of luck to you ank keep us informed of your progress.
Victoria
Jennie,
I would say you need to stay on the Dr if that is who is providing the mask or your DME. It is true that the squeaky wheel gets oiled. You need to try a different mask. If you read the various posts on this forum you will see that the quest for the right mask is not always an easy one. Keep trying. It will get better.
I have only used cpap for about 6 weeks now. Had problems with my first mask leaking into my eyes. Now I have an activa which I do like but wish it wasn't so heavy. Think I am going to try the pillows in June when my insurance will pay for another mask.
Sam
I would say you need to stay on the Dr if that is who is providing the mask or your DME. It is true that the squeaky wheel gets oiled. You need to try a different mask. If you read the various posts on this forum you will see that the quest for the right mask is not always an easy one. Keep trying. It will get better.
I have only used cpap for about 6 weeks now. Had problems with my first mask leaking into my eyes. Now I have an activa which I do like but wish it wasn't so heavy. Think I am going to try the pillows in June when my insurance will pay for another mask.
Sam
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jennie_len
wow...
I am amazed at the amount of response and support on here. I mean, wow! Thanks for the suggestions...
I am all about getting in touch with my Dr. and the equipment specialist, but my main deterant is money. I survive paycheck to paycheck and I already had to purchase a new mask the 2nd day I was trying it, because my 4 month old puppy chewed it up. So, I am thinking I just may have to deal with either this mask or not at all for some time....
I am going to keep looking on this site for more ideas and suggestions. Great message board!!! You guys rock!
I am all about getting in touch with my Dr. and the equipment specialist, but my main deterant is money. I survive paycheck to paycheck and I already had to purchase a new mask the 2nd day I was trying it, because my 4 month old puppy chewed it up. So, I am thinking I just may have to deal with either this mask or not at all for some time....
I am going to keep looking on this site for more ideas and suggestions. Great message board!!! You guys rock!
Re: ARG!
Hi jennie_len, I haven't been doing this much longer than you, not quite four weeks now. I hate it too, but I feel like I'm adjusting. I have only taken it off in my sleep one time (so far at least). I think we have the same mask. It didn't feel like I slept very good for the first few weeks either, but its gotten better. As far as the marks, one thing I found is that I didn't need the straps as tight as I thought. I loosened them up a couple of nights and still feel like the mask is sealing. That helped some but the best thing I've done for that and some other problems has been trying to always sleep on my back...something I never did before. I don't feel like I'm opening my mouth as often and I don't seem to have any marks from the mask when I sleep on my back.
Do you have trouble falling asleep feeling this all strapped on? I have been taking a couple of Tylenol PM an hour or so before I go to bed and I think that has helped me to go to sleep. If the pressure of the air is bothering you, do you have the ramp feature on your machine? I like using it. I also have the C-flex which makes it easier to exhale. I could tell a difference from both of those features between my machine and the one at the sleep study.
I hope you find something that helps, but the best thing is that you keep on trying.
Do you have trouble falling asleep feeling this all strapped on? I have been taking a couple of Tylenol PM an hour or so before I go to bed and I think that has helped me to go to sleep. If the pressure of the air is bothering you, do you have the ramp feature on your machine? I like using it. I also have the C-flex which makes it easier to exhale. I could tell a difference from both of those features between my machine and the one at the sleep study.
I hope you find something that helps, but the best thing is that you keep on trying.
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sharon1965
- Posts: 1232
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 4:59 pm
- Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
hi there
it sounds like you are really struggling...lots of people on here know how you feel, and definitely sympathize with you...
the mask is very important, at least in my limited experience...i've been on cpap for 3 months now, and i'm actually a little taken aback to say that, it certainly went by quickly! i went through 5 masks in 8 weeks and have settled quite well on the comfortlite2 direct seal nasal pillow--there are no straps on your face, everything is oriented to the forehead...i don't sleep on my tummy though (my chiropractor says that's the worst possible sleep position); i used to sleep mainly on my back but the sleep doc said to stop that so here i am switching from side to side through the night....i've just ordered a Twilight NP (aura), and am looking forward to trying that--many of the forum members who use that one are stomach sleepers...are you not able to try masks and return them to your supplier? i understand that $$ is an issue--there are often people on this forum willing to sell or trade masks that don't work for them...also, the 'padacheek' suggestion made earlier is a great one, they have made a big difference for lots of people...there are many ways you can try to make this experience less uncomfortable...and have you searched the cpap.com site for other mask options?
hope you are able to find some comfort here
sharon1965
it sounds like you are really struggling...lots of people on here know how you feel, and definitely sympathize with you...
the mask is very important, at least in my limited experience...i've been on cpap for 3 months now, and i'm actually a little taken aback to say that, it certainly went by quickly! i went through 5 masks in 8 weeks and have settled quite well on the comfortlite2 direct seal nasal pillow--there are no straps on your face, everything is oriented to the forehead...i don't sleep on my tummy though (my chiropractor says that's the worst possible sleep position); i used to sleep mainly on my back but the sleep doc said to stop that so here i am switching from side to side through the night....i've just ordered a Twilight NP (aura), and am looking forward to trying that--many of the forum members who use that one are stomach sleepers...are you not able to try masks and return them to your supplier? i understand that $$ is an issue--there are often people on this forum willing to sell or trade masks that don't work for them...also, the 'padacheek' suggestion made earlier is a great one, they have made a big difference for lots of people...there are many ways you can try to make this experience less uncomfortable...and have you searched the cpap.com site for other mask options?
hope you are able to find some comfort here
sharon1965
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got...