Hello, everyone. I just got my C-PAP two days ago, and I'm having a really hard time adjusting. The first night I couldn't even wear it.....I felt like there was a hurricane blowing in my face. I put it on twice, but had to take it off after only a minute or so because I felt like I was suffocating, even though all the air was blowing in my face.
Last night, I did better. However, every time I would almost doze off to sleep, my mask would leak and it would wake me up. I don't know if I ever fell completely asleep. After about 3 hours, I gave up on it and slept the rest of the night without it. Needless to say, I DID NOT have a good night's sleep (as if I ever do, but this was worse).
The mask is SO UNCOMFORTABLE! Is there any way to make it better? I have a full-face mask, because when they tried the nasal mask on me at the sleep center, I couldn't tolerate it at all. I felt like I was suffocating every time I opened my mouth.
I went to WalMart tonight and bought some polyester "foam" and cut a piece to fit around the mask to see if that stops the leaks. But, I don't know how comfortable it will be. The "foam" is rather scratchy. But, the mask is so hard and uncomfortable and just doesn't seem to fit my face correctly! They told me it's the smallest one they have. PLEASE HELP!
I am SO READY for a good night's sleep. I haven't slept well in YEARS, and as a result, my fibromyalgia is getting much, much worse and my blood pressure is beginning to get high (it's always been low). My whole body hurts so much - I feel like I've been run over by a ten-ton truck every morning! I'm only 55, but I feel like an OLD LADY! My mother died at 95 and she didn't have a tenth of the health problems I'm having at 55! I snore so badly that my husband moved to his own bedroom months ago.
I surely don't relish the idea of having to sleep with this THING (machine - not my husband!) every night for the rest of my life! However, if it will help me to feel better, I'm willing. But, it's GOT to get BETTER than this!
The technician that set up my machine said she's going to have my doctor prescribe me a B-PAP. She thinks that will be better for me. Will that make it easier to adjust? What about the mask problem?
I would appreciate some feedback....anything to make me feel better about my "new life"!
Blessings.
New C-PAP User
9 posts
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Janelle
Welcome to the Forum, Texas Gal, lots of us Texans here.
As far as the B-Pap, that's another term for a BiPap, which means bi-level. The pressure is at your set number on inhale but is lowered automatically for exhale. If your Dr. or RT will let you, ask for a Remstar Auto CPAP with CFlex. The CFlex is a lot like the Bi-PAP but it has 3 levels of exhale resistance and most people find it much more comfortable than a regular CPAP. The Auto part means that the machine will automatically figure out exactly how much pressure you need to maintain an open airway. Too much pressure can be bad for central apneas, and why have more pressure when you might not need it. It will also eliminate the need for future titration sleep studies, as it always gives you the pressure you need.
Don't let the DME tell you that insurance won't pay for it, they will. It does cost more but you can really get a lot of benefit from it and it could mean the difference between your complying and not complying, between, actually, life and death. Another benefit of the Remstar Auto with CFlex is you can adjust it to straight CPAP if you want, CPAP with CFlex, or Auto with/ or without CFlex. Also get the software so you can monitor your progress instead of relying on others and having to drag you machine back and forth to the DME or the Smart Card with the data in it.
Regarding your mask problems, you don't say what brand you have but ask if they can give you a Respironics Ultra Mirage Full Face mask. This is the best of the Full Face masks. They should have a template that they can test on your face to see exactly what size you need instead of guessing, too.
Good luck and if you get discouraged go read some of Liam's early posts. He was ready to throw in the towel and quit but we supported him, gave hiim suggestions, and just less than a week ago, he was able to sleep with his mask on. He even LOVES his Swift nasal pillows now, although he also has the Ultra Mirage he wears occasionally.
Bottom line is, you HAVE to comply if you want to be healthy and live a long normal life. The doctors and RTs should help make this as easy a process for you as possible, but if they don't, we're here to help. We'll prod you, talk you up, give you pep talks, down and dirty facts and figures, and everything else to make you know you are not alone.
As far as the B-Pap, that's another term for a BiPap, which means bi-level. The pressure is at your set number on inhale but is lowered automatically for exhale. If your Dr. or RT will let you, ask for a Remstar Auto CPAP with CFlex. The CFlex is a lot like the Bi-PAP but it has 3 levels of exhale resistance and most people find it much more comfortable than a regular CPAP. The Auto part means that the machine will automatically figure out exactly how much pressure you need to maintain an open airway. Too much pressure can be bad for central apneas, and why have more pressure when you might not need it. It will also eliminate the need for future titration sleep studies, as it always gives you the pressure you need.
Don't let the DME tell you that insurance won't pay for it, they will. It does cost more but you can really get a lot of benefit from it and it could mean the difference between your complying and not complying, between, actually, life and death. Another benefit of the Remstar Auto with CFlex is you can adjust it to straight CPAP if you want, CPAP with CFlex, or Auto with/ or without CFlex. Also get the software so you can monitor your progress instead of relying on others and having to drag you machine back and forth to the DME or the Smart Card with the data in it.
Regarding your mask problems, you don't say what brand you have but ask if they can give you a Respironics Ultra Mirage Full Face mask. This is the best of the Full Face masks. They should have a template that they can test on your face to see exactly what size you need instead of guessing, too.
Good luck and if you get discouraged go read some of Liam's early posts. He was ready to throw in the towel and quit but we supported him, gave hiim suggestions, and just less than a week ago, he was able to sleep with his mask on. He even LOVES his Swift nasal pillows now, although he also has the Ultra Mirage he wears occasionally.
Bottom line is, you HAVE to comply if you want to be healthy and live a long normal life. The doctors and RTs should help make this as easy a process for you as possible, but if they don't, we're here to help. We'll prod you, talk you up, give you pep talks, down and dirty facts and figures, and everything else to make you know you are not alone.
Welcome!
Hi TexasGal,
We have all had a tough time getting used to strapping on all the stuff. The mask seems to be critical for comfort, although the machine is important too, especially if your pressures are greater than 10 or so.
There are masks that will work for you, as well as many different machines that make life more comfortable than a straight CPAP machine.
Spend as much time on this forum as you can and learn as much as you can so that you can take an active role in your healthcare.
Go to CPAP.COM and see what is offered there and note the prices. There are others on this forum that are more knowledgable on masks, machines and insurance issues than I, but in order to help, we will need some specific information:
1) your titrated pressure
2) the brand and model of your mask AND machine
3) Do you have a copy of your sleep study and your prescription? If not, get them from your sleep center, doctor or ? Sometimes they don't want to give you this information, but you have a right to see copies of your study and have a copy of the prescription. Get the FULL sleep study, not the summary -- it will be quite long. I offered to go to the sleep center to pick it up to sweeten the pot!
4) Do you have a heated humidifier -- that is critical to comfort -- I used mine in Hawaii recently (turned down a bit!) where it was very high humidity.
5) Do you know what your insurance will cover, and if it will cover if you purchase online? CPAP.COM provides the insurance billing codes on their invoice, but you must have a copy of your prescription.
Some people find that it costs LESS to buy direct than to pay high deductables and rent to own. You will have to determine what your insurance situation is and do the math. There are many threads on this subject on this forum.
I would get with your technician (is this someone at a sleep lab or a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier?) and let them know that the mask is unacceptable. See what he/she offers.
I am sure that there is more that my flu clogged brain can't think of, but the beauty of this forum is that you will get LOTS of great information and many caring and funny responses to ANY question from the great folks who frequent this site.
You will get along with the whole idea better if you ACCEPT that this is a problem that you have and must deal with. It probably won't go away, and you don't have to like it, but once you accept that it is something that you have to deal with, it will become easier. You will find lots of support here and if it helps to vent, you have a sympathetic ear here too! We have all gone down this road that you are starting on, and are in various stages along the way and we will help you!
The most important thing is DON'T GIVE UP!
Good luck -- you can do it!
Jane
We have all had a tough time getting used to strapping on all the stuff. The mask seems to be critical for comfort, although the machine is important too, especially if your pressures are greater than 10 or so.
There are masks that will work for you, as well as many different machines that make life more comfortable than a straight CPAP machine.
Spend as much time on this forum as you can and learn as much as you can so that you can take an active role in your healthcare.
Go to CPAP.COM and see what is offered there and note the prices. There are others on this forum that are more knowledgable on masks, machines and insurance issues than I, but in order to help, we will need some specific information:
1) your titrated pressure
2) the brand and model of your mask AND machine
3) Do you have a copy of your sleep study and your prescription? If not, get them from your sleep center, doctor or ? Sometimes they don't want to give you this information, but you have a right to see copies of your study and have a copy of the prescription. Get the FULL sleep study, not the summary -- it will be quite long. I offered to go to the sleep center to pick it up to sweeten the pot!
4) Do you have a heated humidifier -- that is critical to comfort -- I used mine in Hawaii recently (turned down a bit!) where it was very high humidity.
5) Do you know what your insurance will cover, and if it will cover if you purchase online? CPAP.COM provides the insurance billing codes on their invoice, but you must have a copy of your prescription.
Some people find that it costs LESS to buy direct than to pay high deductables and rent to own. You will have to determine what your insurance situation is and do the math. There are many threads on this subject on this forum.
I would get with your technician (is this someone at a sleep lab or a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier?) and let them know that the mask is unacceptable. See what he/she offers.
I am sure that there is more that my flu clogged brain can't think of, but the beauty of this forum is that you will get LOTS of great information and many caring and funny responses to ANY question from the great folks who frequent this site.
You will get along with the whole idea better if you ACCEPT that this is a problem that you have and must deal with. It probably won't go away, and you don't have to like it, but once you accept that it is something that you have to deal with, it will become easier. You will find lots of support here and if it helps to vent, you have a sympathetic ear here too! We have all gone down this road that you are starting on, and are in various stages along the way and we will help you!
The most important thing is DON'T GIVE UP!
Good luck -- you can do it!
Jane
Re: New C-PAP User
I am in wk 4, it will get better. But did you try nasal pillows? I suffer from claustropbobia as well, and cannot abide anothing touching my face. Click on cpap.com's products list and and you will find the nasal pillows. I use Mirage Swift. Is it perfect, no, but less intrusive on your face, forehead, etc. I am also getting the Breeze nasal pillow set up and will report back on that one.
Good luck, hang in there, and watch these boards, it is a fountain f info, fun, quips and you can learn a lot. I know I did.
Good luck, hang in there, and watch these boards, it is a fountain f info, fun, quips and you can learn a lot. I know I did.
TexasGal wrote:Hello, everyone. I just got my C-PAP two days ago, and I'm having a really hard time adjusting. The first night I couldn't even wear it.....I felt like there was a hurricane blowing in my face. I put it on twice, but had to take it off after only a minute or so because I felt like I was suffocating, even though all the air was blowing in my face.
Last night, I did better. However, every time I would almost doze off to sleep, my mask would leak and it would wake me up. I don't know if I ever fell completely asleep. After about 3 hours, I gave up on it and slept the rest of the night without it. Needless to say, I DID NOT have a good night's sleep (as if I ever do, but this was worse).
The mask is SO UNCOMFORTABLE! Is there any way to make it better? I have a full-face mask, because when they tried the nasal mask on me at the sleep center, I couldn't tolerate it at all. I felt like I was suffocating every time I opened my mouth.
I went to WalMart tonight and bought some polyester "foam" and cut a piece to fit around the mask to see if that stops the leaks. But, I don't know how comfortable it will be. The "foam" is rather scratchy. But, the mask is so hard and uncomfortable and just doesn't seem to fit my face correctly! They told me it's the smallest one they have. PLEASE HELP!
I am SO READY for a good night's sleep. I haven't slept well in YEARS, and as a result, my fibromyalgia is getting much, much worse and my blood pressure is beginning to get high (it's always been low). My whole body hurts so much - I feel like I've been run over by a ten-ton truck every morning! I'm only 55, but I feel like an OLD LADY! My mother died at 95 and she didn't have a tenth of the health problems I'm having at 55! I snore so badly that my husband moved to his own bedroom months ago.
I surely don't relish the idea of having to sleep with this THING (machine - not my husband!) every night for the rest of my life! However, if it will help me to feel better, I'm willing. But, it's GOT to get BETTER than this!
The technician that set up my machine said she's going to have my doctor prescribe me a B-PAP. She thinks that will be better for me. Will that make it easier to adjust? What about the mask problem?
I would appreciate some feedback....anything to make me feel better about my "new life"!
Blessings.
I can only echo what's been said before. The masks are intrusive, but there are so very many options available, you should be able to find something that works for you.
There are mouth only masks, nose only masks, nasal pillows/cushions/prongs and full face masks.
Although there are other good ones, the masks by ResMed are the most consistently well tolerated and liked, and so you would do well to try the Ultra Mirage, the Activa or the Swift. If your DME doesn't have them, you have a crappy DME (but then, that's redundant, usually).
Good luck, and don't let THEM tell YOU what you need.
Liam, usually too shy and retiring to stand up for himself.
There are mouth only masks, nose only masks, nasal pillows/cushions/prongs and full face masks.
Although there are other good ones, the masks by ResMed are the most consistently well tolerated and liked, and so you would do well to try the Ultra Mirage, the Activa or the Swift. If your DME doesn't have them, you have a crappy DME (but then, that's redundant, usually).
Good luck, and don't let THEM tell YOU what you need.
Liam, usually too shy and retiring to stand up for himself.
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| Machine | Mask | |
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I agree, what mask do you have? A bad mask will never seal...Liam1965 wrote:I can only echo what's been said before. The masks are intrusive, but there are so very many options available, you should be able to find something that works for you.
There are mouth only masks, nose only masks, nasal pillows/cushions/prongs and full face masks.
Although there are other good ones, the masks by ResMed are the most consistently well tolerated and liked, and so you would do well to try the Ultra Mirage, the Activa or the Swift. If your DME doesn't have them, you have a crappy DME (but then, that's redundant, usually).
Good luck, and don't let THEM tell YOU what you need.
Liam, usually too shy and retiring to stand up for himself.
You might want to see if your machine has a ramp feature. This allows you to start at a lower pressure and get to sleep before the pressure goes up to your titrated pressure.
Before you go Bipap, you need to ask about CFLEX. Check the video on CPAP.com It makes it much easier to exhale with Cflex, without the added cost of Bipap.
Thanks for all your feed-back.
I'm using the REMStar Plus machine and my mask is a Mirage Full Face S2 by ResMed. Mine does have a RAMP, and she said the lowest she can set it to start is at 7cm. My prescription is for 20cm! Here comes the hurricane!
The technician said she's going to try to get me a prescription for a Bi-PAP. After reading about the REMStar Plus C-Flex, do you suppose that's what she's talking about, or is there a model somewhere in the middle that they might try me on first? The C-Flex sounds much better and easier to get used to.
I did better last night. I kept it on till about 4 am. However, my mask kept leaking and waking me up. Isn't there ANY WAY to get that thing more comfortable? Are there any cushions or pads to use to help keep it from making RED MARKS all over my face? My face is sore today and almost bruised! I have to go to work in the mornings, and I can't go with BRUISES or RED MARKS all over my face! Does it have to be SO TIGHT???
When I checked my paperwork, I realized my mask is a medium. At the sleep center, they started me out on a medium, but changed me to a small in the middle of the night. It was much better. I thought that a small was what they gave me, but I guess not. I think I need to get that changed first thing. Wouldn't a small help stop some of the air leaks?
What about the nasal pillows? That seems like it would be more comfortable. However, I know my mouth comes open while I sleep. I guess that would make it hard for me to use them. Perhaps I can TAPE my mouth shut before I go to bed! Ha! Ha! Do you think that would be something they would let me try?
So far, I think I sleep better WITHOUT the machine! I have to take it off so I can get some rest! This has GOT to get better!
I'm using the REMStar Plus machine and my mask is a Mirage Full Face S2 by ResMed. Mine does have a RAMP, and she said the lowest she can set it to start is at 7cm. My prescription is for 20cm! Here comes the hurricane!
The technician said she's going to try to get me a prescription for a Bi-PAP. After reading about the REMStar Plus C-Flex, do you suppose that's what she's talking about, or is there a model somewhere in the middle that they might try me on first? The C-Flex sounds much better and easier to get used to.
I did better last night. I kept it on till about 4 am. However, my mask kept leaking and waking me up. Isn't there ANY WAY to get that thing more comfortable? Are there any cushions or pads to use to help keep it from making RED MARKS all over my face? My face is sore today and almost bruised! I have to go to work in the mornings, and I can't go with BRUISES or RED MARKS all over my face! Does it have to be SO TIGHT???
When I checked my paperwork, I realized my mask is a medium. At the sleep center, they started me out on a medium, but changed me to a small in the middle of the night. It was much better. I thought that a small was what they gave me, but I guess not. I think I need to get that changed first thing. Wouldn't a small help stop some of the air leaks?
What about the nasal pillows? That seems like it would be more comfortable. However, I know my mouth comes open while I sleep. I guess that would make it hard for me to use them. Perhaps I can TAPE my mouth shut before I go to bed! Ha! Ha! Do you think that would be something they would let me try?
So far, I think I sleep better WITHOUT the machine! I have to take it off so I can get some rest! This has GOT to get better!
Hi Texas,
A pressure of 20??? I don't know why they would even consider a straight cpap. I think a bilevel will make things much more manageable for you. It will still take a good bit of adjusting to however. You definitely need some major humidity also. For some people at higher pressures they are unable to tolerate the nasal pillows. I would keep trying with your full face mask and maybe try a different size. The full face mask made by Fisher Paykel is a good one too.
Good Luck
MelMel
A pressure of 20??? I don't know why they would even consider a straight cpap. I think a bilevel will make things much more manageable for you. It will still take a good bit of adjusting to however. You definitely need some major humidity also. For some people at higher pressures they are unable to tolerate the nasal pillows. I would keep trying with your full face mask and maybe try a different size. The full face mask made by Fisher Paykel is a good one too.
Good Luck
MelMel
9 posts
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