Update - not using CPAP

I have had a lot of personal issues go on lately that have kept me busy and worried.
I also have gained about 5 more pounds, when I really need to lose at least 70 lbs.

I got my CPAP machine in April this year. I used it OK for a few weeks, but had problems staying asleep with it. I would also take the mask off in my sleep. I have changed masks 4 times now and still cannot adjust.

I hadn't used my CPAP for over 3-4 weeks or so. For the past 2 months, I have tried falling asleep with it and have not. So as of a few days ago, I am trying to get back on track and use it and still cannot stay comfortable with it. I try to fall asleep with it and keep it on for up to an hour, in frustration, I simply turn it off and can fall asleep right away with out it. I am very disappointed I have not made more progress with using the machine.

I am also upset about my weight gain, but it is probably due to some unneeded personal stress (financially related mostly). I have also had to help take care of family member whose health is failing.

I posted a few times here a while back and I just feel lost. I cannot make myself relax and fall asleep with the mask and just am very frustrated now.

I now have a mask that goes over the head and looks kind of like an elephant (comfortlite).

Any suggestions?

Hi MaryC

More technical suggestions will have to come from others but my thoughts are -

Are you using the ramp at a comfortable pressure to get you started?

There are some sleep medications available which are short-lived, but can give you a start on getting to sleep.

When you are comfortable, enjoy your free time, and think nice thoughts, or an enjoyable fantasy. Do not try to go to sleep, just let go of all those worries. Easier said than done - yes - but possible with practice - also yes.

Worry seems to be a major factor in the problem - letting go of worry may be a major help. And how do you do that - well, there is plenty of help out in the world. Peer support (especially for a weight problem) or counselling, even a book from your local library - may help.

Fortunately you have unlimited support here, and if you keep at it no doubt you will come through.

cheers

Mars

Hi, have you discussed with your MD the possibility of trying something like Ambien for a short time just until you get over the hump of not sleeping with the mask? Many people do it that way. Have you tried just wearing the mask alone while reading or watching TV for a (long) while, not just before bed, so you sort of forget about it? Have you tried other masks?

Some are helped by using the machine while awake and watching TV well before going to bed. To get the mind used to having a mask with air blowing.

How is your machine configured......Pressure settings, Ramp, C-Flex options, etc.?


Den

Thx for all the suggestions,

This is my fourth mask to wear (tried mouth nose, disliked that, pillows were a bit better and then this one (elephant looking that has a pillow or a nose mask). I don't like wearing the mask at all as the hose goes between my eyes (like an elephant) just cannot recall its name. I have to wear glasses or contacts so that is why I don't like to wear the mask while not sleeping.

Den, I don't know all my parameters. The blowing air is at 11 out of 20, so midrange.

I think this is more of mental / comfort /claustrophobic /maskaphobic /stress-related issue for me. I have not tried sleep meds like Tylenol PM. I have tried a few things like a tea spoon of honey half an hour before sleeping, or a glass of wine, but I have avoided using drugs as I can usually go to sleep very fast without the machine. I prefer not to use sleep meds if at all possible. I have tried relaxing, and so on, just cannot adjust this time. Julie, the doc already suggested over the counter meds at the last visit as I had the same concern, but I prefer not to use them. I think Ambien is prescribed - I will ask. He also suggsted wearing the mask around the house, which I said I prefer not to do.

I will see my Dr. this week.

As far as being able to fall asleep goes, I actually wait until I fall asleep before I put my mask on. Because I don't sleep more than 90 seconds unless I am on the CPAP, I will wake up right after falling asleep. When this happens, I put on my mask. Occasionally, my wife will have to tell me, "Bob, you are asleep - put on your mask", but normally I can recognize it myself.

Might not work for you, but you might see.
Bob

You know, I hate to sound 'lecturey", but... you say you prefer not to use meds (I wasn't suggesting you do it forever), and you prefer not to wear the mask around the house. It does sound a bit like you're looking for reasons to not use it at all. If your present mask is really a hardship, even though you say you've tried others, maybe you need one last try at some other type, or a bite of a determination cookie . Why not try the Ambien for at least a few nights - it's not crack, for heaven's sake . Telling yourself how well you sleep without the mask is not going to make you better - getting this going will. And the weight gain may not be due to stress (that usually results in loss), but untreated apnea. We tend to retain water if nothing else, when untreated, which does make us bloated, and have to use the bathroom overnight, but once your therapy gets going, it's much more likely that both of those will get better. There's no magic bullet to doing this, but the sooner you take control of it, the better you'll feel and the faster your symptoms will go away.

I feel your exasperation. I had the same problems in the first few days until I remembered a seminar I once attended about self-hypnotic regression being a way to regress to a previous life. I didn't regress any further than some remembrances about my fourth birthday party.

But it did make me fall asleep. I start by imagining there is an orange colored wave coming out of the top of my head and cascading down over my face and neck, down over my shoulders, down my arms and out through my fingers soothing me as it goes. Then down my torso and legs eventually out through my toes. Do it slowly so you can imagine your muscles relaxing as it passes.

I've even done it in reverse fashion. The point is to focus your mind on the colored wave (your choice of soothing color may vary). I can now fall asleep pretty quickly with my elephant proboscis attached.

OK, you can stop laughing now.

My husband was prescribed Ambien when he first started cpap and it really helped with the anxiety issues. After about a month, he cut it in half for another few weeks, and now he sleeps OK without it. Try to keep an open mind to all the great information you'll receive here. And ask lots of questions. Good luck.