Cannot Fall Asleep - Mind Racing

I purchased my machine months ago and have not been using it. Typically I cannot fall asleep because of my mind racing with too many thoughts about work. So of course, I do not even attempt to wear my mask (and REM MStar Auto, A-FLEX CPAP machine) as I would surely not fall asleep. When I originally purchased my CPAP I tried using it for several days in a row off and on and could not fall asleep. The reason I stopped after several days was I needed to get some sleep. Wearing the mask (with occasional leaking) made it impossible to fall asleep during the initial 30 minute period when/if I fall asleep. If I go over this period (miss the boat) I toss and turn all night.

Before I can attempt to start using my CPAP machine again I must address my mind racing issue first. I am currently on vacation (checking work e-mails at a min.) and have a cold. I have been taking Tylenol and cough medicine and have been sleeping like a baby. So, being on vacation has proven my mind racing is due to work.
Any recommendations on how to quite my mind at sleep time would be appreciated.

Also, I originally purchased a Comfort 2 FF mask and it leak when I made the slightest movement while sleeping on my side. So, I purchased the Ultra Mirage FF and is sealed better but it still leaked occasionally if I moved. Does a good fitting mask mean it should never leak?

How long does it typically take a new user to get use too (able to fall asleep) wearing a mask and using a CPAP machine?

Thanks for responding in advance.

Alan

As I was reading the first paragraph, I was thinking......"You need a vacation!"

But, I wasn't clear as to whether you're using your machine while you're on vacation.......

How long does it take? It varies. But, I can also relate to some degree about the "mind racing about work" thing, too.
"Mind control"

With the UMFF, you don't want to get it too tight or too loose. The "flaps" (seal) needs to expand from the inside to expand to fit your face. Too tight and it'll crush the seal and leak more. Hopefully you have the right size. I wear my top straps very loose and all the tension on my bottom straps. I also have the forehead support in the most upright position (no angle).
I tried the Comfortfull 2 for three nights before I gave up and went back to my UMFF.

Den

Hopefully your vacation time will allow your mind to disconnect and break the pattern. A few years ago I got stuck in high gear and my mind wouldn't shut off, and my insightful workaholic brother told me to pick a place to go because he was sending me on a vacation. It was the third day of my trip when I almost felt the tension falling away and my mind slowing down.

Unfortunately you are between a rock and a hard place. The very thing that can help you achieve restful sleep is also helping prevent it temporarily. The consciousness of the equipment does improve with time and use and tweaking, but if you're not using it, you can't expect it to happen. Some go thru several masks before finding the one they can best live with. To be honest, in retrospect I see that some of the masks I had so much trouble tolerating would probably be tolerable now that the whole thing is familiar. I was a 'slow learner' as it took me many months to be really be ok with the mask. Of course, only keeping it on a couple hours a night made the process longer.

I use a nasal pillows mask, so I don't have a clue what's involved in adjusting to a full face mask, although it's my intent to get one for when I have a cold. Hope you get helpful hints that make it less aggravating for you. If when you return from vacation your mind falls back to it's prior pattern, you may want to take something to help break the pattern and get used to the equipment. Have you tried melatonin?

Hope you're enjoying your vacation.

Kathy

I find that my full face masks leak during movement a lot, but once I settle down on the pillow they stop. They also leak if my face/mask isn't clean enough, and some nights just leak because they feel like it. I wish I had a complete solution for you, but so far the only thing that's worked for me is to have 2 different masks at the ready. If the first mask leaks too much, I just take it off and grab the other one. Like you, I have a window of opportunity to get to sleep, so I don't fuss with my mask too much before trying the 2nd one.

I have a trick for a mask leak, though, that might help. Keep the machine on and the mask strapped to your head, but lift the mask itself off the face about a half inch and then drop it lightly back down. The lady at the DME showed me that, it works pretty well.

Maybe get to bed early and plan on having to spend a few minutes adjusting straps, position, etc., until you get used to it.

I too had problems getting my mind to quiet down enough to fall asleep. Cpap was the answer for me, put on my mask and in 10 minutes or less I was asleep. Started with the Mirage Quattro, it seems to leak less than any full face mask I have tried
untill I got a Liberty. Much less surface area to come in contact with my pillow and cause a leak. I have only been on cpap
for 3 months and I'm sure others here can offer better advice than I, but this is the place to ask for help of that I'm sure.
From my experience so far I would suggest you might try the Quattro or a hybrid like the Liberty or the Universal Hybrid
for the leaks. As for the racing mind as kteague suggested melatonin may help or perhaps you may to ask your doctor for
a prescription sleep aid. My wife uses Ambien. I have used it and don't care for it because it seemed that when I woke in the morning it felt like it had only been a few minutes since I went to bed, but it will turn the lights out pretty quickly. Might help while you adjust to cpap. Discuss this with your doctor and see what he suggests. Just don't give up on using your
machine. It might take a while, but it will make a big differance. You'll be glad you stuck with it.
Don

Driver, I listen to a book on CD recorded on my PDA to help me fall asleep. It works very well as long as I don't choose a book that's too exciting.

alanhj13 wrote:Any recommendations on how to quite my mind at sleep time would be appreciated.

Alan

I have to say, when my mind starts doing that at night, it's generally a sign that I'm depressed and need to see my doc.

I think using your CPAP is like smoking. You have to decide your are going to succeed and decide that not using it is not an option. I use to have the mind racing problem a lot worse than I do now but one thing that has helped me is a set routine!
Bedtime at a certain time period, no TV in the bedroom, maybe a few minutes of a good book. Another good way for me to fall asleep is to try to listen to a hypnosis CD. The harder I try to listen and stay awake the quicker I fall asleep. My problem now is staying asleep. If I could lick that problem I would be in heaven.

Sorry Alan and Driver, I addressed my reply to the wrong person. I've got the flu and am doing a lot of careless things today.