Problems continuing after one week . . . help?

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:43 am

'm 7 nights into CPAP and having some problems. I thought I'd post about them so either I might get some advice (and some encouragement). Frankly, I'm a bit discouraged and thought I would be well on my way to feeling better by now. I *do* notice I am feeling a bit more rested, but here's what's going on.

I went back to my sleep clinic yesterday and exchanged my nasal pillow thing for a full-face mask. I'm a mouth-breather and that's a no-no with the nasal pillows, and the complications of that also served to wake me up at times. I found the nasal pillows to be extremely uncomfortable and couldn't adjust to the irritation under my nose.

Secondly, I'd sleep about 4 hours and wake up around 4:00 consistently, with my CPAP cranked up to the highest level (as it should be) blowing in my face like a hurricane, LOL. I couldn't get back to sleep so I either took it off or stopped and started my unit which is set for 20 minutes to ramp up and then ease back into it.

Last night, my first night of using the full face mask,I, again, woke up early at 3:17am and couldn't get back to sleep so I took the mask off - then I went back to sleep. I started the machine again from the ramp up but still couldn't get back to sleep. I took off the mask and THEN went back to sleep. Of course, I woke up a bit tired, too, probably because of this.

My doctor says that it's okay to do that; he has many patients who use CPAP 1/2 way through the night and then take it off.

It's hard enough for me to get to sleep at the beginning of the night with the mask on.

Any thoughts or advice are sincerely appreciated.

Thanks-
Rich

Amigo · Post by **Amigo** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:25 am

Rich, there are many others here who will have more specific advice about adjusting to a FFM, as I use nasal pillows, but for what it's worth, please give yourself more time.

The fact that you have noticed some improvement is definitely a good sign, and as that improvement slowly, but steadily increases, it will act as a positive reinforcement to continue the therapy.

It took me several weeks to get used to this "thing" clinging to my nostrils while blowing away like a tornado.

Using the ramp feature definitely helped me initially, and C-Flex was an absolute godsend (and still is). I've also used a heated humidifier from the beginning which provides a nice warm, moist tornado.

As I said, I'll let others give you advice on becoming more tolerant of the FFM, but please, please do NOT give up. This therapy has been a life-saver for me, and I've never felt better.

All my best wishes,
Amigo

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, C-FLEX, Ramp, Nasal Pillows

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:44 am

Rich wrote:'m 7 nights into CPAP and having some problems. I thought I'd post about them so either I might get some advice (and some encouragement). Frankly, I'm a bit discouraged and thought I would be well on my way to feeling better by now. I *do* notice I am feeling a bit more rested, but here's what's going on.

While its true that some of us adapt immeidately, many of us take much longer - and 7 nights is not that long at all. Even more so when you change your mask during that time.

Secondly, I'd sleep about 4 hours and wake up around 4:00 consistently, with my CPAP cranked up to the highest level (as it should be) blowing in my face like a hurricane, LOL. I couldn't get back to sleep so I either took it off or stopped and started my unit which is set for 20 minutes to ramp up and then ease back into it.

This again has happened to many of us in the beginning, and you will probably start sleeping longer after you get used to the changes.

As far as advice goes - it would be much easier for us to understand what's going on if you let us know the details of your machine (make) and pressure (whether the straight pressure, or its range).

My doctor says that it's okay to do that; he has many patients who use CPAP 1/2 way through the night and then take it off.

Which probably means you doctor doesn't know too much about supporting people as they start their treatment. To me, it's the equivalent of a dentist saying he has many patients walk about with half their cavities unfilled... Half the night on the machine is OK when we're talking first nights. It is no way ok when we're talking on-going therapy. Does you doctor realise he's saying that he has many patients who don't get to sleep through the night?

You might be waking up because your brain/body is confused by this new way of sleeping, and reacts to the restfulness of those 4 hours.

You might be waking up for other reasons - and details will help us tease them out.

Don't let the first night's difficulties discourage you - it'll get better, and we're here to help you with that.

Good luck!
O.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:46 am

Rich,

Would you please list your equipment (machine, mask, etc.) and your pressure in your profile? That might help in advising you of options.
I'm a full face mask user and really like mine.
One thing about most full face masks is that they work and feel better when they're not too tight. Also, if your pressure is too low or too high, that can make for an uncomfortable night's sleep.

Hang in there.

Den

twillson · Post by **twillson** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:53 am

Rich,

I agree with amigo that you should stick with it. I would also note that what seems hopelessly weird in week one, just might seel normal later on.

I think it would help the group offer advice if you could be more specific about your equipment and settings. Getting things right with your heated humidifier and C-flex settings - if you have these options - can help a lot.

Personally the only times I get disturbed by the "tornado" effect are when I first get to bed (and am breathing harder) or when there is a leak. When I am sleeping without a leek there is a lot less noise.

I think the ramp helps with this because less pressure means less noise. Don't hesitate to use your ramp settings every time you are awake. Also your ramp start pressure is probably adjustable. Get it as low as you feel comfortable.

I'm sure you will get lots of other suggestions from the group. BTW, did you think of using a chin strap to help with the mouth breathing. My DME suggests trying that before going for a FF mask.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:55 am

Rich, click on this link to read a prior thread on this topic:

no more than 4 consecutive hours of sleep

You are not alone. It takes a lot more time to adjust than we want it to, but the time will come. Meanwhile, hang in there. It's incredibly hard to keep doing this every night in the beginning because we end up being even more sleep-deprived than we were when we started. What you are experiencing is normal and, yes, exceedingly frustrating.

Your doctor's comment:

My doctor says that it's okay to do that; he has many patients who use CPAP 1/2 way through the night and then take it off.

is correct. Initially people wear it as long as they can stand it, which may only be 1/2 the night. 1/2 is better than nothing at all. However, wearing it throughout all your sleeping hours (including naps) is the goal and it is attainable. For now, what you're doing is great. But don't stop there and don't settle for 1/2 the night on a permanent basis! Keep at it and eventually you'll build up to using it all night. This adjustment period is the worst time, and this is when so many people give up. Stay the course. The long term health benefits are worth it. In the beginning, when I wanted to rip the thing off and throw it across the room, I would tell myself I'd rather suffer through this mask thing than spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair because of a stroke. That helped me keep at it. Now, believe it or not, it no longer feels like suffering. It is second nature as a night time routine and I feel so much better. It's worth the effort!

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:56 am

Rich,

There are so many things that you have to get used to. The feel fo the straps, moving with the hose and combatting leaks. Don't give up it is well worth it.

Something to keep in mind is that without the mask you were constantly waking up without knowing it. If you take that into account you probably weren't getting any more rest than if you had slept just a few hours every night. We are such adaptable creatures that many of us functioned for years on very little true sleep. Now that you are getting deeper rest, your adapted body says its had as much as you ever had so time to wake up.

The longer you stay at it the longer you will sleep. You just need to adapt to the new sleeping situation and getting real sleep.

Good Luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:21 am

Here's an old post by littlebaddow.

littlebaddow wrote:When I was first diagnosed, I found this forum invaluable and it helped me a great deal to learn from the experiences and support of others. Without the advice so freely given I'm sure I would have found it even harder to cope. Thanks to you all.

I kept a diary for the first few weeks and glanced back at it today. I'm now in week 10 and really beginning to feel the benefit, so the fear, uncertainty and discomfort of the first few weeks is becoming a more distant memory every day.

I thought it might give others some hope & encouragement if they could see a few extracts from my diary. The story shows that for me this wasn't easy at first, there were setbacks, but it has been worth it. I hope it helps someone to read it.

Day 1 What a horrible experience. Lay awake for hours, got about 2 hours of very disturbed sleep then took mask off. Very uncomfortable.

Day 3 Couldn’t stand the mask, took it off after 10 minutes. Bunged up nose, felt like I was suffocating.

Day 5 Managed about 5 hours sleep with mask on, still very disturbed.

Day 6 Lay awake for about 2.5 hours before taking off mask, unable to sleep, felt like it was a constant struggle to breathe through the nose, though when took off mask could breathe no problem.

Day 8 Did not use. Took off mask after a few minutes, nose bunged up as soon as lay down.

Day 9 During the day, used mask for an hour whilst sleeping in arm chair, not too bad, woke up a couple of times with sudden exhalation though mouth.
Night time, propped up on pillows to go to sleep in semi-sitting position. Slightly disturbed sleep for about 2.5 hours, then removed mask for rest of night. Mainly the noise keeping me awake.

Day 11 Just over 7.5 hours using mask. Sleep still a bit disturbed, especially early part of the night when still noticing the puffy cheek effect. Managed to lie down flat for part of the night. Had headache when I woke up during the night.

Day 12 Got the new mask today (Virage vista). 7 hours before removing mask, still disturbed, though mask noticeably quieter. Puffy cheek effect not noticed yet with new mask. Much easier to lay down flat. Headache when woke up during the night.

Day 14 Got to sleep OK, still disturbed sleep. Woke up after about 4 hours, took a long time to get back to sleep, woke up after a couple of hours with partially blocked nose, removed mask then slept another couple of hours. No headache, noticed a bit of air leakage from mask and from mouth.

Day 17 Reasonable, slightly disturbed sleep, 6.5 hours until alarm went off!

Day 19 7.5 hours, slightly disturbed sleep. Sore nose!

Day 21 6 hours with mask, only slightly disturbed.

Day 26 6.5 hours with mask then woke up & took it off, slept 2 more hours.

Day 29 8 hours, woke up 2 or 3 times

Day 31 Ouch, only 2.5 hours, then woke up with stuffy nose & coughing. Managed another hour then took mask off. Was a cold night and had heating on – perhaps too dry?

Day 32 New machine arrived today, autopap with heated humidifier. Wow, what a difference, 8 hours straight, no stuffiness.

I won't bore you with any more. I'm now in week 10 & still have setbacks & a disturbed night, but usually manage 6 or 7 hours undisturbed sleep.

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:21 am

I feel good after reading your kind replies.

I believe my machine is the Resmed(?) - I'm not at home now so I can't look. It has a detachable humidifyer which I use. My highest pressure is 16, but I ramp up slowly and *that* is extremely comfortable.

As I said, the pillows are gone and I'm happier with the full face mask because I can also breathe through my mouth. I need to with allergies, etc.

So okay Guys, thanks again. I'll keep at it and report back -

Best to all of you-
Rich

Problems continuing after one week . . . help?

Problems continuing after one week . . . help?

RE: Problems continuing after one week . . . help?

Re: Problems continuing after one week . . . help?

Thank you all, very much -