Intro

Hi everybody,

So I was recently diagnosed with a modest 20 AHI, and tried my first night last night with the CPAP mask/machine. I only lasted 2 hours before I took the mask off but really just want to ease into this treatment anyways, since I don't tolerate a lack of sleep very well. Wondering if anyone has had luck with increasing the time with the mask slowly until it becomes the new normal?

I'll probably be issued a new machine soon, but I'm using this older one until then - seems to work just fine.

Welcome! We are here to help you thru this journey! You need to wear the mask all night. Try wearing the mask at night while watching TV, reading, listening to tunes or whatever you do at night. You are in this for the long haul.

Sheriff

Your response to having that alien thing on your face at night is normal. My first night, I only lasted two hours with that thing on my face. I decided I had to make this thing work, because I didn't want to stay on oxygen at night for ever. I wore the mask for two hours the first night, then four hours the next, and kept increasing a little more every night until I was able to wear it all night. Some people recommend wearing the set up while watching a movie, or reading to get used to it. I didn't find this forum until after I had been using my equipment for over one month.

Keep at it. This site is a godsend. You will be surprised how normal it becomes after a few weeks once you get used to it.

Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful replies, I’ll stick with it until I get used to the mask!

Bobonga wrote:Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful replies, I’ll stick with it until I get used to the mask!

+1

When you do slip the mask off in bed, try to sleep on your sides or stomach the rest of the night. This might give you some relief from apnea. In many cases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is worse on the back where gravity is directly pulling the soft palate and tongue into the airway.

Another thing, if you wear the mask for two hours and then pull it off, you might wake up early. You could try putting the mask on again. OSA is often worse during the latter part of the night when long REM periods occur. Using the mask the last hour or two before arising could make a big difference.

Good luck with a speedy adaption!