I am a new CPAP user and so far haven't had much luck. I have the kind that goes over your nose and is attached to a 6 foot hose. There is also a heated humidifier attached. I keep waking up feeling like I am choking and that my mouth is full of air. Any helpful hints? How long does it take to get used to sleeping with this thing? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
New User Questions
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
-
nodding off
- Posts: 133
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:54 pm
- Location: Central Mass
- Contact:
Hi Debbie,
Sounds like you are leaking from your mouth. In order to effectively use a nasal mask your mouth must remain sealed shut while you sleep. You might find a chin strap helpful. Some people tape their mouth shut. If all else fails you can always go to a full face mask, which covers both your mouth and nose. Sealing off your mouth is all in the position of your tongue, and you will get used to it over time. How long it takes to get used to cpap varies with each of us, from immediately to months. Hang in there. It is well worth the effort. Best wishes! Hope this is helpful.
Sounds like you are leaking from your mouth. In order to effectively use a nasal mask your mouth must remain sealed shut while you sleep. You might find a chin strap helpful. Some people tape their mouth shut. If all else fails you can always go to a full face mask, which covers both your mouth and nose. Sealing off your mouth is all in the position of your tongue, and you will get used to it over time. How long it takes to get used to cpap varies with each of us, from immediately to months. Hang in there. It is well worth the effort. Best wishes! Hope this is helpful.
Debbie,
I am a new user,,, 2 weeks tonight,,, I had terrible problems with not being able to exhale,,, I was takeing my mask off in my sleep,, EVERYTIME I slept,, at night or even during naps. I fought for a REMstar with C-flex and have kept the mask on every time. It took some argueing with my DME supplier,, but it made all the difference. I got that problem solved,,, and found my self mouth breathing,,, talk about dry mouth,,,,, but that is getting better,, I am holding off on a chin strap for now. Keep at it,, it can get frustrating,, I even gave up on my first machine because it was costing me sleep.
Tom
I am a new user,,, 2 weeks tonight,,, I had terrible problems with not being able to exhale,,, I was takeing my mask off in my sleep,, EVERYTIME I slept,, at night or even during naps. I fought for a REMstar with C-flex and have kept the mask on every time. It took some argueing with my DME supplier,, but it made all the difference. I got that problem solved,,, and found my self mouth breathing,,, talk about dry mouth,,,,, but that is getting better,, I am holding off on a chin strap for now. Keep at it,, it can get frustrating,, I even gave up on my first machine because it was costing me sleep.
Tom
New User Questions
The fulll face mask is not as bad as everyone thinks. Your respiratory therapist at the supplier should fit you properly and you'll be able to wear it with no major leaks. I was able to put on my mask and sleep the whole night through on the first night. So don't be afraid of the ff mask. If you sleep with your mouth open, that may be your only choice.
Ramona
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1