New user experiencing claustrophobia and headaches

[Off2Sleep]

Hello. I have a ResMed AirSense 10 with a nose/mouth mask. I understand that it takes a while to adjust to a CPAP, but my concerns do not have to do with mere adjustment. I am experiencing feelings of panic when I wear the face mask. It's like someone is behind me and has covered my nose and mouth and won't let go. I try to talk myself down from feeling claustrophobic and panicky, but that only works for a short time and is not very conducive to sleep. Also, by the second or third hour on the CPAP, I get a horrible headache that lasts through the night even after taking medicine. I suffered through to the fourth hour (to meet compliance); by then I just couldn't do it anymore. Although I have only used the machine two nights, they were fitful, painful, and frightening. I now dread going to bed. Would changing to a nasal mask reduce/eliminate the feelings of being restricted? Also, what might be causing the headaches?

[D.H.]

It sounds to me like you have to raise the pressure.

[Goofproof]

iI would Guess (Because you gave us no info to go on) Machine Settings, Type and model, pressure setings, Ramp settings.

My guess you were either given the failure setting of 4 to 20 cm, on Auto if you have one, or are using the Ramp Setting set too low. You may be starving for air, (Low O2), that can cause headaches, also tightening the mask straps too tight can do it too. Jim

[Miss Emerita]

Tell us more about your equipment and settings so we can try to help you with these problems.

Meanwhile, one little trick you could try is to use the machine and mask while you’re doing something you enjoy—reading, watching TV, or whatever. That helps your body get used to it so you will stop feeling as though someone is smothering you.

[Off2Sleep]

Thank you for your input. I am a total novice and little was explained to me clearly, so after receiving your replies, I tried to learn my machine on my own.

-ResMed AirSense 10
-AirFit F20 full face mask
-Pressure settings: min 5.0 / max 12.0 / Auto
-Start pressure: 4.0
-Ramp time: Auto
-Pressure Relief: ON / Smart Start: ON

-Shouldn't "AUTO" (for pressure settings and for ramp time) make sure I get the right amount of air at all times, regardless of the settings?
-If not, what should the pressure be? Ramp time?

-Thank you for input on the straps, however, I keep my straps as loose as I can (with no leakage), so tight straps are probably not the cause of my headaches.
-As suggested, I wore the mask for 75 minutes while awake. While a tad more comfortable, I still felt restricted and frustrated that I was unable to move my mouth.

[Dog Slobber]

• Wear your mask during the day to help get used to it.
• If possible, consider a nasal mask or nasal pillow system, many consider these systems less intrusive and less prone to feelings of claustrophobia
• Talk to your provider about increasing your ramp and minimum pressures, many feel oxygen starved with such low pressures

[Chris8243]

-As suggested, I wore the mask for 75 minutes while awake. While a tad more comfortable, I still felt restricted and frustrated that I was unable to move my mouth.

Something is definitely wrong if you can't move your mouth! Now you can't eat or drink with the mask on, but you should be able to open and close your mouth, lick your lips, and even talk (although muffled so don't try a whole conversation, lol)

So if you really cannot open your mouth, your mask is the wrong size or not fit properly. Are you putting the bottom under your chin? It is supposed to sit just below your bottom lip.

Look at videos on YouTube for fitting instructions & tips.

And please read the topics pinned above the posts for instructions on how to add your equipment to your signature and how to share data with the group through software called Sleepyhead or Oscar, if you'd like advice or suggestions on your pressure settings.

[babydinosnoreless]

There are many different types of masks. I have claustrophobia and I panicked with a full face one at my sleep study. I was given a dreamwear ff mask that has magnetic clips so i could pull it off fast. That also didn't work but for other reasons, mostly leak related. I tried a bunch of masks and I find the N-20
(so far) works the best for me. I keep a dreamwear around as backup.

[Off2Sleep]

I cannot find the instructions on how to add my equipment to my signature. Actually, I found the link that said it would explain, but it did not have anything listed at all except the name of my machine; no way to add that to my profile. Feeling dumb and confused right now.

[Dog Slobber]

I cannot find the instructions on how to add my equipment to my signature. Actually, I found the link that said it would explain, but it did not have anything listed at all except the name of my machine; no way to add that to my profile. Feeling dumb and confused right now.

• Click on your username (upper right)
• Select User Control Panel
• Select Profile Tab
• Select Edit equipment

[jimbud]

. Feeling dumb and confused right now.

Most of us felt that way when we first started.
Don't worry about it.
You have found the right place.
All will be made clear.
Just hang in there.
These guys are good.
JPB

[zonker]

I cannot find the instructions on how to add my equipment to my signature. Actually, I found the link that said it would explain, but it did not have anything listed at all except the name of my machine; no way to add that to my profile. Feeling dumb and confused right now.

welcome to the zoo! truth be told, i still feel dumb and confused after all my time here.

oh wait...i feel that way ALL the time.

stick with us, we'll get you through this. you can do this. we pretty much all felt bewildered when we first started out. it gets better.

[Off2Sleep]

You people really know how to make a (bewildered) girl feel better.
Thanks so much to all who came to my rescue.
Your responses gave me hope and a smile.

[zonker]

You people really know how to make a (bewildered) girl feel better.
Thanks so much to all who came to my rescue.
Your responses gave me hope and a smile.

HelplessGoodnaturedGodwit-max-1mb.gif

by the way, you have the wrong machine in your sig.

[Off2Sleep]

Thanks for the catch, Zonker.
(I was focusing on the "autoset" part. Also didn't know I have a "for her" machine and mask.)