New Kid on the Block

ladesignz · Post by **ladesignz** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:20 pm

Hello Everyone - I am new to the CPAP - I use a nose mask with a humidifier CPAP. I've had it for a week and haven't even made it more than 2 hours with the mask on. - I can't go to the sleep with it. I did buy some bendadry much to my doctors horror to try to sleep better.
I've also been trying to wear the mask while watching TV for a hour - that was recommended somewhere... don't remember.
Anyways I want to feel better soooo bad - Im so tired of being tired all the time so Im not giving up.

Any suggestions would be apperiated.

Thanks

Tina D
Las Vegas

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:32 pm

Hello Tina!
Welcome to the club. You’ll find a ton of super valuable information here. It will also take a lot of time to get use to CPAP interface. So be patient. In order to give you a concrete advice you need to:
1. update you profile, so we will see what type of machine/mask you are using
2. describe precisely what is bothering you in particular. Be very specific.

Looking forward.

Vettecraze · Post by **Vettecraze** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:28 pm

If you keep having problems, you might have the wrong equipment for you. It could be the wrong machine or the wrong mask. There are a few options out there that might make it easier for you. There are options like auto adjusting machines (APAP) and options like c-flex, A-flex, etc.
There is also an option for people who are having problems with regular CPAP therapy, they are the bi level machines. Please take some time to research the options. Straight CPAP is not for everyone, specially if your prescribed pressure is high.
Good luck in finding a solution to your problem,
Ernesto

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:31 pm

You have listed a Plus machine which provides no useful data. So it will be hard to find out exactly what is going on if you manage to actually wear the mask through the night. Keep that in mind since you just got this machine and it is near the bottom of the barrel in terms of features.

As for wearing the mask. What is your pressure. Do you have a ramp set? If you do and it is set below 6 that may be a problem. Most of us feel starved for air below 5 or 6.

Are you losing air out your mouth? Can you breath in and out through your nose. What is keeping you awake? Is the mask comfortable? Etc.

ladesignz · Post by **ladesignz** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:18 pm

actually I can't find my machine in the list it is bi level m series c flex with integrated heated humidifier

Moby · Post by **Moby** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:25 pm

Welcome ladesignz

Hang in there! It will get better. And you are in the best place for support and advice.

lol just thinking of one of our members who has added "wit and perseverance" to his list of equipment.

Keep us posted.

Di

ladesignz · Post by **ladesignz** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:47 pm

Ok I got the right machine it is a bottom line one - since I knew nothing about these when I got it. It was the one Apria gave me. It has a ramp (a button with an arrow - It automatically lowers the pressure and then gradually raises it But you all probably knew that LOL. The humidifier is attached and it has settings up to six. It is on two.

The tech recommended that as I was falling asleep to push the ramp button to reduce the airflow so I could fall asleep easier. It feels more comfortable without using that.
I think my biggest problem is the mask - I feel like an alien. To much stuff on my face.
But I didn't want to try the one that goes in the nose because when I was on oxygen I had a hard time sleeping with that in my nose.

Thanks
Tina

alpha1340 · Post by **alpha1340** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:56 pm

I am confused are you using a bi-level or the ds100 that is showing up in the profile? What pressure setting are you at?

ladesignz · Post by **ladesignz** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:08 pm

Its looks like the DS100 with a integrated heated humidifier - but my paperwork from Apria says bi-level. Im going to call them tomarrow and see exactly what my prescription says and what this machine is

sleepinginseattle · Post by **sleepinginseattle** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:20 pm

Hi ladesignz,

Welcome to the land of hoseheads! Your experience with the CPAP will be entirely unique so don't sweat it if you're having difficulty adjusting just yet. Some folks adapt right away, like myself, but you may find that you get the hang of it in just a short while.

It may be helpful to give your CPAP a chance to fit into your life. I started by giving my machine a good place on my night stand within comfortable reach of the bed. Because my bed has a headboard with slats, I could use a scrunchie to hold the hose just above my head. Finally, I always wash my face to remove any oils that might interfere with the mask and prevent a good seal.

Good sleep hygiene was totally foreign to me when I got started. I had all sorts of bad habits. My severe apnea had wrecked normal sleep routines and I was used to napping at all hours and staying up late. Getting back to a pattern of sleep that was healthy wasn't easy but I was invigorated by the good sleep I got with the CPAP and motivated to "keep with the program".

It sounds as though you might not have ever enjoyed a good night's sleep with the CPAP. Did you sleep the night you did your sleep study?

If you feel claustrophobic, you might try loosening the mask straps so you know you can get it off quickly. That lessens the panic from feeling trapped in. Don't worry about leaks or other stuff right now. Just try to make friends with the machine.

Frankly, there's no reason to get concerned with monitoring your sleep or worrying about having the right mask or the right machine for the first couple weeks. Fine tuning your therapy will come later after you've at least given yourself a chance to adjust to sleeping with a mask.

Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:26 am

It sounds as though you might not have ever enjoyed a good night's sleep with the CPAP. Did you sleep the night you did your sleep study?

No actually I havn't last night included. My sleep study was the most miserble night of my life LOL - I slept about two hours at the very end with the mask on.

One problem I noticed last night is that I am side sleeper and once I roll to my side the mask starts leaking. I read here about a mask that works better for side sleepers due to a better or different type of seal but I can't find the infor for the life of me

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:26 am

Well...sounds like you're really starting from scratch. You said you've used the mask while watching TV, that's a good start. You'll at least get used to the feel. But I wouldn't overdo it. CPAP therapy is meant for sleeping people, I don't think you'll ever get comfortable with wearing it while awake, I'm certainly not.

I also like to sleep on my side. I start on my back, move to my side, switch back and forth a bit and end up on my back. (Not really relevant but I'm amazed that I even pay attention to this stuff, never did before!) I did try a few different masks before settling on one I liked, but I always tried a new one for at least a week before moving on. Oddly, it wasn't a more compact nasal pillow variety (popular with many side-sleepers) that won in the end.

I'm a firm believer in "hose management". If you have a way to keep the hose slightly above your head (with enough slack to let you turn from side-to-side - but not too much!) you'll find that the mask leaks less. It is often the tugging of the hose on the mask that makes the leak.

I worry far less about leaks now than when I started the therapy. The technician during the titration study mentioned that many sleepers tend to reposition the mask subconsciously in their sleep. That's the way it works for me, as I am sometimes aroused from sleep by a leak but almost never awakened during this readjustment.

Keep at it and good luck!

sleepinginseattle · Post by **sleepinginseattle** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:30 am

Oops, not logged in. My post above.

TIGMONSTER68 · Post by **TIGMONSTER68** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:14 pm

I have a Mirage Activa nasal mask, and I'm a side sleeper, and I have only had this mask 5 days, but I don't have a problem with it when I'm sleeping. I go from right to left to right to left, and I think it actually seals better than when I'm on my back! Maybe you could try one of the Activa masks in a couple weeks if you're still having problems, but please don't change anything yet......it's too soon.....
Good Luck to you!
Jodie

Vettecraze · Post by **Vettecraze** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:08 pm

Could you get Apria to bring other masks to try on. Tell them that you are having problems with your mask and you can not sleep with it. I have a RESMED ultra mirage full face mask properly fitted, I am a side sleeper and I do not have any leaks . When you find the right mask, you will notice a significant difference. Good luck!

Ernesto

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, mirage

New Kid on the Block

New Kid on the Block

Re: New Kid on the Block

Don't give up

Good Morning and Thanks for all The Feedback

Tina

Humidifier

Additional Comments: ozzie heated hose.