Help getting to sleep!

[Flux]

I've been trying CPAP for over two weeks now (not every night) and so far I have had no luck sleeping for more than two hours with the equipment.

I am using the Remstar M series. First of all I had the full face mask, which was just too obtrusive and woke me up (if I managed to sleep with it at all).
Next up was a nose mask, which I have had since last week. I have not even managed to sleep past 5 minutes with this on, I seem to experience an odd "electric shock" sensation on my bottom lip or lower teeth whenever I start to drift away with it on.

I am getting very frustrated by the experience, did not realise I was that sensitive a sleeper. Anything else I should try?

[Sergey45]

Well, there is nothing new perhaps that I can advise you. Just start experimenting with different masks. Give each mask you are testing at least 3, better 5 days. Try adjusting head gear, different tension, it all counts. Good luck.

[cflame1]

Which machine are you using? Is it the DS-100, Plus, Pro or Auto?

Do you know what the pressures are set to?

[Lineman]

Boy does that sound familiar. I had a good experience at the Sleep Lab so I thought it would be a no-brainer at home. WRONG!

When I put my FFM on and lay down, I panicked! All I could think of was that original ALIEN movie where the crab like critter was stuck to the poor guys face with it's legs around his head. Not a good image at all.

Well, I toughed it out for a couple of hours without sleep thinking really nasty thoughts about doctors pulling wings off of flies in their spare time.

Then I had a helpful thought. My regular doctor had prescribed a sleep aid medication (before I was diagnosed with apnea). That was a very mild tranquilizer (0.5mg Ativan). I took one of those and was able to go to sleep with the FFM on. I slept for 6 hours just fine.

For the next two nights, I took the same med at bedtime to get me past the panic stage. After that I seem to have gotten used to the mask because I found I don't need the med anymore (no panic).

I'm not generally a fan of those kinds of drugs but in this case it helped.
Just thought I would mention that as an alternative.

[Kattitude]

You might try melatonin. For the last couple of weeks, I've had a hard time falling asleep no matter how tired I was when I layed down. I remembered someone else on this board mentioning it and saying just to take a little bit, like .5mg or something. All I could find was 3mg tablets so I quartered them and that seems to be just enough to take the edge off that electric buzz feeling I would get as I started to drift off to sleep. It might not work for everyone but it does seem to help me.

Also - sounds like your mask may be a little to tight. Have you tried loosening it up a bit? Put it on like you normally do then just release a little bit of the tension to see if that helps??

[Flux]

I am not sure exactly what machine, but it comes with C-FLEX options if that helps.

I would have to check on the pressure as well. I tried my original full face mask for 5 nights in a row before discontinuing as it was disrupting my sleep. This new mask I have tried for hmm 4 nights so far, it has a rounded elastic fastener that is not easily adustable, but I will try loosening it.

This electric buzz feeling you describe, I seem to get a quick jolt right after nodding off with this particular mask on which is probably what is waking me up, very odd though as I certainly do not recall that sensation in any situation before.

I would like to try and avoid sedatives, but might try melatonin. The staff member at the clinic I go to is off on holiday at the moment, which is frustrating.

[Julie]

Is it possible there is something wrong with the machine - very subtle, but noticeable when you're drifting off? I'd at least check with wherever you got it from... you never know.

[ffarmer]

I wouldn't completely rule out the option of a mild sedative if you don't resolve the problem. When you have sleep apnea, getting a good night's sleep (that is, without apneas) on the machine with a mild sedative is much healthier than sleeping without the machine and having apneas throughout the night. However, it is a decision you should make in consultation with your doctor.

Frances

[samofny]

You may want to consider nasal pillows since your pressure is so low. Also try relaxing and not thinking about it so much, the extra stress can't be helping.

[SleepGuy]

Here's a testimonial someone just posted on cpap.com for the pur-sleep aromatherapy products that are designed specifically to address your issues:

I was skeptical of this product and purchased the cheapest package to see if it worked. I have to say, I really like it! It is kind of like taking a long warm bubble bath. Yeah, you could take a shower but sometimes you want a little pampering. This scenting set brings just that-lots of comfort for little price. I recommend this to every man and women out there. Even your spouse will enjoy it-it does create a nice mood! I was concerned that my very sensitive nose might be bothered (and I would develop one of my migrains) if I used a product such as this. Instead, I have found the opposite. These scents are well done. While they are potent and last longer then you would expect (you are advised to use a very tiny amount), you are never overwhelmed with its fragrance. I love it and consider it "bubbly for my bipap." Don't miss out any longer-pick some up!

There are a number of threads on the forum about this new product line (in the interest of full disclosure, I am the person behind the products). There are also a number of testimonials on the pur-sleep website. I think this stuff could really help out!