Getting started is tough......

[SleeplessInIL]

Hi All -

I'm new to the forum, and new to the world of CPAP therapy.

I'm in my first week of CPAP and to be honest, I've been looking forward to it. If it can help me get good rest, I'm all for it.

I've had two unsuccessful nights, one that I'd claim as half success, and one where it went very well so I know it can be done. Of course I'm tired, I haven't slept well (or at all) for quite a while. I'm also battleing insomnia so if I don't get to sleep relatively quickly, I'm pretty much shot for the night.

I'm becoming hesitant on using the CPAP since it's keeping me from falling asleep. And if sleep doesn't happen within 30 mins or so, I might as well get up. I'm going thru the typical break in period - frustration, discomfort, wondering who came up with this torture device they call theraputic, etc. But to me, some success early is important to build confidence.

I know it's very early to make a judgement on the CPAP, but my gosh, it's nearly impossible for me to get comfortable with this contraption on my noggin.

My DME provider is already asking if it's 'going to work for me' so that she can send in the paperwork (to get paid by the ins co I'm sure). I don't like being pressured (no pun intended). Should I tell her to step off until I know for sure?

How long would you suggest I try the CLII before I consider trying something different?

I'd welcome any suggestions (or even encouragement) tha might help this insomniac with OSA.

Thanks

Kent

[DoubleTap]

Kent,

I am at about the same point as you, although with slightly different problems. I am using the CL2 mask, and I have all three types of interfaces. I found the direct seal cushions to be the most comfortable, so if you haven't tried those, you might consider them. I found they do allow me to fall asleep quickly, but they begin leaking once my machine gets up to the higher pressures, and I then wake up.

I'd suggest you try the direct seal cushions and see if these help you fall asleep. Maybe they won't leak on you, because I've heard several people talk about having good luck with them.

I'm considering switching to a nasal mask to see if I can stop my leak issues. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Rob

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): seal

[alnhwrd]

Welcome to a great forum! You know, mattress companies give you 90-120 days to try out their mattresses before making a decision about their products, so it seems reasonable to give cpap, which will increase the likelihood of extending your life, at least that long.

I'm not an expert yet at this myself, but does your machine have the ramp feature that slowly increases your pressure over the first 15-45 minutes, aloowing you to get used to the pressure. Also, it might be helpful to the cpap gurus on the forum to know your pressure. It sounds like you have some different mask choices, so I would try them all to see which one works best for you.

Remember, you are at least getting better quality sleep now with cpap than you were before. It sounds like your attitude is pretty good, and that is the most important thing of all. Best of luck to you!

[Wulfman]

Kent,

Why don't you go through the setup on your machine and write down ALL of the settings on paper......just don't make any changes yet. Then make a post and let us know how they set up for you. There may be some things in there that might make your transition a bit easier.

One of the tricks to getting to sleep is to make your mind go "somewhere else" besides focusing on the mask, machine noise or whatever it is that keeps you awake.

I'd be totally honest with the DME provider. That's why I suggest you let us know how they set it up......besides, it's always interesting to see the (different) ways they try to configure these machines......many of them are clueless because they're not actually users themselves.

And, the mask is probably the most important part of this equation.
Did you pick out the mask or did they do it for you? If that's contributing to your problems of getting to sleep, I'd make sure they know about it.

Den

[kteague]

Yes, getting started can be tough. I just hope that when you were asked if it was going to work for you, they meant the particular equipment and not the therapy. Have you explicitly asked them their policy on exchanging the machine or mask? When you talk with them again, maybe tell them that you are counting on them to work with you to help you be successful. Most people respond to being valued. If it turns out to not be the case, if you know their policies you can avoid some frustrations and disappointments.

I've not had the difficulty falling asleep so much as staying asleep. I've been thru several masks, and the CL2 is my second favorite. But I made peace with it fairly quickly because I'd already struggled thru several others. Funny, but if I went back to any of them now I'd probably not find them so tormenting. A lifetime habit of sleeping with nothing touching the face doesn't always yield quickly, but the time did come for me that I hardly noticed the mask.

Needing to fall asleep soon will make this adjustment more challenging. I don't advocate not using it all the time, but it would better to sacrifice your sleep when you're off from work than to give up altogether. But that will prolong the process (and continue the health risks).

Discerning if it's normal "getting used to" or something needing fixed will move you along the path to success. There's some folks here who can give you great guidance and support; the commitment to persevere will have to come from within you. There are rewards in doing so. Wish you well.

Kathy

[tangents]

And, the mask is probably the most important part of this equation.
Did you pick out the mask or did they do it for you? If that's contributing to your problems of getting to sleep, I'd make sure they know about it.

I agree with Den here. The mask comfort is a HUGE part of this therapy. Sleeping is such an individual thing, and getting comfortable takes different measures for everyone. I started with the ComfortGel Nasal, and just knew there had to be a more comfortable way to breath. Look at some of the user's comments on mask adaptations under the yellow lightbulb "Our Collective Wisdom". This will help you get a feel for pros and cons of the different masks, and what positions the users can comfortable sleep in. Some masks favor side sleepers, some back sleepers, and some stomach sleepers.

Keep posting your questions and problems, the people here are great troubleshooters!

Take Care,
Cathy

[SleeplessInIL]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll check the machine tonight for settings, but I recall its set for 7cm of pressure (the prescription) with a ramp up of 20minutes starting at 4cm. The altitude is set at 1 which is correct for my area (elevation is 560, +/-).

The mask was selected by the DME provider, largely on what position I sleep (or try to sleep as the case may be). She listened to me while I described my sleep patterns, so hopefully the choice was an informed one.

But, they also have an agreement with respironics on providing their equipment first so I'm sure that influences the decision somewhat. I can go to another brand if we can't find something from respironics that works for me (so she says).

I really don't think the pressure is bothering me - it's mostly the headgear/mask/hose combination. The weight of the headgear and the hose seem quite heavy to me. If I could get the mask/headgear combo to be comfortable as I lay on the pillow, I think everything else would work out ok.

Ultimately I know I'll have to make adjustments to better my health, but I can't help wonder why I have to adjust to the equipment so much rather than the equipment adjusting to me?


Kent

[DreamStalker]

Are you sure they gave you the "Auto" machine? ... your Rx of 7 cm indicates a CPAP pressure setting rather than an "Auto" pressure setting.

Also, the ramp of 20 minutes starting at 4 cm may be one of your problems. 4 cm is usually too low to start with.

[Julie]

If your pressure setting is 7, then what you'd normally do is set the numbers at ~6 for the low end and 9 or 10 for the high. 4 - 20 is the default range built into the machine (for everyone), but no one can actually breathe at 4, and 20 is very high, so once we know our optimal number, we set the machine to just below and a bit over to account for individual 'events'. However, even if it's set at e.g. 12 for the high end, that will be overridden by the machine if necessary. It's just that leaving it wide open (to 20) is not as effective as narrowing the range (Snoredog can explain why...) for technical reasons. Also have you considered or ruled out (by someone observing you while you're asleep) whether you sleep with your mouth open or not? A lot of us have discovered we do, regardless of what we believe to be the case on our own, and have gone to 'full face' masks (actually just like nasals but a little longer to cover our mouths) which solve the problem (chin straps really don't work well at all).

[SleeplessInIL]

"Auto" machine, "Auto" pressure. I really don't know what this means.

But I'll ask the DME provider and see what type of response I get.

I can set the ramp start pressure higher if I choose. Seems like breathing during ramp up time is more difficult than at the 7cm pressure itself.

[Wulfman]

"Auto" machine, "Auto" pressure. I really don't know what this means.

But I'll ask the DME provider and see what type of response I get.

I can set the ramp start pressure higher if I choose. Seems like breathing during ramp up time is more difficult than at the 7cm pressure itself.

When you filled out your profile, you selected this machine as the one you have:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2197

Look at the top of the machine and see what it says.

CPAPology 101......KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT.

Den

[SleeplessInIL]

As Rummie would say "I don't know what I don't know".

I wish I had the knowledge beforehand to know what to ask. As always, you learn as you go.

Thanks for all the comments / suggestions so far. I'm already smarter than I was this morning.

[Wulfman]

Keep pluggin' away.
We were all in the "square one" situation at some time.
Continue to ask questions. There are no "dumb" questions.....REALLY!

For the last several months I've been hanging out on a diabetic forum and immediately found out how much I DIDN'T know about THAT. That was more humbling than starting out on THIS forum three years ago.....but I'm gradually learning more.

Den

[alnhwrd]

A lot of people, myself included, use scrunchies or clips or rubberbands to hang their hoses up on their headboards over their heads. This keeps the hose up off the bed, preventing the weight problem you mentioned and keeping the hose in an optimal position as you switch sides. I actually have a set of command hooks stuck to the wall above my bed to keep the hose right where I need it.

Problem solving skills seem to be essential for making ones therapy work, imho. Things get easier as you learn to overcome these problems and get settled into good sleep habits and routines. Keep coming back and reading up on this site-it has way more info and is much more accessible than most. Very friendly too!

[SleeplessInIL]

I think you're right, problem solving will be important. I told my wife I need to 'practice' to find out what's comfortable at times when I'm NOT trying to get to sleep. I can't do both at the same time.

Last night was awful - three hrs of struggling with the torture device. Gave up on it and still couldn't sleep. Had to stay home from work today cuz I don't want to vent my frustrations on my employees.

I'm so tired of all this lack of sleep. It's very frustrating not being able to rest.

But, today is another day and I'll see what I can do to improve my chances tonight. I'm going to go back to hanging the hose over the headboard as suggested.

Anybody else with the CL2 have problems with the swivel? It doesn't seem very effective. It gets stuck sometimes and I have to help it around to orient it correctly. It's kinda disruptive to the whole getting into the zone thing.