Woo Hoo! 2 Full Nights!

[ScrappinMom]

So excited! I have kept my mask on til time to get up the past 2 nights. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that I came out of lurking 2 days ago! Just had to share my excitement.
I can't even remember when I wasn't tired all the time, but I am feeling so much better. Motivation to keep going!

[Eureka]

Congratulations !! A real victory. Only a person who has gone through the Cpap journey can appreciate these milestones.

CLW

[Paddyboy100]

That's GREAT! Dream on!

[millich]

Awesome! You're doing great. Keep it up!

[BleepingBeauty]

Congrats!

[ScrappinMom]

Thanks for all the encouragement!

[studiojude]

How did you do it?
I'm on my second trial of cpap. Have yet to hook up to the machine. So far have only managed to wear the 'swift lt for her' mask twice for about 30 minutes at a time. Tomorrow my RT comes to hook me up to the machine. First time I tried cpap ( 2 and a half years ago), I couldn't tolerate it at all- felt very panicky. The feeling of having air pushed up me nose was freaky. But, after trying a mouthpiece, and having pillar implants with no success, I need to try one more time. I am sooooooo tired. So tired that when my husband offered to take me to NYC for my birthday, I said 'no, tooo tired."
Any help would be so much appreciated. Thanks,

[drj130]

How did you do it?
I'm on my second trial of cpap. Have yet to hook up to the machine. So far have only managed to wear the 'swift lt for her' mask twice for about 30 minutes at a time. Tomorrow my RT comes to hook me up to the machine. First time I tried cpap ( 2 and a half years ago), I couldn't tolerate it at all- felt very panicky. The feeling of having air pushed up me nose was freaky. But, after trying a mouthpiece, and having pillar implants with no success, I need to try one more time. I am sooooooo tired. So tired that when my husband offered to take me to NYC for my birthday, I said 'no, tooo tired."
Any help would be so much appreciated. Thanks,

It just takes time and practice. You have to go and want to make it work for you. It is hard to adjust to having something strapped to your head while you try to sleep. The course you're on right now just might be the best way for you do over come that problem. Wear the mask while watching TV, reading a book, heck you can also try to wear it while working around the house. Just keep at it and and relax. This as all of us know is a huge change in your life.

I wish you luck studiojude.

David

[Muse-Inc]

...have only managed to wear the 'swift lt for her' mask twice for about 30 minutes at a time...

If you can't handle this mask, look at the OptiLife...it's even more minimal, just the pillows, a small frame, and the headgear. I wore it successfully for many months; if I hadn't started leaking sir, I'd still be wearing it.

...felt very panicky. The feeling of having air pushed up me nose was freaky...

I sleep so well with a mask in my PSG I actually wanted CPAP therapy and impatiently waited for my ins to approve it. I was diagnosed severe. Yes, air under pressure is freaky...try thinking of it as facing into a stiff breeze outside, like the beach. 60 days after I started, when I saw my panicked brain wave tracings, I was very relieved that was no longer occurring multiple times every night and by then I felt so much better as I was sleeping well. This condition can be fatal so you have to patiently and persistently take yourself in hand and start making baby steps in dealing with your fears and discomfort...what other choice is left? You've tried all the options. I suggest you open a new thread so people can help you directly.

...need to try one more time. I am sooooooo tired. So tired that when my husband offered to take me to NYC for my birthday, I said 'no, tooo tired."

Passed up trip to NY because you were too tired? How sad is that? You need to stop thinking of 'try' and staring thinking of 'do' with multiple adjustments that continue until you can get some refreshing sleep...and you will!

[studiojude]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I am determined to make this work. I just got out of bed at 9:30 this morning and am more tired than when I go to bed at night. This is a great forum for a newbie like me. Thanks!

[tattooyu]

Congratulations, scrappinmom! Truly a milestone worth sharing.

Studiojude, during my sleep test, the first time they put the mask on, I had an almost instant panic attack. I do NOT like the feeling of not being able to exhale. However, I stuck with it. They turned on the exhalation relief, notched up the humidifier and I stuck with it. Here I am six months later, no exhalation relief and minimal humidity. You'll get there.

My suggestion is to lie quietly with the mask on your face and blowing. Remind yourself (gently and calmly) that you are NOT suffocating (just the opposite!). Take slow purposeful breaths. Your body will adapt. Don't be surprised if your neck and chest get a bit sore since the muscles are being worked a bit harder.

GOOD LUCK and KEEP ON PAPPING!

(Great avatar Paddy!)

[ScrappinMom]

How did you do it?
I'm on my second trial of cpap. Have yet to hook up to the machine. So far have only managed to wear the 'swift lt for her' mask twice for about 30 minutes at a time. Tomorrow my RT comes to hook me up to the machine. First time I tried cpap ( 2 and a half years ago), I couldn't tolerate it at all- felt very panicky. The feeling of having air pushed up me nose was freaky. But, after trying a mouthpiece, and having pillar implants with no success, I need to try one more time. I am sooooooo tired. So tired that when my husband offered to take me to NYC for my birthday, I said 'no, tooo tired."
Any help would be so much appreciated. Thanks,

I too panicked when they put the nasal mask to my face. Backed WAY up away from the poor tech. I do not like the Swift LR either; much prefer my NasalAire II. What helps me is having a small fan blowing straight at my face, and of course my trusty Lunesta. The fan distracts my brain from the noise and air inside my head. I've found if my mask is completely sealed, I don't feel the air inside my nose as much. I don't put the mask on until after the lunesta kicks in and I am almost out. Wearing it while awake has not helped me at all, althought it does for many. You might also try listening to whatever type music you find relaxing. Wishing you much success; it's a hard journey, but a couple nights of success have given me encouragement, along with all the wonderful folks on this forum.

[fishhead]

During the titration sleep study, I also felt a slight panicky feeling from the sudden rush of air into my nose. I told the technician that I felt like I was suffocating, out-of-breath. Even as the words were coming out of my mouth I remember thinking to my self - "That doesn't make any sense! That's impossible. How can I be suffocating when air is being pumped into my nose?" I realized that it was just a new sensation that my brain needed time to adjust to. It reminded me of the first time i tried snorkeling/scuba diving. Same feeling at first of not being able to breath, followed by an eventual realization that I can trust the equipment to provide me air.

Now, only a few weeks in, I'm so accustomed to it I only notice I'm on it when I turn it off. It just takes a little time. Keep at it, the benefits are worth all the effort.