New CPAP user

[ScottPdx]

I'm a new CPAP user with moderate apnea. I have used the machine for 3 nights. The first two nights the mask came off after a few hours because i had problems with the anxiety and claustraphobia of it all. I expected this. My question though, is how long does it take for newbies to generally beign feeling rested after sleeping with machine? I was able to sleep with mask on all night last night. I didnt flip out at all while wearing it but i still feel like i never got any solid sleep, kept waking up every hour or so and feel exhausted today? Is this fairly normal when starting out? If so, how long did it take some of you to begin reaping the benefits of the therapy? I'd really appreciate any responses.

[Wulfman]

I'm a new CPAP user with moderate apnea. I have used the machine for 3 nights. The first two nights the mask came off after a few hours because i had problems with the anxiety and claustraphobia of it all. I expected this. My question though, is how long does it take for newbies to generally beign feeling rested after sleeping with machine? I was able to sleep with mask on all night last night. I didnt flip out at all while wearing it but i still feel like i never got any solid sleep, kept waking up every hour or so and feel exhausted today? Is this fairly normal when starting out? If so, how long did it take some of you to begin reaping the benefits of the therapy? I'd really appreciate any responses.

All these things vary from user to user, but it's "typical" to start to feel the benefits somewhere between a few weeks to several months. If you're doing things "right", the daytime sleepiness should start to go away first......the rest of it can take more time.......depending on how long you've been dealing with sleep apnea and how well your therapy is working.

It would benefit YOU greatly if you would register on the forum and list all of your equipment and the pressure your machine is set to.


Den

[newhosehead]

I'm a new CPAP user with moderate apnea. I have used the machine for 3 nights. The first two nights the mask came off after a few hours because i had problems with the anxiety and claustraphobia of it all. I expected this. My question though, is how long does it take for newbies to generally beign feeling rested after sleeping with machine? I was able to sleep with mask on all night last night. I didnt flip out at all while wearing it but i still feel like i never got any solid sleep, kept waking up every hour or so and feel exhausted today? Is this fairly normal when starting out? If so, how long did it take some of you to begin reaping the benefits of the therapy? I'd really appreciate any responses.

All these things vary from user to user, but it's "typical" to start to feel the benefits somewhere between a few weeks to several months. If you're doing things "right", the daytime sleepiness should start to go away first......the rest of it can take more time.......depending on how long you've been dealing with sleep apnea and how well your therapy is working.

It would benefit YOU greatly if you would register on the forum and list all of your equipment and the pressure your machine is set to.


Den

I agree with Wulfman, the daytime sleepiness should start to go first. I have been on CPAP since Dec 21 and daytime cleepiness is clearly getting much better. I think I have some efforts to make on my own to help with other issues.

[Irene P.]

I found it hard to relax enough to sleep well for the first few weeks on cpap. I was always thinking about my breathing, etc. I finally figured out I needed to try to forget about cpap, just relax and sleep. I found ways of thinking of something else once I was settled into bed. I would count sheep, pray, or whatever worked at the time. Hope this helps you.

[ScottPdx]

Thank you all for the information. Greatly appreciated. I took your advice and registered my equipment information on this site. I guess i will continue to just be patient and try and relax when using machine at night.

[ScottPdx]

Oh and Wulfman, when you said if i'm doing things right, what exaclt did you mean? Thanks again for information.

[Wulfman]

Oh and Wulfman, when you said if i'm doing things right, what exaclt did you mean? Thanks again for information.

I meant......if you're using your equipment all night, every night.......mask leaks are at a minimum......and your pressure is "correct" (taking care of most of your apnea/hypopnea events).


Den

[ScottPdx]

I'm still a little confused though. I have been able to sleep with mask on all night for the past week, even feeling somewhat comfortable during the night with it on. Shouldn't i immediately start seeing some improvement? My sleep doesn't seem to be any heavier at night then it was before using the CPAP machine. Last night it felt like my miind was going 100 miles per hour and i never got into a deep sleep. Today i feel like a zombie. I'm just wondering if something else is going on besides apnea with my sleep or does it take time, even when sleeping 8 hours with mask, for body and mind to adjust and solid sleep to begin?

[Tielman]

I'm still a little confused though. I have been able to sleep with mask on all night for the past week, even feeling somewhat comfortable during the night with it on. Shouldn't i immediately start seeing some improvement? My sleep doesn't seem to be any heavier at night then it was before using the CPAP machine. Last night it felt like my miind was going 100 miles per hour and i never got into a deep sleep. Today i feel like a zombie. I'm just wondering if something else is going on besides apnea with my sleep or does it take time, even when sleeping 8 hours with mask, for body and mind to adjust and solid sleep to begin?

I'm at the same pressure setting as you, with the same machine. I'm starting my 3rd week, and yesterday was probably the first day that I felt "OK". I definitely feel better today than I did the first week. It takes some time for your body to adjust to actually sleeping, and not to have to deal with apneas...

The big key is to use the machine every night, and not to sleep without it.

It will get better! Keep it up!

[Julie]

Without being able to read your stats, it's going to be hard to track leak rates, and that may be where the problem is.

[ScottPdx]

Well my machine shows there being no "Large Leaks" since i began therapy. My AHI over the past 7 days is at 2.6. However, as i begin week 4 of therapy, i see little improvement. Still wake up throughout the night, not from the discomfort of mask, i'm usually pretty comfortable with it, but just like i did before cpap. Mind seems to be always going and i feel like i'm dozing all night, never in a deep sleep. I'm getting 8 hours a night with the mask on but still feel less then stellar each day. Only improvements so far is my snoring is gone and i haven't woken up in middle of night with my heart racing like i'm having a panic attack. So i guess that's good. Trying to stay patient and positive but also wondering if this is simply the wrong treatment for me.

[Mark O]

I have been trying this for 6 months and it stil is a difficulty. I don't know how people do it.

[ScottPdx]

Mark, are you struggling with wearing the mask or experiencing the same issues as me?

[sleeplessinaz]

to the newbies----it will take time to get used to sleeping with all the gear on every night--I know it took me awhile. You have to talk to yourself and say this has GOT to work--this is for me and my health. I HAVE to have this machine to sleep everynight and I need to get used to it and relax!!

I could not shut my mind down at night --like some of you have stated. I don't not promote using drugs but I do take Lexapro now and that made a world of difference for me. It is a mild anti depressant. It calms down your mind and lets you fall asleep---at least it did that for me!!! Try different masks, different PILLOWS --i use a goose down pillow as it can be formed around your neck and the hose to make for a more restful sleeping position. GOOD LUCK!!
Carrie