Thoughts for a New User

[Otter's Dad]

To begin:

1. Have only used CPAP for a few days and I realize I need to give it more of a chance.
2. Yet, reading this site has encouraged me to ask questions. Here goes.

CPAP set to ramp over 20 minutes from 6 to 16. First couple of nights led to 4 hours of sleep each. Last night was only one with the CPAP.

I seem to do okay with the lower pressures, but my anxiety really kicks up at 14-16. Anything I should be doing to alleviate this anxiety (I charactarize as more than just uncomfortable, perhaps mild claustrophobia). My C-Flex setting is 3. When I awake, the pressure of 16 is a shock and I end of taking the mask off. After that, I am done with the mask for the night. Would APAP ameliorate this type of situation?

Is it unwise to drop my max setting on the CPAP to 12 or 13 for a while? I am in the dark as my machine is not data capable.

Where to tweek? Or should I just stick it out? Is lying in bed for 30-45 minutes listening to your own breathing normal unitl you somehow get comfortable enough or tired enough to fall asleep what I should expect for the duration?

I am dedicated to getting this right, especially for my wife and kids.

Blake

[cflame1]

Probably a good thing to do OD... is to talk to your DME about upgrading your machine... try for an Auto but be willing to accept a PRO.

That way with the data we can tell if there's another problem that's causing your issues.

[rubymom]

Blake, you've got a great attitude and you'll be fine once you get adjusted to all this.

My initial pressure was set at 20 and my CPAP ramped up from 6 and I was in the same position you are...by the time it got up to full pressure, I couldn't tolerate it. If it really is anxiety, then perhaps spending some time watching TV with the machine on will help you get used to it and calm down. For me, it was just that I felt like a tornado was going to blow my face off. So, I "failed" CPAP and ultimately needed a BiPap machine. That way my pressures moved as needed and I have settled into basically a range of about 11-14. I don't use ramp at all anymore.

I agree with the suggestion to talk to your DME. Mine was helpful to me in recognizing the problem and working with my doctor to resolve it. At this point, I wouldn't just start playing with your numbers.

[DeeDeeD]

I would suggest getting into the habit of pressing the ramp button as soon as you wake up and also if you have a hard time getting to sleep at night its ok to press the ramp button a few times until you can get to sleep. I've been on CPAP for 3 weeks and a day now and I found this really worked for me. I would get in a panic too when the pressure gets up there and if I press ramp right away the anxiety goes away and I'm able to get back to sleep quicker. I would definetly not suggest lowering the pressure. You won't start to feel better if your pressure isn't where it should be. Hope this helps as I know it did for me! And yes its very normal to lay there listening to your own breathing for awhile in the very beginning. I visualize every breath as one breath closer to feeling better knowing that my machine is healing me as I sleep! I know that sounds silly but having a positive attitude towards this whole thing has seriously helped me get thru this. I'm only at week 3 and I LOVE putting my mask on to go to bed now. Don't get me wrong I still have those days where I want to throw my mask across the room but those are few and far between! Hang in there, it's worth it!!

[Sleepy Taz]

Blake,

Rubymom has a great idea that will work if you put the time in. If you spend a half hour watching tv with the mask on at full pressure you will begin to get used to it. Also I recommend that you turn off the ramp feature as it is impeding your ability to adjust. Many people awaken with the pressure changes from ramping and never get into a deep sleep. I am at a pressure of 17 and have been doing this for so long that I cannot feel the air blowing even though my AHI is below 1 most nights. It will only take a week or so maybe less for this to work but it is so worth it. I have also found that using a positive outlook and attitude will help you to adapt more quickly. Good luck and don't give up!!

[Otter's Dad]

Taz,

Thanks for the suggestion. I watched American Idol for the first time and did it with my mask on and the CPAP engaging at 16. I had tried the ramping and that was not working, so I used your (and RubyMom's) suggestion.

I was much more comfortable with the mask after that time and will continue this for a while. I have been struggling to not focus on the breathing as I seem to not be able to fall asleep when I do that. Am trying to focus on something else, yet also be cognizant of the mask and the fact that it is there to help.

Blake

[Sleepy Taz]

Blake,

I am glad that you can see a difference with just one night. In a short while it will be second nature and you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. Welcome to the hosehead club1

Taz