Success

[Otter's Dad]

A few weeks ago I was struggling with therapy and never would have guessed that I am where I am today. I fall asleep in minutes, sleep through the night, can sleep on my side again (better for my apnea than being on my back and it is what I prefer) and am no longer tired. The difficulty of over-coming the claustrophobic fears on my face mask are gone!

My thoughts:

1. My pressure is 16. I was told more than once that due to my chronic nose congestion and my pressure that I would not be able to use nose pillows. I have used both the Swift II and the FX and love them both. So much easier to breathe with them than the face mask I tried (Quatro). My pressure actually helps clear my nose! Test masks rather than take the full word of your DME.

2. The Quatro worked fine, but I had to much difficulty breathing against the flow. All masks have tables that show the air flow at the various pressures. I found that difficulty breathing is related not only to your pressure, but the air flow. Nose mask and nose pillows have a 10 to 17% less airflow than face masks, making it easier to breathe.

3. Short term use of decongestants (oral and nasal) were a big help in getting me started and giving me confidence. I am weaning myself at this time and will use them in a second when allergies or colds become part of the equation. I even used Benadryl for a few nights to take the 'edge' off. You may need meds forever! You need your sleep.

4. Communicate with the doc that is writing your perscriptions. The DME has to comply with those perscriptions.

5. For those feeling the claustraphobia of wearing a mask, it was my biggest challenge. My advice is to try other mask styles. At some point, mask preference is exactly that... a personal preference. It cannot hurt to try a new mask and give it a few days to make adjustments.

6. Lanolin... I use it every night to 'seal and protect'.

7. Do not 'not' use the therapy. Did it once and the suffering was not worth it.

8. Be patient and set small goals each night. It is not unusual for it to take a weeks or months to adjust.

9. Above all, I give God the glory for getting me to this point! My sleep restoration is just a small part of what He has restored in me!

Blake

[DreamStalker]

Good progress. Consider starting a regular nasal salin rinse with netti pot or better yet a Grossman nasal irrigator to replace your number 3 thought(s).