Hi ZeroDigger - how's things going now???ZeroDigger wrote:My problem seems to be that, when I put a mask on and start the machine, I start breathing as though I’ve just finished some strenuous exercise, but it never seems to slow down to a normal level. This keeps me wide awake.
When I first started (3 months ago) I had this same difficulty. When I would first put the mask on and turn on the machine, I felt like I just wasn't getting enough air and had to consciously breathe deeply, as if I'd been rushing around just before going to bed. (ramp feature was not turned on) After a few minutes I would eventually be able to breathe normally, but it would take a while. I didn't allow myself to panic, just breathe as I felt I needed to, until I felt like I was getting enough air. This feeling continued most nights for only about 3 weeks. I had actually forgotten about it, until I read your post - - so hang in there, it's probably just a part of the adjustment process. Breathe as you feel you need to, but don't let yourself panic or get frustrated, and just tell yourself it will 'calm down' and you will breathe 'normally' again.
Now when I mask-up and start each night, I don't feel any pressure, or anything unusual, and often I have to check the exhaust flow from the mask to see if there is actually air coming through, as I am not aware of it, that's how "normal" it feels now.
Hang in there - you'll soon get used to it - - and I'm sure you'll get used to feeling so much better and not tired anymore.