New to cpap- how long will it take to sleep??

[Pugsy]

I did update my equipment information, but if you see my profile look at the comments - can't find exact matches on some of it.

Your equipment machine and humidifier are listed in the equipment list in the drop down menu.
Look for the grouping of equipment that starts with PR System One Remstar.....for your machine and your humidifier is simply the PR System One Heated Humidifier.

The clue to me was your comment about the system one humidifier. It won't work with any other machine except the PR System One machines.

[BlackSpinner]

I have struggled for alot longer than you have regarding the issues you raised and have definitely had similar type thoughts. What helps me is simply to do thought stopping. Essentially telling myself that i don't want to go down that path as the type of thinking while understandable isn't helpful.

49er

I do it by imagining a black board and erasing the words. Sometimes it requires washing the whole thing. Then I try too remember a nice short story or a pleasant memory to create a new track.

[Roch369]

I'm 11 days out and the first night put the mask on for three hours and after that it was downhill.... i havent been able to sleep with the mask (nasal pillows) for more than an hour (if that). It doesnt "feel natural to me"

[49er]

I have struggled for alot longer than you have regarding the issues you raised and have definitely had similar type thoughts. What helps me is simply to do thought stopping. Essentially telling myself that i don't want to go down that path as the type of thinking while understandable isn't helpful.

49er

I do it by imagining a black board and erasing the words. Sometimes it requires washing the whole thing. Then I try too remember a nice short story or a pleasant memory to create a new track.

Black Spinner,

You have some good ideas. Unfortunately, everytime I do something like what you suggest, I have my worst nights on CPAP as it happened last night,

I swear I am going to muster up the most negative attitude I can think of and see if that works. LOL.

All jokes aside, I actually started doing that when I tapered off of 4 psych meds. I knew I had to find an alternative way to cope since the horrific side effects ruled out my ever staying on them and this is what I came up with.

It is also helpful when I chose not to deal with an issue which I feel I need to address at some point but don't want to at the moment.

Anyway, finding the right mask in which I can control the leaks will help the most. And of course, I need a functional humidifier which I posted about in another thread.

Sorry, I have hijacked this thread when I didn't mean to.

49er

[PajamaGuy]

I’m no expert by any means, but I have worn the Quattro Fx Full-Face for 9 nights now. Although I have had several long periods of good sleep, I am awake and fiddling with the mask 2-3 times per night.

My main complaint is the headgear – it is size “medium” (ResMed ships all mask assemblies with medium) – and my head is large. The medium headgear does not allow the top straps to sit lower on my head, therefor no matter how loose the straps are, they’re still pulling “UP”, not around. Consequentially, those hard, curved things that are supposed to stay under my eyes ride up and into my eyes – and eventually the whole mask rides up and starts to leak. Tightening the straps, especially the lower ones helps, but then the mask gets too tight, and I have a lot of strap marks in the morning.

My lesser complaint is with the machine – its auto-CPAP has the pressure up near 20 after a few hours and the mask starts to blow out – awakening me.
Third is the pillow. I have used TempurPedic “TEMPUR-Side Pillow” for years, but it was very hard to get a comfortable position (other than flat on my back) where the mask didn’t leak. I bought the Contour CPAPMax (and the accessories kit) for $96. It’s harder and taller than the Tempur, and has cut-outs for you mask when side-sleeping. I HAVE found positions that work.

I guess I sleep better (when I’m asleep) – my wife says no more snoring, and I haven’t had acid-reflux at all since I started (and I do have GERD) – but there’s no “Gee, I feel better than ever!” feeling in the morning – yet!?

I survive by getting up once or twice each night, shut off the machine, loosen all straps and take off the mask, wipe my face with a cool washcloth, put mask back on, adjust straps, and get back in bed (on my back).

My DME is sending me a “ComfortGel Blue Full Face” which does come in XL. If that doesn’t work, I will be trying the Mirage Quattro Full – but definitely one that fits AND one that has straps that pull around – not up.

[49er]

My main complaint is the headgear – it is size “medium” (ResMed ships all mask assemblies with medium) – and my head is large. The medium headgear does not allow the top straps to sit lower on my head, therefor no matter how loose the straps are, they’re still pulling “UP”, not around. Consequentially, those hard, curved things that are supposed to stay under my eyes ride up and into my eyes – and eventually the whole mask rides up and starts to leak. Tightening the straps, especially the lower ones helps, but then the mask gets too tight, and I have a lot of strap marks in the morning.

Pajama Guy, you have hit what I feel is an issue that is greatly over looked regarding head gear size as I feel not having the right one can cause mask leaks. It definitely has been true in my situation as I feel I need a small size headgear. Fortunately, I think I have more options than you do.

Anyway, Rjcisme, you might to see if this an issue and is possibly a reason for your mask discomfort.

It would be nice if when you ordered a mask, you had the option to chose another size headgear at a discount. I know, I am dreaming.

49er

[Sir NoddinOff]

I swear I am going to muster up the most negative attitude I can think of and see if that works. LOL. All jokes aside, I actually started doing that when I tapered off of 4 psych meds. I knew I had to find an alternative way to cope since the horrific side effects ruled out my ever staying on them and this is what I came up with. 49er

Sometimes when you hit rock bottom the only way out is to get really mad and that's sort of a negative feeling, but actually it's your fighting spirit coming out and telling you to get off the mat, square your shoulders and continue on. You can be proud of yourself for reducing your psych med intake. I hope those side effects have abated. Give yourself a pat on the back.

[Panchali]

I started on Cpap April 26th ish. Trial machine for a month. First 2 weeks was an adjustment. 2nd 2 weeks was 4 hrs a night but I felt better. Buy machine. 1st week I thought i was adjusting to new machine with settings. 2nd week I hated it, so many problems, 3rd week i'm not sleeping with the mask on at all. 4th week I throw in towel because i'm tired and bitchy and hurting.

Week 6 - Sleepweaver mask fixes all problems. I sleep 7-8 hrs a night with the machine. I feel great.

My suggestion is find a new mask.

Good Luck!