Newbie needs a lot of help

[TPM]

Hello. This is all very new to me and I hope I can get some support here. I just received my new machine (a Fisher Paykel Icon Auto) last Thursday. I have been so apprehensive about this whole situation because I am extremely claustrophobic. My doc is really nice and I waited until I was able to get a Wisp mask which we both thought might be ok since it is so small. It was torture going through the sleep study. The mask they used was small (I think it was a Mirage) but I have very small facial features and I felt like I was drowning. I couldn't handle the nose pillows from the get go. I thought I had a hard time sleeping but apparently I did very well. I am trying to take this very slowly but it is hard. I haven't actually been able to sleep with it on yet. The best I have done so far is sitting on the bed for about 25 minutes with it on and watching tv. I feel like I can't get a deep enough breath and after I take it off I feel just a little dizzy and my chest seems a little tight. I have a problem with the pressure on my ears too. It seems to fill up my ears and they can't "pop" because I can't open my mouth. Is this normal? My machine has a ramp feature and my setting is 8-10. It seems like so much air in that thing. I've seen some of you describe it as a gentle breeze but that is not what is happening with me. I want to be compliant with this thing and I have another checkup with my doc in April. I have so much else going on in my life right now that I just don't need all this extra stress. My house was broken into last month and my cat which has had cancer and been doing well got much sicker over the weekend. I just couldn't face putting that thing on last night. So, is this normal, and can anyone lend any tips or info. Like I said, all very new to me. Thanks.

[mayondair]

You've come to the right place, lots of help here! First your machine, there is lots of talk about full data here, your machine will not give you any easily, read http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/. And consider getting it exchanged so that you have access to the data you need. The mask is important, it needs to be comfy, it's not unusual to try several and your DME should let you try as many as you need. Wearing the mask , with and without turning on the machine while you watch TV or relax is a good way to acclimate, it can take a a little getting used to but what seems like a hurricane now will quickly become unnoticeable. You could consider asking your doc for something to help you sleep, just short term to help you get over any panicky feelings that are keeping you awake. A lot of folks here have had rough starts, it's a big change, we know where you are coming from, so ask about anything and you'll get help. You need to make this work for your health.

[Pugsy]

Actually the Icon Auto is a full data machine but not quite as comprehensive amount of data as the other machines.
There is software available from F & P but it is a PITA to install and use and register...

SleepyHead also will work with the Icon...it's limited data but not bad...will show the basics and at least give an idea what is going on. Of course if you aren't sleeping much with the machine...not much is going on.
Check out my signature line for SleepyHead information.

Personally, I don't recommend the F & P machines because of the software and data available feature. They are great machines but if someone is into data (like me) it comes up lacking in that department. Just ask jencat824. She is not a happy camper about her Icon.

Using the ramp feature means you likely starting out with a pressure of 4 cm and working up to your prescribed pressure.
For many people that 4 cm pressure is simply not comfortable...they feel stifled or even like they are suffocating. Just not enough air movement at 4 cm for things to be comfortable. We won't suffocate but it sure can feel like it.
I would suggest that you either not use the ramp feature or increase the starting pressure to 5 or 6 (whichever feels more comfortable) ramp is supposed to be comfortable.

I have a problem with the pressure on my ears too. It seems to fill up my ears and they can't "pop" because I can't open my mouth. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal. Do what you normally do to equalize pressure when changing altitudes...swallow, yawn, whatever.
We do get used to it and won't have to do it so often...either that or we do it as a reflex and don't realize it.

And yes...right now that 8 to 10 pressure feels like a hurricane...the gentle breeze part comes after you have used the machine for a while and are adjusted to it and wake up in the morning thinking "is the machine on"....I know that seems like that scenario is very far away but with experience and time you will get there.

[Mary Z]

TPM you're disgustingly normal. This is a post many of us could write in the beginning. Soon it will be like others have described and you will be thinking "is my machine on?". I struggled with mask leaks in the beginning and my pressure was seven when first diagnosed- hardly enough to feel.
Stress sertainly contributes to your problems except for the ears. I wear either a Quattro FX FFM or a gel nasal mask- when I have to yawn it unseats the mask, but it's easy to get it back in place. You don't want to be so scared you don't yawn or cough. I've heard good things about the Wisp, if you haven't reviewed mask fitting instructions it's a good time to do so. YouTube has videos that are very clear. Get to be friends with the mask, you don't want to be afraid to move around and get comfortable in the bed. Once you get comfortable wearing the mask I think that everything else will follow.
It's good you're on the forum where many of us share your experience. Watching TV with the machine on will help you get used to it- that's good you're trying to do that. Four hours a night will get you "compliant" with the insurance company, but by April I predict you'll be doing better than that. I don't know what symptoms led you to the sleep lab, but at the very least when you use the machine regulary you will be preserving your health for the future.

If you're dreading the next sleep test talk to the doc. Sometimes a light sedative or sleeping pill is prescribed to help you relax. Take your own mask and pillow to be more comfortable. Good luck, keep posting on your progress as people are interested and want to help.

Also I have software, but rarely download the information. If you're interested people can give you instructions People on the forum can be software nerds (no disrespect, I envy you), but I think just getting relaxed enough to use the machine is job 1 right now.

Sorry about the breakin and the cat. That and the machine are plenty of stress. Be kind to yourself and spoil yourself a bit. Set small achieveable goals with the machine in the beginning.