Trouble adjusting to CPAP Therapy

[fdranda58]

I started my CPAP therapy last night and about 1 1/2 hours into it I started feeling like I was suffocating and that my body was tingling. I took the mask off and finished sleeping. Is this normal? Thanks for reading and hopefully responding to my quandry.

[49er]

I started my CPAP therapy last night and about 1 1/2 hours into it I started feeling like I was suffocating and that my body was tingling. I took the mask off and finished sleeping. Is this normal? Thanks for reading and hopefully responding to my quandry.

Hi fdranda58,

Welcome to the forum and consider this your initiation to pap therapy since you experience is quite common. Sorry, I don't mean to make light of your situation but was simply trying to add some lame humor. Anyway, if you could use the link in my signature to fill out your equipment profile, that would be greatly appreciate so members can better tailor their responses to your situation.

There could be several reasons why you are having problems. If you were prescribed an APAP machine, many doctor run a wide open range from 4 to 20 which can lead to the feeling you are describing since many people feel that at 4, they are suffocating. And with a very low starting point, it can take the machine forever to get to where it needs to be which can also contribute to the feeling you experienced.

So if you could fill out your equipment profile with the prescribed pressure, that woudl really be helpful and enable us to help you get on the right path to pap therapy success.

Thanks!

49er

[fdranda58]

Thanks 49er! I'm at work so I don't have the information with me right now, but I will do that later. I appreciate your input.

[library lady]

Yes, this is quite normal. I did the same thing when I started a little over 3 months ago. Some people adapt right away, but for others it takes weeks or even months. Getting used to the mask is the first step; you could try using your cpap in the evening before going to bed while reading or watching TV; if you need to get up to do something, just turn machine off and pull the hose off until you get back to your chair. Do that for a week or so and give your brain time to realize that it's OK to have this thing on your face blowing air into you. The machine doesn't know if you are awake or sleeping, you can still get the hours in for compliance. After a week go back to using it when you sleep.

Is your mask comfortable for you? You may need to try different masks before finding one you like that you can sleep with. Some people try a great many masks before they find THE ONE but others manage well with the first one they try. My first mask was a good one for me, and I made it work but it took a few weeks of adapting to it.

Welcome to the forum; there are lots of informed people here who can help you so come back as often as you need to with questions.

[utrocks84]

I can't respond as technical as some here. But, I can give my on experiences. When I started on my Cpap journey I was constantly removing my mask or feeling like I was suffocating. I can attest that if you put the mask back on and let it ramp back up you will eventually adjust. I've been on and off CPAP for 3 years, mostly off and the last month I have forced/disciplined myself to keep my mask on and now I couldn't sleep without it. Beginning is hard but being consistent and working with your Doctor and DME will help. Hang in there.

[dadbar1]

I remember going through that feeling of suffocation, too.

It pays to relax and just focus on the reality that you are unlikely to suffocate from having a blast of continuous fresh air blown into your nose or mouth. Just focus on breathing normally. The newer autopap machines make this so much easier.

Focus, focus focus!!!!!! You will feel so much better in the morning once you get through this. It's like putting your brain on a supercharger.

[spmccord]

Just remember that this is a major life change. You've been "sleeping" one way for many years and now you are totally changing the way you sleep.

It will take you a while to get used to the CPAP...months to really get used to it.

The best advice I received was "Don't fight it". You''re doing something positive.

[Sclark08]

Very normal. Just realise Cpap is a constant adjustment for most people. It took me a year. I started by wearing my mask for an hour before going to bed while watching tv

300 masks later I finally found a mask I could use all the time. I am always checking to see what's new and when I can I try something that sounds like it might be better .

Just keep in mind how crappy you felt before seeking treatment. You will feel better eventually. I think everyone adjusts a little differently.

Best of luck