Need Help Psychologically With CPAP

[Portlandguy]

I remember it being hard to adjust to at first. I have been on for two years now and I still battle with my mask on occasion.

Finding the right mask and learning through practice how to adjust it helped me. I ended up going back for a CPAP "nap" to try on different masks.

I use a FF hybrid mask and it worked much better for me than the regular FF mask. My cheeks puffing out was also something that got better with time. If you can get through the initial period things should get better.

I have the most luck with my Cpap if I sleep on my back. Many people will tell you not too, but for me it helps keep the hose from tangling and the mask from leaking. I know apnea events are usually higher , but my machine seems to compensate. Good Luck!

[Ecohen]

Thanks guys so much for all your advice.

Things got better the past two nights. Finagled two pillows so I could sleep on my stomach and have the mask be okay. Still get really anxious when I get ready for bed but I got 7.5 hours of sleep last night so that's good. Feel exhausted today though.

What AHI should one expect using the CPAP? I know it's early but I went up almost a full point to 3.2 last night even though I slept through the night..

[VictorC]

What AHI should one expect using the CPAP? I know it's early but I went up almost a full point to 3.2 last night even though I slept through the night..

It will be two weeks today for my therapy. In that time, I have had two bad nights where my AHI was above 5. 5 and below is considered normal so 3.2 is not bad at all. You'll find that your AHI will fluctuate from night to night, but it should improve somewhat once you start sleeping more comfortably and consistently. Remember that your machine can't tell if you're asleep or not. So if you lye in bed awake, and hold your breath for 10 or more seconds, then you just had a central apnea: at least according to your machine. Don't worry about your nightly numbers. Look at them and take note, but give yourself some time to stabilize them by growing more comfortable with the therapy. Once you have a little more data, then look at the trends. Is your AHI getting better, worse, or staying the same? Finally from there you can then start fine tuning your therapy so you can get the best sleep possible.

[Drowsy Dancer]

What AHI should one expect using the CPAP? I know it's early but I went up almost a full point to 3.2 last night even though I slept through the night..

Your doctor will probably consider anything below 5.0 for the night to be successful treatment. Many here shoot for under 1.0. Beware of chasing after perfect scores.

It took me a good six weeks for my AHI to drop to below 5.0 consistently, although I adapted easily in my mind and felt somewhat better from the start.

[archangle]

Thanks guys so much for all your advice.

Things got better the past two nights. Finagled two pillows so I could sleep on my stomach and have the mask be okay. Still get really anxious when I get ready for bed but I got 7.5 hours of sleep last night so that's good. Feel exhausted today though.

What AHI should one expect using the CPAP? I know it's early but I went up almost a full point to 3.2 last night even though I slept through the night..

Worry about sleeping with the machine first. Unless AHI is over 10 our you have major problems, it can probably wait until after you can handle sleeping with the unit. You do eventually want to get your AHI fairly low, but don't obsess over the number.

We still need to know what machine you have. What does it say on the top of your machine?

[49er]

Ecohen,

I agree with Archangle's advice about focusing on just sleeping with the machine and not worry about the AHI. As an FYI, a few weeks ago, I had a near 4 AHI and it was one of my best nights of sleep as I was able to accomplish tasks I hadn't touched in months. A week later, I had a zero AHI but felt horrible and only functioned minimally.

49er

[Nick Danger]

Congratulations on being able to get a full night's sleep with the machine. Your hard work is starting to pay off!!

[jilliansue]

I believe that hypnotherapy is something that could help with this. I am currently studying at a great hypnotherapy school and it can help us get over so many issues, blocks, anxieties, phobias, etc. It is not a standardized "industry" so all hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists are not created/trained equally. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find someone trained by the Hypnotherapy Academy of America, in Albuquerque, NM. There are alumni of that school from I think 49 states.

Just a suggestion!