trouble getting to sleep on CPAP - help!

musicjan · Post by **musicjan** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:03 pm

I've been on CPAP since May 18. I can tell it really improves my sleep - in spite of having to deal with leaks from the mask. My only problem, and it is a huge one, is getting to sleep in the first place. I have even more trouble getting to sleep than I did before my apnea was diagnosed. Is anyone able to share their experiences or give suggestions? I surely need help.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:31 pm

Last night was my first on cpap. Do you have a ramp feature set on your machine? I had no trouble going to sleep at all, I had the ramp on(25 mins I think). The only problem I had was when my husband woke me at 2:30 to tell me to put my mask back on! Still don't remember taking it off.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:48 pm

Musicjan, perhaps if you could relate what your routine is when trying to go to sleep that would provide clues. It's a common problem, but there seem to be many reasons. If you could relate more that would help. Is the mask uncomfortable? Is it noisy? Is it claustrophobia inducing? Is the machine noisy? Does the hose bother you? Has your nightly routing changed? Are you trying to go to bed at a different time than you used to?

I'm just throwing all these out as possibilities. Also, it might help if you could say what type of machine and mask you are using.

Regards,
Bill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:57 pm

My machine is a ResMed with a humidifier. Mask is a gel mask - nose only - not full face. At first I tried the ramp, and that didn't help either. Then, the supplier suggested taking the ramp off - that I might "feel the need" for the oxygen.

dealing with the mask (leaks, etc) may be part of the issue. The noise is not, as I like to sleep with "white noise".

I have, for some time, been practicing sleep "hygiene" - which includes (I vary these night to night - reading in bed, listening to quiet music, going to sleep with quiet/soothing music, doing gentle, slow stretches before bedtime, avoiding any stimuli - such as tv or engaging conversations, avoiding caffeine for many hours before bedtime.....

Any ideas appreciated! Thanks for your responses.

musicjan · Post by **musicjan** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:02 pm

p.s. to Nighthawk - my nightly routine hasn't changed, except for using the CPAP. I feel positively about it, as I can tell it helps my sleep quality.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:32 pm

Musicjan, welcome to the forum. Good to have you aboard. My suggestion, assuming mask issues, would be to try to deal with the mask issues during the day, other than at bedtime. With that taken care of before bedtime, there'll be one less thing to keep you awake worrying. If you haven't done it already, make friends with your mask while reading a book or watching TV during the day. It'll seem much more natural to you to be wearing it later when you go to bed.

Of course, it might also be that you are just going through the adjustment phase of getting used to CPAP therapy.

Might also be that the Gel mask isn't a good mask for you. Many, or most of us here, have gone through a few masks looking for the one "best" mask for us. All have their drawbacks, and each of is so individual that just about every mask seems to have folks who love it and also folks who hate it, especially the mask I'm using now. Most folks seem to hate it, but it's the best mask I've found for me.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bill

musicjan · Post by **musicjan** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:34 pm

Masks seem so expensive - just have to purchase them in order to try them? It's just a trial and error thing?

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:55 pm

You might try asking your DME if they will let you try on other masks. Some folks here have reported success doing this (but not very many). Sadly, with five masks myself so far, it is an expensive hobby.

The thing I've noticed about masks is that while I've been able to adjust to all the masks I've gotten so far, except the first one, they all have noticeable faults. My first mask, for instance, the UltraMirage FullFace mask, actually increased my apnea because of TMJ issues I have. Fortunately, as I stayed with xPAP therapy, I've been able to do a pretty good job of deciding what mask might work for me before buying. So far at least, every one of my five masks was an improvement over the ones before. (At least I haven't had buyer's remorse to deal with. )

Regards,
Bill

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:27 pm

I listen to a progressive relaxation CD.The structured format seems to work better for me than just quiet music. The CD music which is supposed to foster delta brain waves/deep sleep drives me up a wall.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 4:58 am

Musicjam Guest,

If it was me, one word: Lunesta...

divinfool · Post by **divinfool** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 5:35 am

Your difficulty getting to sleep may be related to your mask as Nighthawkeye mentioned. I know for me it took me a while to get used to getting used to more or less sleeping on my back rather than my side causing the mask to press against my face. Check with your DME at least they should let you try them on but they may also have a loaner to let you take home and try. Good Luck!