Strategies for second night - help!

[EveOett]

First night was horrible. Gave up at 3:00 Machine is Phillips REMstar Pro C Flex + with nasal mask. Pressure 14. Used the ramp mechanism twice. What would you experts recommend for the second night? Should I try to get accustomed to the CPAP when I'm awake? I can't really afford to miss a night of sleep since I have a heavy day of work tomorrow. Perhaps just wait until the weekend to try again? Appreciate any words of advice/encouragement.

[Tatooed Lady]

That would depend on WHY it was so bad a night? Was the pressure too strong?

[Guest]

That seemed to be part of it. I did better at the lower pressure during the ramp period. I don't think I can lower the ceiling of 14. I guess my question is whether there are recommended strategies to adjust to the CPAP. All advice welcome.

[Greg Riddle]

Try to increase the ramp time so you don't get to the higher pressure until your asleep. After a few weeks you will adjust to higher pressures

[ChicagoGranny]

I can't really afford to miss a night of sleep since I have a heavy day of work tomorrow. Perhaps just wait until the weekend to try again?

Under these circumstances, the weekend is a good time to be starting CPAP. In the meantime, try to keep off your back while sleeping. Sleep on your sides or stomach.

For many people sleeping on the back is the worse because gravity is pulling your tongue and soft palate directly into the airway. In the other positions the effect of gravity is not as significant.

Maybe you can prop up some pillows behind you to prevent rolling onto your back. Or sleep on a sofa with your back to the sofa's back.

Don't get discouraged. The initial period was a difficult time for many of us. But in the long run we became successful with CPAP.

[Guest]

All great ideas. I'll try sleeping on my side. Greg, I think 45 min is the max on the ramp.

I'm actually sort of terrified to go to bed tonight after my experience last night. But, I'm determined! Plus, there is always the weekend!

[Oughtsix]

Getting used to a CPAP is difficult! I have been using my CPAP for 10 years but I still remember how difficult it was getting used to in the beginning.

I particularly remember how difficult it was to cut off the air escaping from my mouth in the beginning. Using it while awake and watching TV or something is helpful to acclimating to a CPAP. I spent many nights tearing off the mask in the middle of the night when I started using my CPAP. I would not want to sleep without it now!

[Krelvin]

Have you tried to use your cpap before going to bed. Helps getting used to it.

[EveOett]

This is all helpful. Right this moment I'm hooked up (at a full 14) and will watch an episode of Breaking Bad or something equally as distracting. If I can fall asleep, that will be great. If not, I''ll keep this up every night until it feels normal. Thanks, friends. I think I needed a shot of encouragement. Be well, Eve

[cwillis]

I find putting a tennis ball in my underwear helps keep me off my back, although sometimes I defeat it.

[ChicagoGranny]

^Ewwwwwww.