New to Forum

[Raqui]

Hello all. I'm new to the forum and to CPAP. I started using it on Nov. 11th and I'm not having much success.
I take my mask off all night long and I feel like I'm suffocating! I'm extremely claustrophobic. I started with the full mask, switched to the nasal pillow (which I never used for even 1 hr over the week I had it) and now I'm back to the face mask. Theoretically, I want to use it because I know I need it (stopped breathing 35 times /hr during sleep study) but I feel like I just can't do it. I hate this thing! Suffocating, Raqui

[kteague]

Just guessing here, but often when one reports feeling like suffocating it is because their settings are not meeting their needs. Often a bit of tweaking resolves this. Please post your equipment in your profile and your settings. I am curious about if you are using a ramp feature. If so, what is the starting ramp pressure and length of time? When I first started 10+ years ago, I had a long ramp time starting at a pressure of 4 - thought I was going to die. I woke up several times a night and hit the ramp button each time, not understanding I was keeping my treatment at a sub par level. Once my setting were best for me, I no longer felt like I was suffocating.

You're in the right place to get some guidance on optimizing your treatment. Hopefully you'll be able to work through thing and get on with successful treatment.

[GettingBetter]

Hello all. I'm new to the forum and to CPAP. I started using it on Nov. 11th and I'm not having much success.
I take my mask off all night long and I feel like I'm suffocating! I'm extremely claustrophobic. I started with the full mask, switched to the nasal pillow (which I never used for even 1 hr over the week I had it) and now I'm back to the face mask. Theoretically, I want to use it because I know I need it (stopped breathing 35 times /hr during sleep study) but I feel like I just can't do it. I hate this thing! Suffocating, Raqui

Hi Raqui!

Looks like you started using the CPAP right around the same time I did! I was tested on Nov 3 and started therapy on Nov 16. We should both be patting ourselves on the back for seeking treatment. I know it isn't the most comfortable thing to start with, but this is important for self care.

I hear you on the claustrophobia! In the beginning, I tried to remember that this was good for me, not torture. I really struggled, but with a tested ahi of 134.8 and living like a zombie all the time, I knew I had to start loving this or face that again.

I have worked putting on the mask into my nightly routine of self care and making myself feel safe. I had some pretty intense panic attacks before treatment, waking up gasping for air and then unable to stop as the apnea transitioned into a full blown panic episode. It was awful and no way for anyone to live. That was two months ago. I love going to bed now. I still have some discomfort at times, but I can usually refit my mask and calm myself into feeling safe and comfortable.

Your comfort will be different from mine, but I made my bedroom as comfortable as possible. For me, that means nothing that might trigger stress. No clothes on the chair (everybody has one of these, although sometimes they will use a piece of exercise equipment). Nothing that screams incomplete chores.

I practice good sleep hygiene and basically do everything I can to reduce my stress.

I will allow myself to breath from my mouth a little when I put on my mask (nasal).

I know there more tips out there to help you find your perfect ritual to beat the claustrophobia. I wish you luck.

GB

[yippeekia]

Posting your setting will be critical for people here to help you. It could be that your minimum pressure is set too low.

To get use to the mask I found it helpful to wear it while reading or watching TV. I did this for a couple of days when I first got it. I think it helped my brain accept that it was normal to have it on. You might try this once it is confirmed that your minimum setting is adequate. I have mine set at 8. Sometimes they get set much lower with the idea that they will raise as needed. But I tried it at 4, and hated it.

Good Luck!