Well, the first night did not go as planned. I started with the mask on, but 2 hours in I woke and removed the mask and turned off my cpap machine. my mask was too small and uncomfortable. I exchanged it for the next size up and last night (my second night) I slept with the mask on for most of the night. I woke several times through the night and had to readjust the mask. I know it will take a few nights to adjust. I woke this morning feeling somewhat more rested then before.
I have a full face mask and have noticed that my cheeks puff a bit with air, this feels somewhat uncomfortable. I am a mouth breather so I don't want to tape my mouth shut, maybe this is part of the adjustment. any tips that anyone can provide would be great.
I will update my profile with the equipment I am using in the next couple days.
Thanks
1st and 2nd night experiences - no longer a virgin!
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Ric,
Your first two nights experience sounds familiar, although I'm a bit jealous that you slept through the second night with only a few interruptions. It has taken me the better part of 6 weeks to get completely used to the machine and mask.
I, too am a mouth breather, although I only discovered it after using the machine for 3 weeks with no discernable improvement (duh!) Since then I have tried several different chin straps, none of which would keep my mouth from falling open, and have finally settled on mouth taping. I've been doing it for 3 weeks now and, while it's not the most attractive or comfortable alternative -- as I write this from my office at 9am, I'm still rubbing adhesive off my face -- it has certainly done the trick for me with no adverse effects. I know it's not for everyone, but you might just give it a try and see how it works for you.
Good luck!
Kurtchan
Your first two nights experience sounds familiar, although I'm a bit jealous that you slept through the second night with only a few interruptions. It has taken me the better part of 6 weeks to get completely used to the machine and mask.
I, too am a mouth breather, although I only discovered it after using the machine for 3 weeks with no discernable improvement (duh!) Since then I have tried several different chin straps, none of which would keep my mouth from falling open, and have finally settled on mouth taping. I've been doing it for 3 weeks now and, while it's not the most attractive or comfortable alternative -- as I write this from my office at 9am, I'm still rubbing adhesive off my face -- it has certainly done the trick for me with no adverse effects. I know it's not for everyone, but you might just give it a try and see how it works for you.
Good luck!
Kurtchan
Ric:
Welcome to the party.
If you have a FFM mouth breathing should not be an issue, that is what FFM's are for.
As far as the cheeks blowing up, I assume that happens on the transition between inhale and exhale when the pressure shifts?
Many times air leaks into your mouth and you get puffing or chipmunk cheeks. Some of this is getting used to positioning your tongue so you don;t leak air into your mouth. This should not be an issue with a FFM.
Depending on the machine you have you can adjust it for max comfort. Do you have C-Flex or assisted Exhale? This will temporarily reduce the pressure on exhale so you are not breathing against the full pressure. It is a nice feature for comfort. If you have it, is it turned on?
Also the humidifier is important. Adjust that so you get enough moisture so you don't dry out from the air but not enough so you perspire in your mask.
This does take an adjustment, that's for sure. The fact that you are sleeping as well for a newbie is very good.
Many of us still are challenged. There are many variables that can mess one's sleep quality up.
As you adjust to this you will probably start feeling more energy and possibly will have intense dreams. MAny report some outrageous dreams, don't know why but they can be very vivid and intense. Free Movies
It probably has to do with getting REM sleep. If you search on the forum there have been so interesting discussions about dreams and xPAP.
BEst of luck,
Tom
Welcome to the party.
If you have a FFM mouth breathing should not be an issue, that is what FFM's are for.
As far as the cheeks blowing up, I assume that happens on the transition between inhale and exhale when the pressure shifts?
Many times air leaks into your mouth and you get puffing or chipmunk cheeks. Some of this is getting used to positioning your tongue so you don;t leak air into your mouth. This should not be an issue with a FFM.
Depending on the machine you have you can adjust it for max comfort. Do you have C-Flex or assisted Exhale? This will temporarily reduce the pressure on exhale so you are not breathing against the full pressure. It is a nice feature for comfort. If you have it, is it turned on?
Also the humidifier is important. Adjust that so you get enough moisture so you don't dry out from the air but not enough so you perspire in your mask.
This does take an adjustment, that's for sure. The fact that you are sleeping as well for a newbie is very good.
Many of us still are challenged. There are many variables that can mess one's sleep quality up.
As you adjust to this you will probably start feeling more energy and possibly will have intense dreams. MAny report some outrageous dreams, don't know why but they can be very vivid and intense. Free Movies
It probably has to do with getting REM sleep. If you search on the forum there have been so interesting discussions about dreams and xPAP.
BEst of luck,
Tom
"Nothing To It, But To Do It"
Un-treated REM AHI: 71.7
Almost All Hypopneas
OXY Desat: 83.9%
Trying To Get It Right
Un-treated REM AHI: 71.7
Almost All Hypopneas
OXY Desat: 83.9%
Trying To Get It Right
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1