Night #2 on CPAP & Dreading It

[ThePrincess&ThePea]

Hi, I'm new here and new to CPAP therapy. Last night was my first night and it didn't go so well. It seemed okay at first, but I have an auto machine that ramps up the pressure after I fall asleep. When I woke up not long after that it was pushing air into my stomach and it made me feel panicky, so I took it off. I'm wondering if I'd feel less claustrophobic with a nasal mask rather than the full? I didn't feel claustrophobic until the pressure was ramped up. I did an at-home sleep study, so I never had the opportunity to try different masks.

I'm getting sleepy, but I don't even want to put it on. I was so excited about starting treatment because I just want to feel better, but now I feel like I'm failing miserably. I've read all the literature they've thrown at me. I tried watching TV while wearing it just to get used to it, but that didn't prepare me for waking up at 2am like that. I only made it two hours last night and I'm tempted to start tonight with a big dose of Ativan just to get me through it.

The first night is supposed to suck, right? Please tell me this gets easier.

[robysue]

The first night is supposed to suck, right? Please tell me this gets easier.

The short answer: The first night sucks for a lot of new PAPers. It certainly did for me.

It does get better. But it can take a lot of time for some of us to get better.

A few more words: I do think you should call the DME and ask about switching the mask out. You may indeed do better with a nasal mask or a nasal pillows mask.

If you find yourself really coming to dread bedtime because of the CPAP, you should call the doc's office and let them know what's going on. They may not do anything, but it's still critical to let them know. They may offer to give you a script for Ambien or some other sleeping pill. That can make a difference for some people.

[Jenk2k]

Sorry you're having trouble. Stick with it. Go back and have your pressures tweaked if it persists. Stay relentlessly compliant. If it's not working after an adjustment period, work with your equipment provider to make sure masks and such are all working. Then work with doctor. Keep working on it until you get some rest. The alternative of untreated apnea is way worse.

[LSAT]

Please fill in your equipment in the user profile. Tell us what pressure you are using. If you were given a full face mask at our titration, I assume you were mouth breathing. A nasal or pillow mask may feel better to you, but if you are mouth breathing, you may need a chin strap or tape for your mouth. For some, that is worse than a full face mask.

[spmccord]

I remember my first week was rough.

The second week I caught a a major league cold!

Have patience. You can't expect to undo years worth of sleep habits in a few days. Stick with it!

[Lucyhere]

How did it go last night? I get that you are frustrated, I know I was in the beginning. It might be helpful to tell us what machine you are using and your pressures. Also, keep reading here. Many helpful suggestions from knowledgeable people over the years. You mentioned you are using a full face mask. You might consider trying a nasal or pillow mask. And, yes... it really does get easier.

[chunkyfrog]

It is definitely not fun, especially at first.
But it is so, very, worth it.

[bwexler]

As already mentioned, please fill out your profile with equipment mask and pressure range.
Without that information we can't even make a knowledgeable guess as to what might help you.

[ThePrincess&ThePea]

Thank you for all the encouragement! The second night was much better! The grading scale gave me a 99 out of 100 and I slept almost 10 hours... but that was after staying up way too late and taking 4 Benzos. I still might try to get a nasal mask tomorrow. No one ever told me I was a mouth breather, I just got the full mask because I know I deal with congestion certain times of the year.

[Okie bipap]

Your stats look for only your second night. My second night, I could only stand the mask for six hours. I would recommend you get sleepyhead software to monitor your treatment. The MyAir gives you basic information on your treatment, but sleepyhead will give you much more information. Your DME and/or sleep doctor will use the MyAir information to monitor usage compliance and how effective your treatment is.

[ThePrincess&ThePea]

I would recommend you get sleepyhead software to monitor your treatment. The MyAir gives you basic information on your treatment, but sleepyhead will give you much more information. Your DME and/or sleep doctor will use the MyAir information to monitor usage compliance and how effective your treatment is.

Thanks for the info!! What kind of app is Sleepyhead? Is it for a desktop computer or is there an iPad app? Just wondering if it requires removing the memory card.

[Sir NoddinOff]

That's a lot of benzos (4)... I don't recommend you get in the habit of that since it's easy to get super dependent on them. Also they do repress respiration and some other body functions and may inhibit sleep quality. Use the search box under the CPAPtalk logo above and enter 'xanax' for example... there's been years of discussion about that topic.

[Lucyhere]

Have a read on "Pugsy's Pointers". It's the first thread at the top of the first page. It will tell you all about Sleepyhead. If you have questions, and you probably will, ask away. Many knowledgeable people will respond to your questions.

Also, a +1 to Sir's post.

Much good luck!

[SACohen]

I use a Nose mask and chin strap. I used a full face during the time I was recovering from Sinus surgery (unrelated to Sleep apnea) I was not a fan of it, but since I couldn't breath through my nose, I had no choice. Some people love it. There are several different mask. Work with your CPAP Provider to find what works best.

You also said you had concerns about CONGESTION. I have found that if you can clear your sinuses before you go to sleep, the Pressure from the CPAP will keep them clear all night long. Using a Netty pot or squeeze bottle with saline solution a half hour before I go to bed and blowing my nose right before I put the mask on usually works when I have a cold and congestion.

Good luck to you and hang in there.

[GettingBetter]

That's a lot of benzos (4)... I don't recommend you get in the habit of that since it's easy to get super dependent on them. Also they do repress respiration and some other body functions and may inhibit sleep quality. Use the search box under the CPAPtalk logo above and enter 'xanax' for example... there's been years of discussion about that topic.

What SirNoddinOff said - 4, which I assume is probably 2MG? of Benzo's is a lot. I was on 0.5MG of Klonopin, slept like a baby and just lurved them until I felt like I needed more and found out they can mess up my apnea more than help - not easy but I'm sleeping much, much better without them and I take something much less addictive for the panic/anxiety that has improved significantly since I get enough rest now.

Please consider talking to your doctor first and making a plan to slowly wean off the benzo's if you can, make replacements with your doctor so you can get some honest, restorative sleep.

Kind regards,
GB