Expectations

[d58buzz]

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and am currently being fitted for a bipap machine. Im a little concerned about being able to sleep attached to all the equipment. I did sleep during my sleep study with the help of a sleep aid. I however don't want to have to rely on them just to get a couple of winks.

[chunkyfrog]

Most of us get used to it; and quite a few really LIKE it.
Not getting up every hour or so to pee is a common benefit.

[BlackSpinner]

Attitude is everything. Focus on sleeping with it with no problems. Spent some quality time while you are awake hooked up and watching a good movie, playing a computer game. That will teach your subconscious that this is not a dangerous thing.

This is going to, eventually, make your life much more pleasant. It might take a while so keep a journal of how you feel both mentally and physically because a lot of the changes will be subtle like things just seeming slightly brighter.

If you have trouble with your mind focusing on the thing on your face, hunt up a pleasant memory, like being drowsy on a beach. As you lay there go through each of your senses separately, Feel the sun on your skin, the sand, Smell the lotion, the sea, Hear the birds and the waves, see the sand, the sea, taste the cold drink, repeat focusing more and more on the drowsy comfort.

[bigdave36]

Hi,
Fellow newbie here, having started it a month ago. The first 2 weeks were the worst, getting acceptably comfortable with the mask has been the hardest part. At first I was taking it of several times a night but now I seldom do. The feel of the hose was kinda annoying so I bought a hose cover and it doesn't bother me much anymore. I also bought a cpap pillow , it gives the mask an empty place to go when side sleeping, and helps lessen adjustments. There is tons of great advice on this forum so I check it regularly.
Mostly be patient, millions have gotten used to it, so can you...Good Luck!!!

[d58buzz]

One thing I have noticed during the initial study was my mouth would fill with air several times during the night. Is this normal?

[bigdave36]

It also happened to me during my sleep study. I believe they call it chipmunk cheeks. I am using a different full face mask now then I was using then and have not had this problem.
If you do, I am pretty you will be able to get a different mask from your provider.

[NJbreather]

I, at first, had thoughts that it wouldn't work, so I did try the positive attitude as well. It helped. I was diagnosed 6 months ago, was having reflux, up all the time, and they suggested a sleep study. Best thing I ever did. I took quite well to the sleep study, and then I had the DME and insurance approve a monthly lease ($18) or so and come setup the Respironics BiPap. I own it after 10 months so they say. I Love it, its quiet, use nasal pillow/mask, and sometimes I put a pillow under my chin (like I hugging the pillow) to minimize open mouth moments more.

My ahi is now under 3, and I'm in compliance and now sleep 7-8hrs a night w/o being up to pee (I second that benefit!) I have more energy and after 3-4 months I feel I've adapted to it, even tho there is some occasional mask leak or I pull on the hose or get caught-up in a blanket etc etc.

The only negative outcome of the better sleep is my appetite is more now since my energy is higher, so I gained some weight (15 lbs) so I have to work out more to lose some weight.

I do look forward to sleeping and GF can sleep now w/o hearing me snore or worrying about me not breathing. Now I have to get my younger brother to see a sleep dr/pulmonology dr since he's got all the same symptoms and I see it first hand with his napping.

Very happy, just would recommend using "Badger Balm" for the under-nose skin for irritation and helping with seal. Love it, and you can get it with lavender scent to it helps. Make sure you get regularly new masks, pads, nose piece and clean your equipment regularly.

My 2 cents.
NJBreather

[dbuzard]

Thanks to all for your input and encouragement. I have been working through some insurance snafu's but have rescheduled the appointment, at my supplier. Ill let you know how it goes.

[Krelvin]

Make sure you get copies of your RX's from the doctor and copies of your Sleep study. You will need to have these later if you choose to use a different DME or supplier or need the info to reflect back on.

Both are required to be given to you by law.

[zonker]

Thanks to all for your input and encouragement. I have been working through some insurance snafu's but have rescheduled the appointment, at my supplier. Ill let you know how it goes.

hi, dbuzard and welcome to the forums. please DO come back and let us know how it's going with you. you are going to find a lot of practical advice here.

and please....continue to post in this thread you've started. it helps others to keep track of you and your history.

good luck!