I can't sleep

Graffy · Post by **Graffy** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:26 pm

I received my cpap machine about 10 days ago and I cannot for live of me fall asleep with that air blowing into my mouth/nose. I have tried a full face mask and a nasal mask. Both are actually comfortable, so I don't think it is the mask portion of the equation.

Please please please tell me that this is normal and I just need to adjust to the new sensation. I have consulted my doctor and he suggested trying an over the counter sleep aid but that hasn't worked yet.

I try and keep the mask on as long as possible but I cannot fall asleep. I take the mask off and boom..........asleep. I'm exhausted from staying up until 1 or 2 am with the mask. Anyone out there have any suggestions???

meister · Post by **meister** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:32 pm

I would lay there the entire night with my eyes closed, but be
wide awake. You will probably need to take Ambien or Lunesta
to get to the next step. Some how your brain must just ignore
this hideous thing on your face. Much easier said than done.
Maybe try a couple of Tylenol PM tonight!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:08 pm

Gaffy - comfort is a huge factor in falling asleep easily.

What kind of setup do you have?

1. What CPAP
2. What Mask
3. Humidifier (Is it heated or passover)
4. Do you use a snuggle hose or hose warning device
5. Do you use software

All of these are factors that need to be right for you before sleep is going to come easily. Let us know and we can get crackin.

melody · Post by **melody** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:12 pm

you can't sleep with x milli meters of air pressure forced through your nose/mouth???
You will adjust and then dream. It will be lovely.
Try sleep aids re: the previous post.
I run a room air filtration machine--so the CPAP blower's noise is not heard.
I tell myself to relax and go to a beautiful place and invite a dream to start.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:29 pm

What pressure were you prescribed, Graffy? If it's any consolation, trying to get used to this odd new way of sleeping (mask, machine, noise, air blowing, etc.) can be just as disruptive to sleep as the sleep disorder itself - for many people. Can leave you as worn out, or more so, than before cpap....for awhile. It's worth sticking with it, through the adjustment period. You're lucky that you've already found masks that you find comfortable.

It does take time for some to get accustomed to all this. Some find it helpful to use the mask and machine for an hour or so during non-bedtime periods. Perhaps while sitting up watching tv for awhile. Anything to make it seem more familiar. Temporary sleep aids might help you over the hump.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:32 pm

I have a couple of somethings that have worked very well for me.

1. I consider my APAP one of my best friends ever! That little sucker is the device that will give me back/that has given me back my life! It helps me breathe when my body lets me down, it keeps my blood oxygenated so I can rest, it prevents me from having high blood pressure, it keeps me from having a stroke or heart attack, it allows me to wake alert and refreshed the next day.....and what does it ask in return? Almost nothing. A little splash of water in the humidifier before bed, a swish of the mask a couple of times a week in some Ivory soapy warm water and allow to air dry, and very little else. What better little electronic friend could we have???? Attitude DOES matter.

2. For the first week or so, I took 2 Tylenol PM about an hour before going to bed. Then I read for another 20 minutes or so until I was very sleepy. Then, off with the light, on with the mask and hello sleepland. I think that set up a pattern for me. Now that I don't use the Tylenol PM, I read for about 20 minutes, turn off the light, put on the mask and get comfy in a fairly cool (~70) room. On the nights when I don't fall asleep immediately (which is less than half the time), I imagine I am in space, flying faster and faster and faster....past the speed of light....faster still...watching the stars rush by. Then I imagine I expand my consciousness untill I find a world I want to explore. I imagine slowing down, going through the atmosphere and seeing all kinds of whatever my imagination can imagine. Then, after seeing what is to be seen, back into space and off to another world.....or even another galaxy. Usually I'm asleep in 15 minutes or so. I think it focuses my thoughts and allows sleep to just take over. *shrug* But what do I know? I'm a hosehead! LOL

This therapy WORKS!

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:10 pm

Graffy wrote: Please please please tell me that this is normal and I just need to adjust to the new sensation. I have consulted my doctor and he suggested trying an over the counter sleep aid but that hasn't worked yet.

THIS IS NORMAL. DO NOT PANIC. DO NOT GIVE UP.
The best suggestion I have for you is to read every single thread on the first page of the forum all the way through. You will learn you are indeed normal, you will learn all sorts of very important information, and you will learn you can come to this place and ask any and all questions, and someone will answer.

Sleep deprivation makes everything seem worse, I know. Hang in there!

Fenway · Post by **Fenway** » Tue May 17, 2005 6:29 pm

Does your machine have a ramp feature? I have mine set @"4" and it takes 20 mins to get up to full pressure of "11", I find that I need the ramp to get me started every night, I have only been a CPAP user for less that 2 weeks and am having good luck so far! Don't give up you can do it!!!!

Steve @ Fenway

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:53 pm

How can I program the ramp on my 420G Puritan Bennet. Have tried only one night. Pressure set at 10 just to much air to fall asleep. Have asked for new RX with ramp being used, still waiting on instructions. Any help would be appreciated.

Kluemaster · Post by **Kluemaster** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:16 am

Guest wrote:How can I program the ramp on my 420G Puritan Bennet. Have tried only one night.

Thats a question I'd like answered too.. I don't think the ramp time is part of the Rx, but I'm not sure. I do know that the RT set me up with 15 minutes and said rather quickly, "That can be set longer or shorter if y ou need." Yet, when I read the book and instructions, they only tell me how to set the time.

loonlvr · Post by **loonlvr** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:49 pm

Graffy, i agreed with trying ambien or something. Uusally a doc will give then to you for a short time. I also use a mp3 player with headphones. I downloaded some real soothing music and it works great. I also at first wore my mask while reading or watching tv in bed for awhile to get use to the feeling before I turned out the light and put on the headphones.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:18 pm

Graffy,
Just another person to tell you how normal you are.

If you can't sleep with the mask and air pressure - try not sleeping with it - out of bed. And then, at least for a few days - if your doctor OKs it - take it off before you get into bed. Don't get into the habit of being in bed with the mask awake, and then taking it off in order to sleep. Because then you learn that sleep="no mask" and mask="wakefulness in bed" -not what you want to learn.

For me the important thing was a mental switch. I was laying in bed annoyed at the sounds, exhausted and miserable, and I understood that this is a totally new situation, and getting used to it depends on me.

Usually, when something really annoying outside keeps me from sleeping, I try to outwait it. But that is not possible here. So, more or less in time with the breathing noise, I tried to tell myself: "This will not go away, this is not something that you simply stay awake in order to outwait it. This is your therapy, if you want it, this is what you have to accept it." And I fell asleep.

It really helped me to understand that "outwaitng it" (which is what I do with other annoyances) is not an option.
Good luck - come back whever you want to!
O.

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:26 am

I found this forum to be the best place for CPAP support and info. CPAP for me has been quite an adventure. Please don't give up. It's about loving yourself and taking care of YOU
You will get used to it in time. Try visualization techniques. Visualize yourself using it and being relaxed with it. It's like riding a bicycle. Seems impossible at first, but once you get in, you get it.
Keep on reading and posting.
Best wishes.

4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:17 pm

I feel your pain.

I have a diff problem, though. I don't have any problem falling asleep with my CPAP on (my setting is only 6). I always read a little before going to sleep, and I'm reading with the machine on. As always, when I'm so tired I have trouble holding the book up (and I've read the last paragraph three times, lol) I turn off my little book light and drift right off.

But, every night, I'm getting up around 2:00 and turning the machine off. I don't do it on purpose, and I don't remember doing it. I know when it happens, cuz that's when my husband ends up going downstairs.

I'm sticking with it, but I can't wait to actually sleep all night without getting up and/or turning the machine off.

FairSpirit · Post by **FairSpirit** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:41 pm

I have only had my new CPAP for 1 night so far, so I can't offer a lot of advise. but I'm having an ok time with it. I have a gel mask that I find very comfy, also I'm only at a setting of 5, so I suppose that makes a big difference. I am thinking the level may have to go up though. I know the info states that using the CPAP will completely eliminate snoring, however my hubby said I still snored some last night. I am hoping for good results using this machine. I have heard that after a few weeks a difference is usually noticed.

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