I am brand new to CPAP, have had my equipment for less than a week. During my sleep study, the technicians tried several "nasal only" masks, all of which sent me into a horrid panic. I finally asked for a FF mask and was able to sleep for 2 hours. However, since I have been using this set up at home, I have only been able to leave the mask on for 1-2 hours before the panic sets in and I have to take the mask off. I know that the CPAP will help me so much if I can just adjust to it. My energy level is extremely low and I really would like to feel like a normal person again where I am able to accomplish more than simply being able to get out of bed and do a minimal amount of chores, if I can do that much. From what I have learned, my severe sleep apnea is a huge contributor to this and CPAP is a wonderful option.
Is this response normal? Does anyone have any suggestions that would help me get through this? I am desperate and I didn't know where else to turn.
Please help,
Kay
Help Please!
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Not enough mask time
Kay,
At less than a week into this, you are coming along about as well as most. If you've read any of the posts on here you'll see lots about taking their mask off.
It would be helpful if you listed your equipment in your profile. Some machines collect data about your sleep, others just track how much you use it. During your titration study did you sleep pretty good so they could determine an effective pressure? If your pressure is adequate, the more familiar your mask becomes, the longer you'll sleep with it on.
I only mention about the pressure because if you were still having apneas, that waking up in a panic may not be a mask issue. If in another 2-3 weeks your time using the mask isn't increasing, you should report that to your sleep doc.
If possible, when you wake up like that, get up for a bit then come back and start over. For a long time I couldn't tolerate being awake with the mask on - had to remove it right away and start over in a little while. Now when I wake up I don't even think about it.
Hang in there.
Kathy
At less than a week into this, you are coming along about as well as most. If you've read any of the posts on here you'll see lots about taking their mask off.
It would be helpful if you listed your equipment in your profile. Some machines collect data about your sleep, others just track how much you use it. During your titration study did you sleep pretty good so they could determine an effective pressure? If your pressure is adequate, the more familiar your mask becomes, the longer you'll sleep with it on.
I only mention about the pressure because if you were still having apneas, that waking up in a panic may not be a mask issue. If in another 2-3 weeks your time using the mask isn't increasing, you should report that to your sleep doc.
If possible, when you wake up like that, get up for a bit then come back and start over. For a long time I couldn't tolerate being awake with the mask on - had to remove it right away and start over in a little while. Now when I wake up I don't even think about it.
Hang in there.
Kathy
_________________
| Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Bleep/DreamPort for full nights, Tap Pap for shorter sessions |
My SleepDancing Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE7WA_5c73c
Kay,
Welcome to the forum! Yes, your response to your mask is very normal. Mask or interface issues are one of the primary reasons people do not succeed with Cpap.
Do you have a high pressure, too? If you know what your pressure is, please include that information as well. Lots of people can have a hard time adjusting, and the high pressures make it even more difficult.
Kathy's advice about waking up, leaving the mask off for a while and then coming back to it to try again is right on. In time, as you adjust to having this plastic thing strapped to your face, it will become less of an issue for you. If your health care equipment provider, or DME, has a liberal mask exchange policy, you could try a different mask. Everyone has their own mask and mask types that they like or dislike. Me, I can't stand the nasal pillows. Shoving something up my nostrils and strapping it down tight just seems wrong to a part of my brain. But I can wear the nasal type just fine. One advantage to the FF masks is that if you any tendency to breath out your mouth, the FF will keep you from losing your pressure out into the room.
Another thing that some people try while adjusting to their mask is to go to bed, put the mask on and read, watch TV, listen to music, or just relax in bed without the added pressure of trying to fall asleep. With the FF I think you will have to have it hooked up to your machine, but give it a try.
In time you will adjust, to the point that you will hardly notice that you have the mask on. Just keep at it, each day should get easier for you.
Here is a link to a great article about masks and mask issues:
cpaptalk-articles/solving-CPAP-mask-problems.html
I couldn't get the second link to copy, so do this: Click on the Yellow Light Bulb at the top of the page, then click on "Selecting your CPAP Equipment", then click on "CPAP Mask Choices". This is another good article about masks.
Best of luck.
Welcome to the forum! Yes, your response to your mask is very normal. Mask or interface issues are one of the primary reasons people do not succeed with Cpap.
Do you have a high pressure, too? If you know what your pressure is, please include that information as well. Lots of people can have a hard time adjusting, and the high pressures make it even more difficult.
Kathy's advice about waking up, leaving the mask off for a while and then coming back to it to try again is right on. In time, as you adjust to having this plastic thing strapped to your face, it will become less of an issue for you. If your health care equipment provider, or DME, has a liberal mask exchange policy, you could try a different mask. Everyone has their own mask and mask types that they like or dislike. Me, I can't stand the nasal pillows. Shoving something up my nostrils and strapping it down tight just seems wrong to a part of my brain. But I can wear the nasal type just fine. One advantage to the FF masks is that if you any tendency to breath out your mouth, the FF will keep you from losing your pressure out into the room.
Another thing that some people try while adjusting to their mask is to go to bed, put the mask on and read, watch TV, listen to music, or just relax in bed without the added pressure of trying to fall asleep. With the FF I think you will have to have it hooked up to your machine, but give it a try.
In time you will adjust, to the point that you will hardly notice that you have the mask on. Just keep at it, each day should get easier for you.
Here is a link to a great article about masks and mask issues:
cpaptalk-articles/solving-CPAP-mask-problems.html
I couldn't get the second link to copy, so do this: Click on the Yellow Light Bulb at the top of the page, then click on "Selecting your CPAP Equipment", then click on "CPAP Mask Choices". This is another good article about masks.
Best of luck.
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1