cpap newbie needs encouragement

[CinnyAnn]

This morning I finished day 9 on cpap. So far I only used 32 hours on machine and most of that was fighting with it. I have a full face mask. I realize that this is going to take time to get use to it but right now I feel more tired and frustrated than I did before. Do you think maybe a nasal mask might be better to try. I can't contact my doctor as he is on vacation until July 6th.(I live in a very small area). Thanks for any advice you send my way. I am happy to know that I am not alone in this for at home here I sure do feel alone.

[snipsnsnails]

Hi CinnyAnn!!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!! There is a lot of adjustment to go through when you start CPAP. Take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. For me the biggest shock was the intial introduction to it at my sleep study. Once that was over and I made up my mind that it was something I was going to do, I found this forum and started learning how to do it. You are in the right place.

You say you are fighting with it. Do you mean mentally? Claustraphobia stuff? Mask fit? That's an ongoing thing and can some folks can take a lot of experimenting to find "their" mask. It's good to talk about what it is that's bothering you, chances are somebody here has "Been there, done that" and can help. If nothing else just getting the feelings out of your system can be a help!

Welcome!

[nanwilson]

Morning CindyAnn
I have been at this for 2 months now and my motto is
"FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION"....... Keep at it, it takes time to adjust to the machine, the mask, etc. Read, and think about everything you read, we've been there, our advice will help you in the long run. Some take months to adjust, others weeks, its a learning curve everyday of your life. Keep it up, keep trying and GOOD LUCK!
Cheers
Nan

[Roman Hokie]

Hey, CinnyAnn. You might be able to contact the DME and see about a new mask. Many of them offer 30 day "trials" as warranted by the manufacturer. They know the importance of the right mask and working with you to get good compliance.

Blessings.

[jdm2857]

CindyAnn --

Is there a reason you were started with a full-face mask (FFM)? If you don't have nasal airway restrictions or mouth-breathing problems, you might find that a nasal or nasal pillows mask works better for you. You can take a look at all of the options at cpap.com. I know that with the one FFM I have (the Mirage Liberty), I feel a rush of air over my closed lips that is intolerable. I have felt no air flow at all with any of the 3 nasal pillows masks that I have used (Swift LT, Opus 360, and Swift FX).

If you got your mask through the Canadian equivalent of a local durable medical equipment supplier (DME) you may find that they will allow you to exchange masks within the first 30 days.

Edit: I'm sorry; I now see that your name is "CinnyAnn".

[Rick B]

Don't stop using something! I couldn't handle the full face mask at the sleep center, so they put me on the nasal pillows. Didn't like those too much either, but at least I could handle it a bit. Every night was a pain in the ***, but I just kept on having horrible nights and noticed that each night wasn't quite as horrible as the one before. They still aren't great yet, but at least they are creeping up on getting better. I was lucky enough to get a nasal mask and a full face mask. First several times on the full face mask I never slept one minute. Had to change to the nasal mask to get just a couple hours of sleep. Then the nasal mask started giving me a sore nose and I had to force myself to get used to the full face mask. Sound like a dilemma? You bet, but I'm getting there little by little. This is only a month for me so far.

I also was having problems with the humidifier. AAAAARGH! I have found from reading here that everyone is different and what might be good for one person may not be for someone else. I like my humidifier down around 1 or 2, but I've heard others like them waaaay up there. So keep experimenting with different things and let us know what's happening. I would never have made it this far (30 days) without the people on this board. I still have a ways to go too, but again, remember, everyone is different.

[elena88]

I cant find a face mask to fit me, so I use the f and p nasal pillows with opus 360 headgear, and after awhile you dont even feel those
little pillows touching your nose..

I also have plush strap covers on the straps, and its oh so soft now! helps with leaks too..

strap covers you can get from padacheek.com

or type in strap softie on ebay

or cpap.com has one too..

[DoriC]

Hi Cindy, my husband uses the same mask and finds it the most comfortable of all the FF but we tried several others first. Have you tried different positions on the forehead support? The straps should be snug but not too tight. Also you might need a different bed pillow that won't dislodge the mask when side sleeping. Do a search here and you'll get lots of tips on that. This takes patience but it's worth it.

[Jaylee]

I agree, try some other masks and don't give up.

[DoriC]

I just noticed that you have just a basic machine. Look into exchanging it for a data-capable machine asap. It's really essential to monitor your progress,watch for trends, and make adjustments as necessary.

[jazzer4]

This morning I finished day 9 on cpap.

Welcome CinnyAnn.
Nine days in....keep trying. It's the weekend, try to relaxe and read, read, read. The right mask is soooo important, but give yourself a break, adjusting can be hard. And remember everything is harder when your not sleeping. Even thinking is hard when your not sleeping.