NEWBIE-HELP ...I'm only sleeping 1 hour/night with the CPAP

[cpapthomas]

I started using the CPAP last week. 7 years ago (2003) I had the sleep test and received the REMstar plus machine with the nasal mask that is labeled with the name "Mirage & Ultra Mirage RESMED" mask. I tried it for a few nights and could only seem to wear it for an hour or so because it was so uncomfortable. I'd wake up an hour later after finally getting to sleep.
I put it in storage for all this time. I started it again last week and I am experiencing the same thing. How do you sleep with this mask on for an entire night and get a good nights sleep. Any tips would be appreciated.

[Janknitz]

Same thing as on your other post, get a new sleep study and a new RX.

The masks and the machines have come a LONG way in 7 years, and the settings cannot possibly be correct for you any longer. You need new data and equipment.

Most importantly, DO NOT GIVE UP ON CPAP because you are trying to use your old equipment and settings. Things are very different now, and you must get updated equipment and settings to give this a fair try. Any experience you have on your old machine with the old settings and old mask has nothing to do with how CPAP is now. So don't make it an excuse to stop trying--get new data and equipment. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nord]

You don't seem to point to any particular problem with mask, noise or pressure, so I assume that's not the problem.
I'm guessing you find it uncomfortable generally... it is but like any else uncomfortable... you get used to it.

It does get easier with 100% use and time (several months)...

You have to decide that its important enough to do it for yourself. I'm also guessing after 7 years, you've taken the first step of many steps.

Nord

[brazospearl]

cpapthomas, if your therapy isn't working you probably have the wrong machine, wrong mask, or wrong settings. You need a new sleep study to determine your current situation. What pressure are you using? What's your leak rate? We need more information to be able to help you, and you need more information to ask specific questions. Read the wiki at the top of the homepage.

[sleepnationtv]

I would also recommend getting retested to find the best pressure. Also a different mask will help a lot look into the Resmed Swift FX it is a really good lightweight mask. here is a video about the newest machines on the market, that would be a big help too.
http://www.sleepnation.tv

[LoQ]

I tried it for a few nights and could only seem to wear it for an hour or so because it was so uncomfortable. I'd wake up an hour later after finally getting to sleep.

My approach to problems like this is to think consciously about exactly why the mask is uncomfortable. Is it hurting some where? Is it tickling some where? Is my skin sweating underneath it? Is air blowing into my eyes? You don't need to answer these questions---but you need to find questions like these that uncover the problem. Exactly why is it uncomfortable?

You have to understand the problem before you can solve it. Knowing that it is uncomfortable is not specific enough to help you solve the problem. You have to have the specifics, then try to figure out how to solve those problems.

For example, say it was hurting you on your cheek. I would try loosening the lower strap on that side of the face to see if that helped. This is just an example of a possible problem and how you might go about solving it. But figure out the actual problems first.

[echo]

Welcome cpapthomas! since you've got the motivation to start again, let's do some things in parallel. While waiting to get another study you can still familiarize yourself with the machine, read up on new machines, new masks etc.

I would suggest you use this time in between to find a mask that FITS WELL for you. What works for one may not work for everyone. I tried on 6 or 7 full face masks and went through 4 at home until I found one that worked for me.

Can you go to your DME and ask to try on different masks? Take your cpap with you and try them on connected to the cpap at your pressure. Don't leave until you find one that fits perfectly. Most of the comfort issue will depend on finding a good mask.
Then, there are also "hose management" techniques to keep the hose from pulling your mask down (do a search, there are plenty of ideas here).

And the second thing to do, read up here on data capable machines, become familiar with their features, read other posts, and go prepared to your sleep doctor appointment. Get a machine that lets you track your AHI and leaks. Without that you won't be able to troubleshoot problems. For example, you may not realize but large leaks could be waking you up - you can see that from the machine. Or the pressure may be too low, or whatever. With the data in hand, you can determine what the real problems may be.

[BleepingBeauty]

Welcome to the forum, Thomas. We're glad you've decided to try again. It can be done!

Good advice in this thread. I would suggest (in this order):

• Find a mask that works well for you and is comfortable (or adjust your current UMFF mask so it fits well and doesn't hurt). Download the UMFF fitting guide here: http://tinyurl.com/22ktgkp
• Practice until you get comfortable with the therapy (wear the mask while watching tv, reading, etc., with the machine on).
• Have a new sleep study done.
• Do your homework on this site and read all you can.
• Make sure you get a fully data-capable machine this time. See rested gal's very helpful updated list of machines here: viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

*If the tinyurl link above doesn't work, you can find the User Guide for the UMFF on this page (under the "Important Tips" tab): https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html. There's also a video under the "Learning Center" tab on the same page.

Hope that helps, and best of luck!