why I cant sleep on CPAP

[rehpotsirhc21]

I had an appointment with my rt at 5pm, she took off early but there was someone there who was willing to help... I have had my cpap for just over a week, and havent been able to actually sleep with it on. The other RT told me it was just a mask issue, but this guy hit the nail on the head. I wanted to share this because there has to be other newbies out there experiencing the same problem and cant describe it.

He said my problem was is that I was controlling my breathing. Instead of letting breathing be a natural activity like it is during the day I was taking control, breathing either too deep or too shallow and making myself light headed.

His suggestion was, and similar to some suggestions I have received on here, was to make sure my mind is occupied when I put it on so breathing happens naturally. He said it could take three weeks or more before I can actually learn how to let go.

I am more determined to make it work now that someone was able to describe exactly what was going on. I apologize if someone on here did say the same thing to me, somehow it stuck today.

[DWolf]

I noticed this same problem too. I started on Monday on CPAP.

I would lay there for a while forcing myself to breath and it wasn't until I let my mind wander to something else that I found myself drifting off and finally able to sleep.

I've managed to sleep all the nights since starting but the first few it took a bit to get myself to stop thinking about it.

[tonycog]

It's been suggested to put on your mask, turn on the machine and then read or watch television for awhile to help you get used to it. You might give this a try.

Tony

[Bons]

Are you using the ramp feature? It may be easier to fall asleep and to avoid concentrating on your breathing if you are at a lower pressure. If you can't ignore your breathing (and I'm a bad one for that), maybe you could try using your breathing. Say a mantra or breath prayer (two repeated lines, one as you inhale and the other as you exhale). I sing songs in my head to give me something to refocus my thoughts and sooth myself at the same time. Sometimes I use talk radio as soft noise -works best if they are discussing a topic I don't care a lot about. Count sheep - or some say that it's easier to fall asleep counting backward from a very high number because your brain gets bored and frustrated and goes to sleep to avoid doing it (it's similar to a tactic used by people with insomnia who get out of bed and do some unpleasant cleaning or something so that the brain learns it's better to just go the heck to sleep).

[jonquiljo]

I am more determined to make it work now that someone was able to describe exactly what was going on. I apologize if someone on here did say the same thing to me, somehow it stuck today.

I get the impression that you are fighting the machine in a sense. What do you feel like when you put it on and try to sleep?

If you are struggling ... then it could be a problem. But there may be a simple reason you are struggling. You have a data capable APAP with A-Flex (that can run as CPAP with C-Flex). What are your settings? Do you have software to see what is happening during the night? The software is somewhat subjective, but you can at least see if you are leaking air or (in general) what the machine is trying to do to you.

I originally started CPAP in the old days when there was no APAP or flex or reports - and I found that the reports can really help. The flex really helps. The reports make you feel like you can at least see what this monster is trying to do to you at night. The mask is really important in that different masks (even today) can be totally annoying or oppressive - whereas some others may not be a problem.

I didn't acclimate to CPAP years ago - but I readily adapted a couple of months ago when I tried again. It may be as simple as a setting or mask or flex. Sleeping with this stuff on is not easy to say the least. You have a good attitude and I bet it will pay off. Good luck.

[rehpotsirhc21]

To be honest I have no idea how my machine is set other than the guy told me the a flex was set on, which I like.
He did give me a new nasal mask, its easier to breathe but not as comfortable as the nasal pillows.

I don't have the foggiest idea on how to set anything on the machine. I can use the ramp feature but don't seem to
Need it with the new mask. I'm going to have to have one of the therapists sit down and go through the machine and its functions.