What next?..desperate!

[Marlow1968]

hi I'm new to all this but pretty desperate, I've been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea since oct 2010...I was issued with a cpap machine and have been through several mask designs, the latest one is a full face... That starts at my forehead and ends under my chin, the problem I'm having is I am having panic attacks and feel severe claustrophobia with every mask.
I have given up recently, but my daytime situation is worse than ever, I'm asleep more than awake, am having accidents around the home and feel totally shattered and unwell.
If I had a pound for every time someone told me to persevere with the cpap I would be a rich woman. Can any one make any suggestions, I have tried waiting til I'm shattered to apply it, reading with it on and playing soothing music, the most I've ever managed is just over two hours, I'm so desperate I don't know how much longer I can go on like this, many thanks x

[jmcanzo]

Have you tried wearing your mask when you are awake? Maybe put it on turn on the machine and watch tv. Let your body get used to it while you are awake.

[Janknitz]

We CAN help you, but it's going to have to be one step at a time.

First, can you tell use the exact make and model of your machine and the exact make and model of your mask? This will help us give you suggestions that may help. If you know the machine's settings (pressure settings, ramp, EPR or Flex) that is helpful information, too.

Secondly, why the full face mask if you are having feelings of claustrophobia? You say you have been through several masks, can you tell us what else you've tried and why those did not work for you?

When we have more info, we can help you figure this out.

[Slinky]

You may well need to resort to both medication for anxiety/panic attacks as well as conditioning such as jmcanzo has suggested.

In the family room, den, living, some place comfortable other than your bedroom; don your mask during the day, turn your PAP on, read a good book, or a magazine or newspaper, work a crossword or jigsaw puzzle, knit, crochet, whatever occupies your mind other than "I've got to get to sleep".

[imtired]

please create an account, and fill in the equipment you are using in the user control panel. It will show up under every post so people with the same equipment can give specific advice that will help.

[sleepycarol]

What types of masks have you tried.

I was given a full face mask when I started and didn't know that there were other types of masks out there. When I started reading this forum I had preconceived ideas that the nasal pillows and nasal prong masks were "not for me" based on faulty reasoning. It just sounded so uncomfortable to have something shoved up my nose -- and what if the power went out -- etc. It took me several months to get up the nerve to try a nasal pillow mask. I tried a SNAP X and although it didn't fit properly I liked the concept and that started me journey on finding a mask that was comfortable and would work for me without the bulk and confinement of a full face mask.

There are some mask designs that do not have the forehead stablizer and are less bulky on the face, there are the hybrid (which is a combination of full face and nasal pillow mask), the oracle that is a oral mask, etc. With all the choices there should be one that would help you feel less confined and lessen the panic mode.

I agree with Slinky you may just need something to take the edge off for a little while to help you relax and get to sleep and stay asleep.

If you can give us alittle more info we will probably be able to help you find solutions suited to your needs.

[ozij]

Marlow had now registered, and thanked the responders, and added info on this thread:

viewtopic/t61323/What-nextthank-you-for-responding.html

I suggested there that she let us know which thread to focus on.