Fern here, I've just given up using the cpap. I'm no more tired not using it - still see the clock every hour, but at least I don't wake up "smothered" My appt with the doc isn't until the first of Feb. Maybe I can get in sooner. At least I tried
I quit!
9 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Have you tried using C-Flex or EPR .. exhale pressure relief?
Respironics and Resmed make machines with this option. It may be worth a shot.
good luck with your appt.
Respironics and Resmed make machines with this option. It may be worth a shot.
good luck with your appt.
_________________
| Humidifier | ||||
 | ||||
| Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15 | ||||
Last edited by jcarn on Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
sleepylady
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:42 am
Fern,
If you tell us what is going on maybe we can help. How long have you been on CPAP? What type of machine do you have? What is your pressure set at? What mask as you using? What is the problem you are having.
You may be waking up feel smothered because your pressure may be too low. OR if you are having trouble exhaling because of high pressure, then you may need C-Flex or EPR to help as jcarn mentions.
What were the symptoms you had of Sleep Apnea? Just because you aren't more tired, doesn't mean that Sleep Apnea isn't affecting you. Please don't give up so soon. If there is any way we can help you become compliant, we will. The people on this forum are great. I had troubles finding a good mask, but with their advise I found the perfect one for me. Now I'm feeling a lot better.
To tell you some positives since I started using CPAP, after years of having Acid Reflux it is now gone. It took about one month on the machine and then I didn't have any more problems. I can even eat garlic bread without getting sick anymore. I'm a lot less tired. Ok, now and then I get a weary feeling, however, it isn't the absolute exhaustion to the point of almost falling asleep while driving or at work any more. That's a huge plus!!!! My slight depression and irritability are gone. Another huge plus is the fact I can now concentrate and remember things I've been told. Last winter when I got hit with the worst of my symptoms, I stopped crocheting doilies. Now to crochet a doily takes a lot of concentration with the intricate patterns. I didn't think much of it until a month ago that I stopped because I couldn't remember the stitches needed for a certain row. I'm happy to say I worked on my first one since getting CPAP this last weekend and when I get back home on Wednesday I'm going to enjoy finishing it.
Fern there are so many benefits to CPAP.
Melinda
If you tell us what is going on maybe we can help. How long have you been on CPAP? What type of machine do you have? What is your pressure set at? What mask as you using? What is the problem you are having.
You may be waking up feel smothered because your pressure may be too low. OR if you are having trouble exhaling because of high pressure, then you may need C-Flex or EPR to help as jcarn mentions.
What were the symptoms you had of Sleep Apnea? Just because you aren't more tired, doesn't mean that Sleep Apnea isn't affecting you. Please don't give up so soon. If there is any way we can help you become compliant, we will. The people on this forum are great. I had troubles finding a good mask, but with their advise I found the perfect one for me. Now I'm feeling a lot better.
To tell you some positives since I started using CPAP, after years of having Acid Reflux it is now gone. It took about one month on the machine and then I didn't have any more problems. I can even eat garlic bread without getting sick anymore. I'm a lot less tired. Ok, now and then I get a weary feeling, however, it isn't the absolute exhaustion to the point of almost falling asleep while driving or at work any more. That's a huge plus!!!! My slight depression and irritability are gone. Another huge plus is the fact I can now concentrate and remember things I've been told. Last winter when I got hit with the worst of my symptoms, I stopped crocheting doilies. Now to crochet a doily takes a lot of concentration with the intricate patterns. I didn't think much of it until a month ago that I stopped because I couldn't remember the stitches needed for a certain row. I'm happy to say I worked on my first one since getting CPAP this last weekend and when I get back home on Wednesday I'm going to enjoy finishing it.
Fern there are so many benefits to CPAP.
Melinda
Fern,
It is okay to take a break and now is probably the best time for you. it is always hard to start CPAP and from your earlier post it did seem like your pressure was too low. Better to delay a couple of months if you are that uncomfortable. Just please start up again after you had a a chance to address this with your doctor.
Look forward to you changing the title of this post to " I quit for now"
Good luck and let us know what happens
It is okay to take a break and now is probably the best time for you. it is always hard to start CPAP and from your earlier post it did seem like your pressure was too low. Better to delay a couple of months if you are that uncomfortable. Just please start up again after you had a a chance to address this with your doctor.
Look forward to you changing the title of this post to " I quit for now"
Good luck and let us know what happens
Hi Fern,
Mike is exactly right. Take a break! when you're ready try using the unit while you're awake, use it for a couple of hours before you go to bed while watching tv. Then gradually start wearing it at night. If you wake up and feel the need to take it off that's ok.
The biggest thing to remember is that CPAP is not just a treatment, it's a change in lifestyle. Sometimes that's hard to do but I can assure the results will be well worth it.
Hang in there we're all here for you!
Mike is exactly right. Take a break! when you're ready try using the unit while you're awake, use it for a couple of hours before you go to bed while watching tv. Then gradually start wearing it at night. If you wake up and feel the need to take it off that's ok.
The biggest thing to remember is that CPAP is not just a treatment, it's a change in lifestyle. Sometimes that's hard to do but I can assure the results will be well worth it.
Hang in there we're all here for you!
-
sleepy gal
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2005 1:59 pm
- Location: upstate New York
Fern,
I agree with the others, please just consider this a break until you talk to your doc.
I know that when I have had a lower pressure set on my CPAP or APAP that I felt like I was suffocating. It was an awful feeling. I'll bet you need a slightly higher pressure, at a minimum.
And, if you are not a mouth breather, perhaps you could try one of the nasal pillows type of "mask" which really don't make you feel claustrophobic at all.
And the idea of trying the mask while you are awake, little by little, has a great deal of merit.
Please don't give up totally. It can get better and it can impact so positively on your health and well being.
Hang in there.
(I may be a little dim witted, but I really didn't understand the last 2 posts?)
I agree with the others, please just consider this a break until you talk to your doc.
I know that when I have had a lower pressure set on my CPAP or APAP that I felt like I was suffocating. It was an awful feeling. I'll bet you need a slightly higher pressure, at a minimum.
And, if you are not a mouth breather, perhaps you could try one of the nasal pillows type of "mask" which really don't make you feel claustrophobic at all.
And the idea of trying the mask while you are awake, little by little, has a great deal of merit.
Please don't give up totally. It can get better and it can impact so positively on your health and well being.
Hang in there.
(I may be a little dim witted, but I really didn't understand the last 2 posts?)
_________________
| Mask | |
 |
Nan
fern
If at first, you do not succeed, QUIT,
Not a good attitude, IMHO.
You need to take a deep breath and listen to others who have been there.
To be sure, some will not benefit despite doing all the right things.
I think these are rare and much can be gained by a positive attitude.
Lost of unknowns out in OSAland.
Stick with it.
Not a good attitude, IMHO.
You need to take a deep breath and listen to others who have been there.
To be sure, some will not benefit despite doing all the right things.
I think these are rare and much can be gained by a positive attitude.
Lost of unknowns out in OSAland.
Stick with it.
9 posts
• Page 1 of 1