Frustrated wtih trying to get used to this ...

Trixielou · Post by **Trixielou** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:52 pm

I've finally found a mask that seems comfortable. I'm using the Breeze and I can keep it on for a couple of hours. At this point I take it off as I
CANNOT go to sleep with it on. I've had several masks that were just plain uncomfortable and this one is so different. I thought that I had finally found "the one", but I'm sleeping less now than before.

I've been trying to get on top of this for 4 months now and I'm getting pretty discouraged. I understand about finding the right mask and all, but my goodness! My husband has used a CPAP for 10 years and literally slept through the night from the get go. And while he is pretty special, I'm a fairly nice person myself!

I have a heated humidifier and it really does feel just fine...so any suggestions for what else I can try?

Trixielou

Nitro Dan · Post by **Nitro Dan** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:15 pm

So why are you taking it off? Does it become uncomfortable?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:02 am

It doesn't become uncomfortable, but about 1:00 in the morning I take it off so I can get some sleep. I have a family (and that requires I have my wits about me!), as well as a job that demands attention to detail. I have on weekends left it on for more of the night, but I still don't go to sleep until I get discouraged and pull the mask off.

Trixielou

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:38 am

So if it isn't uncomfortable, why do you need to take it off in order to sleep?

Trixielou · Post by **Trixielou** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:42 am

I am unable to fall asleep with the mask on. It has nothing to do with comfort.

Trixielou

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:47 am

If it isn't an issue of comfort, can you put into words why you can't fall asleep with the mask on?

Trixielou · Post by **Trixielou** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:57 am

Apparently not. I don't know how else to describe it. I am unable to fall asleep with the mask on even when I'm dead tired.

Trixielou

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:05 am

Trixie, have you talked to your doctor about sleep aids (Ambien CR, Lunesta) to try to get you past this stonewall of being so aware of a mask that you can't go to sleep at all as long as the mask is on your face?

kevder · Post by **kevder** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:27 am

Trixie,

I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties. I too have a similar problem. I've been on CPAP for well over a year and cannot sleep at all with a mask on. Taking a sleep aid does help the problem but it is still less than ideal. I don't mean to discourage you. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I guess misery loves company. I can only suggest to keep plugging along until you find something that works for you. I've been working closely with me sleep doc but we have not been able to find a solution. I get the feeling that when they say they are practicing medicine they really are practicing.

Best of luck!

Kevder

Jan in Colo. · Post by **Jan in Colo.** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:41 am

Maybe you could go back to basics and take some time to get acclimated to your mask. Wear it while watching TV or reading a book. If you want to give your family a good laugh, wear it while cooking dinner! Anything to keep it on your face while you go about your daily routine. Don't even have to start out with it attached to anything, just wear the mask on your face and head. Then graduate to having the CPAP ON while you read or watch TV. Then see if you can start to sleep with it....

Worth a shot. If you have a demanding job and family...you really do need to get into this therapy. It will help you tremendously..

Did you try the Swift mask also? I think that is the absolute easiest one to get used to...just my opinion...everyone varies..
Jan in Colo.

Trixielou · Post by **Trixielou** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:43 am

Call me crazy, Rested Gal, but trying a sleep aid never occurred to me.

Just got off the phone with the dr.'s nurse and she told me that many people need help getting over the initial phase. I've been doing this for 4 months, so wouldn't you think they would notice and suggest something before now?

As for your quote, "I get the feeling that when they say they are practicing medicine they really are practicing.", Kevder, I couldn't agree more!

Trixielou

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:50 am

Trixielou,

What pressure are you on?
If you're at a higher pressure, you could consult with your doctor about getting your pressure lowered to get used to going to sleep and then work up gradually (some pressure is better than none). Or, use an "auto" with a range of pressure.
Do you have a machine with C-Flex or EPR (pressure relief)? How about a "ramp" feature?.....does your machine have that? How about trying a full face mask?

Best wishes,

Den

Trixielou · Post by **Trixielou** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:50 am

I have C-flex on my machine as well as ramp, but didn't like using the ramp as at first it feels like I'm not getting enough air. My pressure is 9. I'm not sure if that's high or not. I know my husband's pressure is 13 so mine is a bit less than that.

My DME is telling me that the reason I couldn't use the the mask is because of being claustrophobic. That's a new one for me as I've never had problems with it in the past, but that is why they "let" me have the Breeze headgear, so I wouldn't feel that way. Sooo...

Trixielou

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:23 pm

Trixielou,

This may or may not apply to you, but....
I can sleep with a mask on. What I HATE is a lot of headgear. While I don't consider myself claustrophobic, I also realized that I don't like the hose going up between my eyes. (I like to wear my glasses and fall asleep watching TV).

So now I'm using a Swift nasal pillow system. I mention this because you already know about the masks and how one person's miracle mask may be absolutely intolerable to someone else. But now I have nothing on my face and very minimal headgear. At your pressure (mine is titrated at 7 but my range is set between 6 and 10 so I'm at least CLOSE to your pressure) it's a nice interface.

Just one more to consider and another 2 cents in the pot.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:41 pm

Trixielou wrote:I have C-flex on my machine as well as ramp, but didn't like using the ramp as at first it feels like I'm not getting enough air. My pressure is 9. I'm not sure if that's high or not. I know my husband's pressure is 13 so mine is a bit less than that.

My DME is telling me that the reason I couldn't use the the mask is because of being claustrophobic. That's a new one for me as I've never had problems with it in the past, but that is why they "let" me have the Breeze headgear, so I wouldn't feel that way. Sooo...

Trixielou

Well, let's see.......
A pressure of 9 isn't all that high.
I gather you've turned the ramp off.

Things to try:
Depending on how long it takes you to go to sleep without the mask and machine, you could try setting your ramp to that or a minimal amount of time (5 to 10 min.?) maybe with a starting pressure of 7.

Change humidifier settings.....maybe lower or OFF and use passover (you wouldn't have humidification sleeping without the machine).

Try "hooking up" on the weekends for a nap. (I realize you've been on your CPAP for awhile, but I waited to start my therapy on a weekend when I would be able to take some time and experiment and get used to it)

Mentally "clearing your mind" when you're trying to go to sleep. (works for me)

Experiment with different C-Flex settings so it will breathe WITH you. (the sound of the machine changing pressure as I breathe is sort of theraputic to me)

Don't know if any of these will help.....but I tried.....

Good luck,

Den