Getting used to it all - how?

[jmedlen]

Hi,

Thanks to some information and kind poeple associated with this list, I've finally gotten the information from my machine so I can look at it and really process it. Prior to this, my sleep doctor kept the download after charging me an office visit to download it. (another interesting conversation thread on here).

Anyway. I'm trying to find the positive chain to help me use the CPap better/longer.

i don't have apnea. I had a lot of sleep disturbances. I didn't really notice them, mind you. I was snoring and that's how it all started. But the sleep study did not uncover apnea or obstruction. So, though I'm sure it's something that is likely in my future, it's not an issue at this moment.

Regardless. I am able to keep the cpap going for 4+ hours iwth the help of ambien (who can't do thigns with ambien?) However, without the assistance of ambien, which I don't want ot keep doing.

How did you all get used to this and get past this barrier? Even nights I use it for 6+ hours, I wake up 1.5 - 2 hours in.....I FEEL my wakefulness more than i did before. And then I wake up frustrated.

Joan

[cflame1]

When you wake up... is it hard to breathe because you aren't getting enough air?

[ekubaskie]

I think you just said it yourself. You feel it.

I find that I am so much more conscious of my waking state and my breathing that it keeps me awake. Sort of like when some darned song is going through your head all day.

Most of the times that I ALMOST nod off, it's because I got my head onto a different subject for a bit. My machine has a tendency to do pressure pulses as my breathing slows down. Have you ever had an eye exam for contacts? They do this pressure test for glaucoma, where they send a poof of air at your eyeball. The pressure pulse is like that, but up your nose, and just as you're nodding off. ARRGGHH!

[notyorz]

There are 4 topics at the top of the forum page that may be of good help to you. They are the stickied threads in the Announcement section and they discuss how to deal with change, where a newbie should start, importance of a support system, etc.

What some may find helpful is to try the mask on in your spare time to get used to the feel of it on your face (whichever mask you choose) and use it with pressure at a time when you're not going to bed to get used to breathing against and with the air flow. It may help anxieties when you actually turn in for the evening.

Good luck to you and I hope you find what you need here to help you adjust!

[Janknitz]

Wait a minute--you have a compliance only machine (the model listed has no EFFICACY data) and you were charged to have it downloaded???

[Janknitz]

Bump.