Took to CPAP like a fish takes to water

[Rogue]

I have been on CPAP for nearly a year now. Unfortunately and to be honest, I have not been able to use it everyday. Why? Well, I sometimes just plan to lay down for a few minutes then put on the CPAP but I tend to fall asleep before I get to put it on.

But back to topic. From the very first I was comfortable with my CPAP machine. I get up feeling so much better whenever I get to use it, even if it is for just 3 hours. Yes, I know I should be getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep, but it is a bit difficult since the sun is up when I go to bed. I have darkened my room with curtains, placed a handkerchief or face towel over my eyes since I am not comfortable with those airline flight mask things (strange since I don't mind the cpap). But getting to go to sleep for more then 4 hours eludes me around 4 days of every week.

Part of me taking easily to CPAP I think is that I have always been more comfortable with an electric fan blowing straight at my face when I sleep. Maybe it worked like a sort of cpap machine for me for many years, who knows. I get migraines when I don't get to use my cpap, just like if the weather / temperature /whatever changes.

I hope and pray that more get used to it faster or, even like me, right away.

[notyorz]

I, too, was very comfortable with xPAP from day one. Even with the acceptance that comes with that "comfortable with xPAP" I set myself rules to follow from the very beginning. These are only suggestions and YMMV, but you may consider setting your own set of rules, since you feel so much better when using it than without it.

Here's a list of mine:

1. I NEVER lie down without the mask on, not even for a minute. This eliminates the chance of going to sleep without it, even for short naps (I've only taken about 3 naps in the last 2 months I've had my machine).

2. I keep everything ready to go way before bedtime so it's not a chore or rustles me out of that sleepy zone I try so hard for. I usually set the water level and wash what I need to within an hour of waking up so it's all in its place when I need it. Having the machine and mask ready is a comfort for the times when I do wish to lay down for a nap.

3. I NEVER take the mask off during the middle of my sleep if I get up for any reason. So many have said it's very easy to go back to sleep without putting it back on, so I didn't want to teach myself it's ok to remove it. I experienced times in the beginning where I wanted to pull it off for a "break", but it now feels so natural to have it on all night that I'm glad I did this rule from the start of my therapy. I do not wake up with that feeling of having or wanting to take it off.

4. I set my machine for Auto Start (my machine is capable, I realize people may have one that does not). It's less hassle when going back to bed. I just lay down and hook the hose back up. No fumbling for the on/off button. Easy peasy.


With the schedule you're going to sleep, you may need to read into sleep hygiene help tips and see what will work for you that you may not have thought about. It sounds like you're moving in the right direction with the darkening curtains, but you may need some downtime before hitting the bed for sleep. Maybe some extended time in that darkened room before actually getting into bed for sleep. I haven't worked the night shift in years, so other than that bit of advice, I really can't offer any more suggestions. What I can offer you is that I hope you can find your happy medium to get longer periods of sleep.

Sleep fragmentation has many variables. I'm still working on my own private battle with getting more than 4 hours of sleep. Sometimes I get 6, once in a blue moon it's 7-8, but most nights it's just 4-5.

Perhaps someone here who works a night shift or just keeps your same type of hours can respond with helpful hints that worked for them.

Good luck to you!

Marianne

[OldLincoln]

Make that me three. After trying the pillows, the nasal and gong to the full I've been a happy camper. The only thing I can think of that made it work was wearing the mask in the USAF, but even that didn't bother me if I recall it right. My initial overnight at the lab found my O2 hovered in the lower 80's with visits into the mid 70's, so I didn't require convincing to wear the mask.

I find it easier to get to sleep as the air sound is like my aircraft those almost 50 years ago. It's also comforting to keep it on while waking up. I don't get the yawns so bad and in a few minutes I'm awake (since I changed my meds that is).

[jlklinko]

Hi there
1) I took right to it too!!
2) The only thing I changed from the DME was going down to 5 mins ramp time(from 30).
3) I tried going to 12 cms from 11, but started to get too many centrals, so went back to 11cm.
4) Love my CPAP!!!

[chunkyfrog]

Yeah, me, too. The nightmares stopped right away.
I was fine with the first mask until it started moving my teeth. Now I'm a lot more picky.
Not everyone is as lucky as this; but we are here.
It is still another chore (or more) that everyone has to deal with. Even I may have an 'off' night.
I suspect that, of those out there who've been compliant for years --with less than ideal equipment,
there may be a large share of 'ducks' like us.
More's the pity; even those who have trouble, deserve a fighting chance to make this work.

[Sir NoddinOff]

I personally know half a dozen XPAP users (and attempters) and I now think one's success is mostly in the head of the beholder. I realize that seems simplistic to say, however the 'glass half full people" by and large, seem to adapt quickly and experience success. On the other hand, the "glass half empty folks" just seem to complain and fall by the wayside. Sad to say, but that's true in many other areas of life too. Positive thinking IMO, has a very definite place in sleep apnea therapy.

Hey OldLincoln, nice to see you back.

[Kitatonic]

Dr. Park explains that how one experiences their first night with CPAP really impacts the adaption over the next year. My first night, the tech woke me up with a trembling voice due to such severe desalts to start CPAP. For the first time in years, my feet warmed up! Over the last ten months, not masking up has never been an option. On this board, it's drilled into you, sleeping=masking up.

[Carl LaFong]

I'm coming up on year too and took to it right away. I still find "masking up" every night to be comforting and fall asleep in mere minutes, something I couldn't do most of my life. Yeah, I still make mistakes -- nap without it, pull it off at night -- but overall I'm waaay better off. My new wife certainly approves. I think we'll make it.

[zoocrewphoto]

Dr. Park explains that how one experiences their first night with CPAP really impacts the adaption over the next year. My first night, the tech woke me up with a trembling voice due to such severe desalts to start CPAP. For the first time in years, my feet warmed up! Over the last ten months, not masking up has never been an option. On this board, it's drilled into you, sleeping=masking up.

This is why I am very grateful to the sleep tech I had. And I believe a sleep study in a lab is better (assuming you get a good tech). She made a huge difference for me. I went in dreading the sleep study and cpap machine. I went out feeling good, and by the next day, I could see a huge difference in how I felt that day and how I slept the next night (nightmare with my brain complaining that I did not have the machine yet). And I have never wanted a doctor's appointment so badly. And I was anxious to get my new machine. She made a huge difference in getting me started. I also had trouble with my mask leaking, but since she fitted the same mask perfectly at the lab, I knew my mask was the right one, and that I just needed to master it.

[49er]

I personally know half a dozen XPAP users (and attempters) and I now think one's success is mostly in the head of the beholder. I realize that seems simplistic to say, however the 'glass half full people" by and large, seem to adapt quickly and experience success. On the other hand, the "glass half empty folks" just seem to complain and fall by the wayside. Sad to say, but that's true in many other areas of life too. Positive thinking IMO, has a very definite place in sleep apnea therapy.

Hey OldLincoln, nice to see you back.

You know, I am really getting tired of the blaming the person attitude on this board for their cpap failures when there are a million factors that contribute to cpap success starting with the mask fit.

There have been several accounts on this board of people who had a horrific time and didn't adapt to cpap quickly. Thankfully, they encouraged the folks who were having a tough time and didn't blame them for their attitude.

Not to sound like a broken record but again, you do not know what a person is going through other than what they post on this board. To assume that you do is being extremely judgmental and very non supportive .

Sorry for my rant but as one who has struggled greatly to the point of tears because I have seen the benefits in my limited success and want it badly, this is a hot button issue of mine

And to those of you who think all I want to do is complain and be a malcontent, think again. And one more thing before you decide I have a bad attitude - Have any of you successfully gotten off of 4 psych meds after being told by your doctor that you would be on them for life? And would you be able to do it in spite of having horrific withdrawal symptoms including severe rebound insomnia.

I am stepping down from my soapbox.

[49er]

HI Rogue,

I am having struggles also so I am not the best person to offer advice.

But do focus on getting good quality sleep vs. a certain number of hours.

That is more important.

Hang in there.

49er

I have been on CPAP for nearly a year now. Unfortunately and to be honest, I have not been able to use it everyday. Why? Well, I sometimes just plan to lay down for a few minutes then put on the CPAP but I tend to fall asleep before I get to put it on.

But back to topic. From the very first I was comfortable with my CPAP machine. I get up feeling so much better whenever I get to use it, even if it is for just 3 hours. Yes, I know I should be getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep, but it is a bit difficult since the sun is up when I go to bed. I have darkened my room with curtains, placed a handkerchief or face towel over my eyes since I am not comfortable with those airline flight mask things (strange since I don't mind the cpap). But getting to go to sleep for more then 4 hours eludes me around 4 days of every week.

Part of me taking easily to CPAP I think is that I have always been more comfortable with an electric fan blowing straight at my face when I sleep. Maybe it worked like a sort of cpap machine for me for many years, who knows. I get migraines when I don't get to use my cpap, just like if the weather / temperature /whatever changes.

I hope and pray that more get used to it faster or, even like me, right away.

[poppi2]

For me, it has not been an easy journey. I was initially sold a "brick" and a Mirage Quattro™ Full Face Mask. I was never able to master the leaks with the Quattro™ for the first four months. I tried using liners, floating the mask, replacing the cushion and changing the size, but it continues burping and farting all night. I never got a good night's sleep. I then tried The Innomed Hybrid for a month, but no joy.

A little over a year ago, Pugsy was posting many good things about the Swift LT Nasal Pillow, so I took the plunge. I also bought a "real" machine with out-of-pocket funds. Armed with data, I eventually had to use a chin strap and tape to cure my leaks. Concerns about rebreathing in the event of machine, or power failure, led me to add a makeshift anti-asphyxiation valve viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75419&p=690384#p690334.

It took me six months, but now I sleep like a baby. Keep plodding ahead. Good luck, Earl [edit: plodding, not prodding]

[49er]

For me, it has not been an easy journey. I was initially sold a "brick" and a Mirage Quattro™ Full Face Mask. I was never able to master the leaks with the Quattro™ for the first four months. I tried using liners, floating the mask, replacing the cushion and changing the size, but it continues burping and farting all night. I never got a good night's sleep. I then tried The Innomed Hybrid for a month, but no joy.

A little over a year ago, Pugsy was posting many good things about the Swift LT Nasal Pillow, so I took the plunge. I also bought a "real" machine with out-of-pocket funds. Armed with data, I eventually had to use a chin strap and tape to cure my leaks. Concerns about rebreathing in the event of machine, or power failure, led me to add a makeshift anti-asphyxiation valve viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75419&p=690384#p690334.

It took me six months, but now I sleep like a baby. Keep prodding ahead. Good luck, Earl

Thanks Earl for posting your story and kudos do you for preserving. This is the type of post I need to read and gives me hope that eventually, I will have the same success.

49er

[Sir NoddinOff]

There have been several accounts on this board of people who had a horrific time and didn't adapt to cpap quickly. Thankfully, they encouraged the folks who were having a tough time and didn't blame them for their attitude.

I stand by my contention that 'Positive Attitude' is one of the best tools to achieve success with CPAP. If you can't accept that, then you'll need to cope with your problems as best you can.

[OldLincoln]

I very long time ago there was quite a drawn out discussions about ingesting air into the stomach. Quite a few simply blew it off because their experience must apply to all. For those of us who suffered the pain of bloated and kinked intestines is was and always will remain a serious subject. I did a lot of study in medical reviews on the subject and discovered it is a real concern especially to ERT's who apply the air pillow to pump air into someone.

My point is just about everything to do with treatment of SA is individualized. For some it is in their head just as a fear of heights or any other fear. It's very real to them and not simple to overcome. For other its a facial structure, or a sleep activity such as tossing and rolling over disturbing the mask. The can be overcome but it takes at least as much determination as giving up texting or facebook or eating disorders.

My son is one who absolutely freaks out with the full face mask. He trusts me and let me put it up to his face but I could read the anxiety build until he lunged up and tore it away. I've wanted to cut out an old mask leaving just the outer edge frame to hold the cushion and see if he can handle that but he's not willing. He doesn't want to change because it terrifies him and he would rather have the effects of SA than wear a mask. BTW, he's not afraid of anything else I know of and he is over 40 so it's his informed choice.