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NancyOlyWa · Post by **NancyOlyWa** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:05 pm

Hello everyone!
I just survived my first night on my CPAP. It was a pretty rough night, at first it was extremely difficult. Felt like I was going to have a panic attack. Tried to get myself to relax and not pay so much attention to my breathing. I realized after a while that the air temperature was too warm for me so I adjusted it to be a little cooler. This enabled me to relax a little bit more. After the first two hours with no sleep I was ready to rip it off. I had to keep reminding myself of the benefits I would get from using it and to avoid the temptation to take it off. I was eventually able to fall asleep. Even though I only got about 4 1/2 hours of sleep, I already feel much better than I have for a very long time. We will see what night #2 brings.....

Connectplus1 · Post by **Connectplus1** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:09 pm

It would help if you said what mask/type of machine and pressure you have. Sometimes not properly fitted mask makes all the difference. If your machine has C-Flex or EPR functions - try using those - they make exhaile feel more natural.

nanwilson · Post by **nanwilson** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:10 pm

Way to go Nancy... persistence and patience do win out with this therapy. Keep it up and you will be another big success story on the forum ..... welcome!

Nan

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:30 pm

NancyOlyWa wrote:Hello everyone!
I just survived my first night on my CPAP. It was a pretty rough night, at first it was extremely difficult. Felt like I was going to have a panic attack. Tried to get myself to relax and not pay so much attention to my breathing. I realized after a while that the air temperature was too warm for me so I adjusted it to be a little cooler. This enabled me to relax a little bit more. After the first two hours with no sleep I was ready to rip it off. I had to keep reminding myself of the benefits I would get from using it and to avoid the temptation to take it off. I was eventually able to fall asleep. Even though I only got about 4 1/2 hours of sleep, I already feel much better than I have for a very long time. We will see what night #2 brings.....

You did good for the first night! Congratulations.

Tell us what equipment and mask you are driving and we can give you some better tips .

NancyOlyWa · Post by **NancyOlyWa** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:31 pm

Connectplus1 wrote:It would help if you said what mask/type of machine and pressure you have. Sometimes not properly fitted mask makes all the difference. If your machine has C-Flex or EPR functions - try using those - they make exhaile feel more natural.

Sorry, I have all of that information at home and will update it as soon as I am able. I appreciate your comments, thank you for your response!

Bill44133 · Post by **Bill44133** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:43 pm

Welcome to wonderful world of CPap! It will be hard to get used to but the results will be restful and worth your effort.
I have been on CPAP since Apil 30 this year, and I don't think I could ever sleep without a machine. It is just natural now.

Madalot · Post by **Madalot** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 2:43 pm

Welcome to the forum! All things considered, sounds like you're off to a pretty decent start. When you get a chance, fill in your equipment profile so people here can be of as much help as possible. Keep up the great work and great attitude!!

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 4:00 pm

IT DOES GET BETTER. (thank you Dan Savage)

Glad you found this forum. Saved my life, and taught me how to become addicted to my CPAP. You'll learn too.

I'm just north of you in Lakewood, WA. See, you have a local friend on the forum already.

Keep at it. It will get better. You'll learn. It's alot like driving a car. The first times are terrifying. Then your body learns the moves, and it gets far easier.

Hang in there and keep in touch.

Cheers,
Barbara in Lakewood

LaurieP · Post by **LaurieP** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 4:32 pm

Nancy, 4-12 hours first night is great!!! The people here are so helpful and the information truly life saving!!

I'm also in WA state....Kirkland

Keep it up!!

Laurie

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 4:38 pm

Another little birdie just learning how to fly with the rest of us old buzzards.
Welcome to the forum!

DoriC · Post by **DoriC** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 4:50 pm

Welcome from NJ! The fact that you kept the mask on ll night is a major accomplishment! Once you get your equipment listed and tell us your pressure settings, name of mask and some of the problems you're experiencing, you'll get tons of help here and will be on your way! Good luck.

mgaggie · Post by **mgaggie** » Fri Oct 04, 2013 4:49 am

Welcome to the forum, I agree with the others 4.5hrs is a great start.

Try not to beat yourself up too much if you rip the mask off during the night after a couple of hours. We've all done it at one time or another

hueyville · Post by **hueyville** » Fri Oct 04, 2013 5:12 am

2.5 years on the hose and I had to pull my mask off for 30 minutes last night. I sat up, removed my chin strap also, took a restroom break then read my Bible a few minutes. Soon as I felt myself nodding put mask back on and slept till alarm at 06:00. I have to take mine off a few minutes most every night but put it back on soon as possible. If nod off without the snoring wakes wife in just a few minutes and she gives me a shake.

Iowamv · Post by **Iowamv** » Fri Oct 04, 2013 5:23 am

Welcome. Lots of newbies hang around here too. You will learn a LOT that will be immediately helpful. Know that just about any concern you'll have is something that others have worked through and can probably help with.

NancyOlyWa · Post by **NancyOlyWa** » Fri Oct 04, 2013 9:18 am

Thank you so much to everyone for the warm welcome and support. Last night went much better than the first, didn't take as long to fall asleep. Dealing with some irritation from the rubbery part of the strap that goes across my cheek, going to have to try to figure out some way to cover that part of the strap. Other than that, feeling pretty good. Happy Friday!!

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