Can't sleep through the night with my new mask and machine

kurtchan · Post by **kurtchan** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:05 pm

In addition to problems with CPAP, I seem unable to post messages on this forum properly. My apologies!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First, a big THANK YOU to all of you who responded to both my pre-prescription and initial machine setup questions. Though it's clear that they're are lots of opinions on every subject, it's also nice for a newbie to know that he's in good company and has a place to turn for helpful suggestions.

I've been using the machine for exactly a week now -- yes, I know, it takes time and patience to get used to it -- but I have still yet to sleep through the night without waking up two or three times and removing the mask for at least a few minutes. On several occasions, I've taken off the mask and mistakenly fallen back asleep before I could put it back on! I'm pleased to say that I'm past the point where I feel like I'm fighting the mask in order to breathe (although it's still a bit of a shock when I open my mouth inadvertently and "break the vacuum) but my waking now seems to be tied to a very dry throat and inability to swallow without a drink of water.

As some of you may remember, I'm an opera singer, so a dry throat is a real issue for me. It's definitely not coming from mouth breathing and, despite the warm weather, I've jacked up the heater on the humidifier to the middle setting, but I'm still bone dry and in need of water a couple of times each night.

I'm committed to making this whole thing work for me and to wearing the mask and using the machine every night for as long as necessary, but I'd appreciate any words of advice, empathy or encouragement that you guys who have been through this can provide.

Many thanks,

Kurtchan

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:24 pm

Hi, I too have been fighting the 'blown seal' problem. In my case, my tongue relaxes and out goes the air. For me, three things have worked:
1) Nasal Pillow mask.
2) Tape mouth closed
3) Training my tongue to keep the seal.

Other solutions are mouthpieces, chin straps, Polygrip, and full-face masks.
For me, I would rank all these solutions (best to worst), as follows:
1) Tape & Nasal Pillows
2 Polygrip & Nasal Pillows
3) Full-Face mask.
4) Mouth piece
5) Chin Strap

So, how many of these possible solutions have you tried?
Also, a bit more information may be helpful, ie; pressure, type of machine, mask??

dancer · Post by **dancer** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:34 pm

I'm a newbie as well. My husband is extremely happy but I still wake 3-4 times nightly. Complained to my doc that the mask makes me claustrophobic/crazy though I have been compliant. Thus, am scheduled to return to sleep study location for a "clinic" with sleep tech to try different masks and check my machine (which was delivered to my doorstep from Apria without benefit of fitting, etc.) Looking forward to learning what I can and will keep you posted.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:37 pm

Dry mouth, sore throat, are to be expected when first starting out. It can take 4-6 weeks to get used to the machine/mask.

Your machine should have a humidifier, if it doesn't, call your doctor you will need one, this can be the cause of dry mouth/sore throat.

What type of machine are you using and the pressure?