Will I ever sleep again?

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:09 pm

The above guest reply was from me. I am a newbie, so I forgot to log on. Sorry

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:47 pm

Judith88,

Sounds like even though you are not where you want to be with CPAP things are moving slowly in a positive direction.

What is it about the experience that keeps you from falling asleep?

My suggestion would be to try to focus on thoughts that distract you from the fact that you are using CPAP. Try to create an "OUT OF BODY" experience. Plan that vacation you always wanted to take or recall your most fond memory as child and try to relive it in your mind. Form your thoughts slowly and enjoy your fantasy. Create a new fantasy if you like.

Once you fall asleep using CPAP you will be hooked on how good you feel when you awake.

Check out in the introductions section and a new member robertjoy - 14 seemingly happy years on CPAP so it can be done.

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 6:35 pm

I will check it out. I have to learn the workings of this site. Thank you

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:24 am

If anyone is checking on my progress...I am tired and NEEEEEEEED sleep NOW

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:14 pm

Today I just asked the supplier for a new mask to try. The one I was using has caused sores on the bridge of my nose. The supplier told me that this is not supposed to happen....well...duh!

I am not as tired as I was last week, but I do need to get a good nights sleep.

I stopped using the humidifier, because I was getting 'rained on' and was drowning by CPAP!! plus I started whistling...I had no idea what was going on with that!

I have yet to see the results, but am looking forward to it with droopy eyes!

53now · Post by **53now** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:42 pm

Don't let your frustration get the best of you. The correct information, setup and attitude will solve most of your sleep problems. Once you get a mask that works for you....wear that dude around the house; watch TV with it on; Go to the grocery with it on....oops better scratch that last one. !!! Do whatever you have to do to get comfortable wearing this contraption. . I am a restless sleeper. It has always taken me a long time to relax enough to sleep (or at least I thought it was sleep) Cpap actually taught me how to relax. With a pressure of 18.......I had to learn to relax or else get blown away (literally). Try to take all of this one step at a time. Don't worry about it ! It actually took me about 4 months to get totally comfortable with all of this "stuff". hang in there
Rich

johnnygoodman · Post by **johnnygoodman** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:46 pm

Howdy Judith,

From reading your last few posts, it seems like you are still not getting an acceptable level of treatment. You may want to consider giving cpap.com a call, telling them what you've tried and how you've tried it, and asking for their advice.

They sell stuff online, but they also have helped literally thousands of people dealing with the same things you are now. The phone call is free and you don't have to buy anything. If you're DME isn't being as attentive as they could be, call 1-800-356-5221 and I think you'll get the answers you need.

If not, post right back here and tell me how it went. If I've got to, I'll speak to our customer service manager and get someone from cpap.com or our sister DME company to work with you.

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:46 pm

Rich...thank you. Every morning, I think...."Am I better rested?" Then I roll over and go back to sleep..........so I am waiting for the day that I can just WAKE UP!

Judy

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:04 pm

Today I just asked the supplier for a new mask to try. The one I was using has caused sores on the bridge of my nose. The supplier told me that this is not supposed to happen....well...duh!

heheh, the supplier was a lot of help, wasn't he/she? Did they suggest some other kind of mask or just brush you off with that comment...as if it's "your fault"? If they didn't offer you a lot of suggestions about different masks that might be more comfortable for you, they aren't worth their salt (and sound like most typical DME's, unfortunately.)

Looking back through your earlier posts, Judith, I think the mask you have is an F&P HC 407 nasal mask? Another you might try is the Breeze with nasal pillows or the Swift (also has nasal pillows.) Either of those would put no pressure on the bridge of your nose because nothing about them goes "on" your nose. Their pillows sit under your nostril openings - some find "nasal pillows" to be more comfortable than any "on your face" nasal mask. Others get irritation or soreness from the pillows themselves, which sometimes can be relieved with a product like "Ayr gel", available at most pharmacies or WalMart.

As for a nasal mask (covers the nose) the most comfortable one I've ever used is the Activa by ResMed. It works best with the straps fairly loose, yet is very leakproof and comfy. Actually it's nice to have at least two masks to switch between when one might start bothering you, even if it's usually comfortable. The three I've been switching around with lately are the Breeze/nasal pillows, the Swift/nasal pillows, and the Activa. On nights when my nose is stuffy, I use yet a fourth one - a ResMed Ultra Mirage FF (full face mask) so I can mouth breathe easily. All of those work great for me.

As a poster on another board once said, "We don't wear the same pair of shoes every day."

Mikerich10 · Post by **Mikerich10** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:27 pm

Hi Everyone, I am new to the board. I tried a CPAP about 7 years ago and just simply could not seem to get used to it. I had a nasal mask and every time I opened my mouth while asleep, it felt like a 70 mile per hour wind would blow out my mouth and I would wake up and not be able to get back to sleep. After my condition worsened and I recently became so quality sleep deprived that I became unable to work or drive via the dizziness I encountered, I went back in. On my sleep study with a CPAP, the night came and I had a terrible head cold and could not breath thru my nose. I called ahead to see if they wanted me to reschedule and they said to come on in anyway. When I got there they introduced me to a mask that covered my nose and mouth. By this fluke, I found a mask I think I can live with. I did not even know they existed. Tomorrow night, Nov 4th, will be my first night in my own home with the CPAP and full mask. I'll keep you posted. I am excited and have big hopes for the future for the first time in a long while.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:16 pm

Hi Mikerich 10,

Welcome to the board!

Which full face mask are you now using?

Please let us know how it works for you and if you have any problems with fit or leaks.

Too bad you had to go for a sleep study just to find out you need a different style mask.

Hope all goes well

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:39 pm

The masks are very expensive. The one I tried is $200 Canadian. On Friday they are bringing me a new mask to try. After three days I have to decide which one I want.

I will keep you posted.

Since 3 this afternoon, I was ready to go to sleep for the night.

I am really looking forward to getting a good nights sleep. Judy

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:05 am

Hi Judith

I have only been on CPAP for 9 weeks so there are people here with much more experience. I have severe apnea (AHI 83). What I can tell you is that I did a lot of research before I decided to tell my doc about my apnea and finally get help for it. When I went for the sleep study I knew from my research that compliance with CPAP therapy is very low - many people have a hard time adapting to it and give up. For me, knowing this made me very determined. I decided that I just had to make this work. I told myself that I couldn't go on feeling crappy and tired, I couldn't keep waking my boyfriend with apnea snoring. I created a mindset that I had to do this and I was going to make it work.

Like you I get claustraphobic about the mask. At the sleep study I had to keep repeating in my mind " you are okay, you can do this, relax and you can get through this." For me it really was all about my state of mind. When I got my CPAP my respiratory therapist suggested wearing it a few hours and slowly building up. I disagreed- I was determined. I told myself you have to wear this all night. If you just do it you will get used to it. ... and luckily for me it worked. From day one I wore my cpap all night every night. Each night that first week I had to keep repeating my little matras but it worked.

This approach might not work for everyone but I do think mindset is very important when trying to adapt to a new and difficult therapy. Don't get me wrong - It is not all smooth sailing. I am still working on finding the best mask for me but I am getting there. I hope my experience helps. Be determined. I wish you luck and hope you adapt to your CPAP soon.

Paul

davidtwotrees · Post by **davidtwotrees** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:58 am

Hi, Judith.
I am on day 16. Last night was the first night I actually slept through the night with the mask on. The bridge of my nose is sore, too. I had only made it through one night, all night with the mask previously, but didn't sleep at all. I am still kind of tired, but was told I have a lot of catching up to do on REM cycles. I am optimistic, and the carrot of being rested and energetic for the first time in years keeps outweighing the silliness of the mask, or the discomfort, or the hassle. I am hoping to start sleeping with the mask, and then try some alternatives once I am used to the process. Nasal pillows look more sleeper friendly, and I will talk to my dentist on my next cleaning visit about the mouth guard TAP as I have an overbite and a small airway that could benefit from a dental appliance, which seems the most user friendly thing of all regards sleep apnea, IMHO.

Judith88 · Post by **Judith88** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 8:44 am

I will not give up on the CPAP! Thank you for your encouragement!

Last night I thought I slept pretty well (6 hours straight), but I feel more tired than usual. Interestingly, I found that the nose piece seemed more snug than usual, and I think that gave some comfort to allow sleep.

I am at work, and it it 9:45 am, and I would like to go home and sleep. This is silly.

I just had to vent! I am sure in a few months when there is a new frustrated person on the line, and I am giving positive advice...you can all say, 'I told you so'

Will I ever sleep again?

Keep on keeping on

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