CPAP is Just not me

[WickedRose]

Everyone,

On the recommendation of my therapist because of my insomnia I went for a sleep study. I was diagnosed with relatively minor sleep apnea. So I got a machine. It's not comfortable, I get to hot. It makes me sweaty and the fabric covers are too big. I still wake up like clockwork at 2am.

I told the sleep clinic that I was in an abusive relationship and I am hypervigilant. I feel it's ignored. I sleep fine when i am with my fiance. And when I went to my follow up visit with the clinic, they ignored me and it was like they tried to sell me another one of the doctors books. I'm frustrated. I feel it's psychological.

[greatunclebill]

If you want help with adjusting to your cpap, let's start with the exact make and model of your cpap and your mask. otherwise, there is little to help without questions from you.

[Jack Burton]

I told the sleep clinic that I was in an abusive relationship and I am hypervigilant.

Would a dog help?

[Goofproof]

XPAP isn't me either, but it allows me to be me, but it won't is it's not set correctly and used. How much do you like your Me, could it be better. Jim

[D.H.]

If the mask makes you "hot and sweaty," try lowering the temperature in the room. Also, wash and dry your face immediately before putting on the mask. If your bed partner is too cold have him(her) use a heavy blanket.

Another thing to try is a mask liner.

Also, as already requested, please fill in your profile so that we know what equipment you're using (or trying to use).

[chunkyfrog]

It sounds like they set you up with a cushion type mask. (A "cup" over your nose, or nose and mouth)
You might fare better with a nasal pillow mask--very minimal, not nearly so hot.
For mouth breathing, chin-up strips allow your mouth to open if it really needs to;
and even to talk, but there will be laughter.
Any provider who tries to sell you a book is not likely to be legit--I'd give him the boot.

[CPAPforever]

I tried many full face masks. I finally found one that has worked for me. I use the ResMed Fit F10 full face mask, size extra small. No pressure on nose. Nothing on forehead. Covers nose and mouth but not much of face. You might find it more comfortable.

An abusive relationship is not known to cause sleep apnea. You said you had "mild" sleep apena by sleep study. What was your AHI without machine? Mild sleep apnea can get worse if untreated, so don't dismiss it prematurely. Try different masks and give it at least 3 months of 100% compliance before you decide it's not for you.

You have a much better machine that I had when I started 20 years ago. I had an old Sullivan V (before Resmed) with a passover cool air humidifier. I had no way of knowing if anything was working right. No AHI measurement in the morning, no data. The only way to tell if I was getting proper treatment was literally how I felt during the day. Gradually (over several months) my excessive daytime sleepiness was much better and I was able to function again. My AHI on my first study back then was 24.1. I used that old Sullivan for 15 years with no doctor followup.

Then 5 years ago excessive daytime sleepiness returned. I was snoring loudly in church. Went for new sleep study. My AHI was 74.5. So even though I was faithfully using my CPAP every night for 15 years, it wasn't at the right pressure and my sleep apnea got much worse.

So depending you what your AHI was in sleep study, you might be gambling for more trouble in the future.