I am ambarassed!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:30 pm

I read in another thread people were talking about being embarassed and they had said they wouldnt be. I have to admit, I am embarassed, and both my husband and I are on cpap. He usually falls asleep before me so i wait before I know he is asleep before I will put on my mask. I know I shouldnt feel that way but I do, and I cant help but wonder how many other people feel that way and are ashamed to say it? Dont kill me on this!! [/i]

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:38 pm

Hey, no need to feel bad about saying it.
Truth be told, I suspect we all feel embarrassed when wearing this thing at some time or another. I bet folks feel embarrassed at least once, sometimes, often, or heck, all the time. It's only human. The key is whether you can get past it and relish how you feel during those other times, when you can feel frisky, happy, playful, or otherwise engaged in life -- that which happens when we're not asleep. Embarrassed. Oh god yes. But you deal with it.

Linda

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:58 pm

Here's a thought:

Why not make the selection of masks and other paraphenalia a "couples" thing? Like some adventurous couples do together and ENJOY together, when it comes to bed-time attire, bedding, "toys" and other accessories!!! With the HUGE selection of masks that are available nowadays, I'm failry certain that you and your husband could have some fun selecting each other's gear together that would strike both of you as being accomodating at the least, and maybe FUN at the BEST!!! And, I'll bet that you can do so without compromising the efficacy of your therapies.

It's a pity that they don't make masks in leopard-skin or lace yet, but they will. Till then, why not have fun with it together, and make your mask selections a mutual adventure. That way, neither of you will need feel conspicuous and awkward. I personally LOVE when I get to play Deep Sea adventurer with my Swift!!!!

Cheers!

Chuck

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:19 pm

I walk around the house with a new mask on. I walk by my kids and they do Star Wars impersonations...

"Luke... I'm your father".... with appropriate exaggerated breathing

Is your husband embarrassed by his CPAP?
If you had high blood pressure, would you be embarrassed that you were taking medication?
If you broke your arm, would you be self conscious about the cast?

It's not like you did anything socially unacceptable that caused you to need a CPAP machine.

Oh, and GoofyUT, I like the way you think.

rustynail · Post by **rustynail** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:42 pm

yardbird wrote:I walk around the house with a new mask on. I walk by my kids and they do Star Wars impersonations...

"Luke... I'm your father".... with appropriate exaggerated breathing

Is your husband embarrassed by his CPAP?
If you had high blood pressure, would you be embarrassed that you were taking medication?
If you broke your arm, would you be self conscious about the cast?

It's not like you did anything socially unacceptable that caused you to need a CPAP machine.

Oh, and GoofyUT, I like the way you think.

Yardbird you are fun!

I do the same here at home and my 7yr old has always received my retired masks to play with. We have both donned our apparel and had excellent Star-Wars fights, even in our garden!

Oh, and GoofyUT, I truly LOVE the way you think!

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:42 pm

My girlfriend normally waits until the lights are out to put on her mask. I got my machine about 6 months after she did hers, and I don't mind putting it on in front of her. I joke about us being "hose-heads" sometimes. She's starting to lighten up about it and has actually let me see her with it on a few times recently. I can understand being self-conscious about one's appearance, but believe me, there's not an uglier looking thing in the morning than I when I first awake. So the mask is sort of an improvement. Heck don't worry about it. Life's too darned short to sweat the small stuff!

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:34 pm

have you guys tried taking a shower together nakked wearing your masks?

(oh why did I paint that picture....)

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:10 pm

One can be embarrassed, or not embarrassed. It doesn't matter. The important thing is to wear and use your equipment. One cannot allow one's health to suffer, and it is all in how one looks at it. If that is the decision one chooses to embrace, then the next step is to make it palatable.

As many have pointed out, there are many ways to make the whole experience fun and exciting. I personally have always felt a bit like a unicorn wearing my CL 2!

As Mary Poppins sang, "Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down...."

And, BTW GoofyUT/Chuck:

All one needs to have leopard and lace is some fabric, a length of lace, and a glue gun....

And, Snoredog:

I wonder why, too. Maybe humidifier leaks made you think of that? LOL

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:53 pm

Recently I attended a meeting where I met up with a couple of friends who were sort of, you know, 'talking around' a subject? Well, while waiting to slide a word in, I happened to notice the tell-tale strap marks on both of their cheeks.......! When my chance came I said (tongue firmly planted in cheek as usual) 'I know what you're talking about here. No need to hide it" At this point one individual regarded me with benign composure......and the other the unmistakable signs of accute embarrassment. Such is the difference between THEN and NOW.......

Catnapper · Post by **Catnapper** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 7:47 pm

You might feel embarrassed for a while, but before long it is not too bad. At least you are not alone. Your husband might be more comfortable with his if you can be comfortable too. He probably feels odd that you make him go to sleep first.

Wait until you try the Neti pot and someone sees you pouring water in one side of your nose as it runs out the other side! There is lots to laugh at in the sleep therapy world.

I hope you feel better about it soon.

Catnapper

I am ambarassed!!

I am ambarassed!!

Embarrassed??? No, FUN!!!!!

embarrassment