New to CPAP - Questions

kwa430 · Post by **kwa430** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:26 am

I just started CPAP last Thursday. Initially, I was using a SWIFT nasal pillow but it really hurt under my nose. I just got a new Opus nasal pillow and really like it compared to the SWIFT. But I still hate CPAP.

So far, the longest I have been able to use my CPAP has been about 4 hours, and, that is with taking a sleep aid.

I have heard that, when on CPAP, you don't typically get 8 straight hours of sleep. Is this true? How long should it take until you start to get a proper night sleep? I'm not sure I can continue to function on 4 to 5 hours of sleep. The constant waking up drives me nuts.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:46 am

Welcome. If you fill out your profile with your type of equipment, it may be easier to provide you with advice.

For some the treatment works overnight ... for others it may take weeks or months ... all depends on how well of a job your healthcare professionals did getting you set up for treatment and how severe your OSA was before beginning treatment.

You can try a saline gel like Ayr's w/ aloe for the sore nose. Getting use to the whole CPAP thingy can take time ... but if you educate yourself about the consequences of not using it, you will be more encouraged to make it your new lifestyle ASAP.

Best-o-luck!

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 11:24 am

Welcome!

You'll find that it sometimes takes some fiddling to make a mask work for you ... and some masks may be beyond salvage for a particular person. Unless you can find 2 identical faces ... think of the possible issues.

Be sure to click on the yellow lightbulb and look at past threads.

The easiest way to search the forum threads is to use google as follows:

"my search terms" site:cpaptalk.com

e.g. swift mask sore nose site:cpaptalk.com

Hang in there ... it took me a while to get a good night's sleep but once I did, just a few more weeks and I felt better than I have in over 10 years. We're all different but all have similar issues in adjusting to xPAP therapy.

Best of luck!
Mindy

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:20 am

It just takes time! Soon you'll be able to sleep eight hours. I know in the beginning I was the same way, felt more sleep deprived than before bipap. I still don't enjoy it, I just enjoy the benefits.

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:58 pm

Hello--yes,I too had the same issue but it does get better if you stick with it. Myhusband even gets better sleep now that he does not have to stay awake to poke me into breathing again. I have been on CPAP now for almost three months --I still do not get 8 hours on it--but 6 or 7right now and I will take it!! I hope you find a good mask--I am on my THIRD mask--don't let them tell you that insurance will only let you have one--try as many as you need to get one that works. I have teh COMFORT GEL mask --it is like heaven!!!

Flying_Norseman · Post by **Flying_Norseman** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:50 pm

It takes time. You first have to get used to sleeping with a bunch of plastic on your face and bands around your head. Then you have to get used to the constant pressure of the machine. It took me a good month to sleep more than 5 or 6 hours. I am a bit over 3 months in and I average 7.5 hours a night. It is worth it though, hang in there and do everything you can to make the experience more comfortable. There are some really smart people here who can help.

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: new Airsense auto set 12/08/14. Cpap pressure is