New Here, Need Advice

MicheleK · Post by **MicheleK** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:07 am

Hello Everyone

I had a sleep study done last week, I haven't been to see my PCP yet (that appt is scheduled for Wed.). I'm well aware I have sleep apnea, at 2am the sleep tech came in and put me on the CPAP machine.

I had a very hard time adjusting to it. The mask over my nose freaked me out, the strap on mask with the nose pillow thing, freaked me out...finally they gave me a nose pillow thingie that went over my head, I could stand it, but I never went to sleep.

I was so afraid of opening my mouth and having that choking sensation. I never fell back asleep and they told me after I saw my doc I would have to come back for another study with a CPAP.

I'm scared of what mask I should use, I don't want to suffer anymore from sleep apnea. If anyone has advice on how to figure out which is best and easiest to get used to that would be great.

Thanks so much

jimbassett · Post by **jimbassett** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:15 am

I don't know why these sleep techs try to use every mask they know already they won't work. Next time just ask for a ResMed Quattro Full face mask. They fit comfortably around your nose and mouth which stops the mouth leakage. You can breathe through your mouth if thats your thing. You will find its easy to get to sleep with a mask that fits right and is adjusted right. Better luck than you had last time. jim

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:17 am

Hi Michele.

Welcome to the forum.
First advice would be to go up to the yellow lightbulb icon "Our Collective Wisdom" and start reading.

Everybody here has gone through what you're going through. Lots of new learning curves. Try to stay calm.....it'll get better.

Den

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:17 am

Welcome to the board! Good for you for looking for ways to make your therapy work for you!!!

Your experience is VERY TYPICAL. I am SERIOUSLY claustrophobic, and was really paranoid about masks. I had two uncomfortable nights all hooked up to the wires and masks and was really dreading therapy.

It took trying about 8 different masks over a 6 week period for me to find a mask that was comfortable, didn't cause me claustrophobia or paranoia, and allowed me to sleep comfortably all night. You'll hear me pushing it to everyone on this board - Nasal Aire II. Check out my tip sheet in my sig line if you want to know more about it.

Anyway, the best advice I can give you is to just breathe deep, "go zen" and tell yourself the first few weeks are going to be a struggle, but YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT and the results once you settle into therapy ARE SO WORTH the pain of getting there.

Best of luck!!!
Babette

MicheleK · Post by **MicheleK** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:21 am

Thank you for the fast, informed answers. I feel 100% better knowing I'm not alone.

Working on reading "Our Collective Wisdom"!

Thank God, I found this site....

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:27 am

I'm with you there, babe!!!! I was so frustrated by the LACK OF SUPPORT I was getting from my DME and Doc, by the time I got here I was SPITTING NAILS! This forum really got the brunt of my homicidal feelings those first few weeks.

You're smarter than me. You're going into the process as an INFORMED PATIENT/CONSUMER. Don't let them take you for a ride.

Huggers,
Babs

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:27 pm

Hey MicheleK,
Welcome to the forum.....You've found a great place for support, help and answers....

Your frustrations are shared by many as you are finding in the yellow light bulb.

One thing you'll really figure out is that masks are a very individual thing -- what works for one of us, may not work for you. Hopefully you'll have a DME that will allow you to try different masks until you find one that works for you. (See if your insurance company supports more than one DME in your area).
I call masks the "Holy Grail" of xPAP treatment, and you are now in the search.....

You've received two good recommendations already and will probably receive a few more.
One issue it sounds like you may have is mouth breathing. If not, a nasal interface can work for you. If so, a Full Face may work better.
There are many here that mouth breathe, but use tape, chinstraps, or polident strips to keep their mouths closed with a nasal mask....

Presently I use 3 different masks in rotation. I use the AEIOMed Headrest, the NA II (Babette recommended this one), and a ComfortGel -- all are Nasal interfaces. I do have a HC431 Full Face mask, but because I have facial hair it won't seal well (if I reallllllly need the FF mask, the hair goes).

Good luck on your search. Stay around and let us know how you're doing, and by all means ask questions if you have them!!!!

take care
cheers
goose