CPAP new user and trying to accept this nightly ritual.

One more thing · Post by **One more thing** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 5:55 pm

I have just started using a CPAP machine. I have finished two weeks and I am doing better, but it is still quite overwhelming to me. Some nights I do better then others. My rate is 80 times per hour that i stopped breathing.

If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate hearing them. This is the first support group that I felt I needed to sign up for.

I teach in Virginia. I have college age children (2). I seem to have more energy in the afternoon, but I still have a difficult time accepting this.

So if anyone wants to respond, please feel free.

ldemmery · Post by **ldemmery** » Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:32 pm

I was told this is normal (I've been using it coming up on 4 weeks). Some days ARE better than others. Keep with it, I've been told that it will get better, you just need to keep it up. I've also been told it can get better, then worse then better again. Don't give up...I don't plan to.

For me the first week was fantastic and by the 3rd, it was rotten again...now I'm just hanging in, but I am sleeping through the night. Remember your body has been in hibernation, you can't expect it to be perfect right away..it's probably been going on for a long time!

Lynne (in Ottawa, Ont. Canada)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 3:37 pm

I was diagnosed a year ago and I finally put away the cpap machine after suffering for a year trying to use it. I am looking into somnoplasty( radio frequency) surgery. Anyone know anything about it or anyone in NJ that does it?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 11:04 am

I agree it can take some getting used to. I think it is very important to have a good mask, though. A mask that leaks can make your nights miserable and can make you stop. My sleep doctor, Dr. Bond, was very helpful in providing pointers to make things more comfortable.

I got used to the cpap now and feel strange sleeping without it. I even took it on a couple of camping trips and had a car battery in my tent!

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 12:42 pm

I've been on cpap for 2 1/2 years now. I use a Resmed Spirit and a PB 420E. They are both autotitrating units. I have severe obstructive and central apnea. I love my cpap. I can't imagine going without it for 1 night. Thats why I have 2 units. In case 1 breaks . I have a large battery to power my 420E in case the power goes out.. The way I see it I don't have a choice. cpap or die.. I started with a plain cpap set at 11 . That blew me up and gave me gas. I got a resmed Spirit and now I sleep well..

If you don't have an autotitrating cpap I suggest getting 1 ASAP. There is a big difference and you won't want to go back to plain jane cpap..

AS you have probably read on this forum it is often easier and cheaper to buy direct online than to deal withDurable Medical equipment suppliers (DMEs) . Hell , your deductible is probably higher than everything costs online..

With a good mask and a auto machine and a little will power you will succede.

Cheers,

Chris

ginnylee · Post by **ginnylee** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:01 pm

When I first started on the cpap (7 yrs. ago) I was frightened too......Some nights I didn't even want to go to bed......But, I knew that I had severe sleep apnea and that I hadn't been getting sleep for years, so I stuck with it and within 2 or 3 months it was just another part of my life.........My problems have been the affects of the air blowing in my eyes and through my nose.....I had several eye erosions and eye infections so switched to the nasal plugs instead of the mask. This immediately helped my eyes and then my nose started running and itching and the congestion started.....along with almost daily laryngitis in the mornings.......I know a man who couldn't cope with the cpap and would find himself taking the mask off at night when he was half asleep.....He finally got surgery and it worked well for him.....My doctor told me that surgery was a definite option, but that there was no guarantee it would work, so I opted to use the cpap.....I never get tired in the day anymore.....Just wish there weren't so many side affects.......My eyes are either dry and tearing or my nose is running...........But, I guess that's better than dying of a stroke or heart attack.........!!!

Mask