Introduction

[Carebear]

Hi, I am a newbie to the board and to CPAP. Last night was my second night. So far so good even though I haven't noticed any change in my energy level yet. I have been having a neck ache even before starting the cpap. Its like my neck is sore in the back when I wake up and that causes me a headache.

I am glad I found this website and I've been trying to read past posts for any questions I may not have thought of yet. My machine is set on 10 but my pulmonary doctor wants me to go have another sleep study to adjust that to a higher level. On 10 I can barely tell it is blowing in my nose.

PS*** I am enjoying the snow we are having in Georgia yesterday and today. It is beautiful and gives us an excuse to stay home and watch movies and read! (Haven't been able to do either in a while due to falling asleep at any given opportunity.

[rosiefrosie]

Welcome! You will want to go to the user control panel at the top left side of this site and fill in your information as to what type of c-pap machine, mask, humidifier and other things. It will help us to answer any questions that you may have.

rosie

[KatieW]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. It's good that you are reading as much as you can, I believe that knowledge is power. About your sore neck and headache...it could be a number of things, so I'm just guessing here.

Do you spend alot of time at the computer or desk work? Check your posture when doing either. Some simple neck stretches or massage might help, or check with your health care professional about physical therapy.

Are you sleeping on your side or back, and do you have a supportive pillow for those positions? I use a PapPillow, available at cpap.com. There are many threads on pillows. Also, it is common to have more apneas if sleeping on your back, which then requires more pressure. If you have a copy of your sleep study, see if you had positional apneas.

One other thing, when I was new, I tightened my straps too tight, and that caused a headache.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hello Carebear and welcome!!! KatieW gave some excellent advice!! I have to tell you gone thru many a bed pillow before I found my PERFECT one. I have a queen size (the king size was too big) goose down filled one from Costco. It is wonderful. It is fluffy where you want it and can be punched down and formed around your neck area where you need to keep the mask area free. You may want to try that before ordering one online. I think I paid $39.00 at Costco.

A chiro might be good idea to visit also. When we have sleeping problems our neck and spine tend to get out of alignment. I see a chiro twice a week to give myself a good tweeking. Physical Therapy is good too. I have good insurance to it allows me to enjoy these things.

I see you have the newest and greatest mask out there--the Swift FX---that seems to be the nicest most comfortable one out on the market today so that is probably why you are having such good success with it. Loosen those straps --I have the Swift LT and that is an error made by most people is to tighten the back straps too tight. Loosen them up to see if this helps any.

Good luck andbe sure to post your equipment in your profile---
Carrie

[Judy R]

Welcome to the group! We're so glad that you joined us. Sounds like you've already gotten some really good advice. Just hang in there and keep trying different things, eventually you'll find the right combinations that will work for you. Once again, Welcome and happy to have you here.

[Jersey Girl]

Hi Carebear!

Welcome to CPAPtalk - friends from all over the world who share ideas and thoughts on a better night's sleep through the use of cpap. I have only been on CPAP for a little over a month. I want to share with you a silly thing that I did one night that caused me to wake up with a SEVERE headache! I slept blocking my vent - so I was breathing in my own carbon dioxide most of the night. I too sometimes get neck/shoulder aches and I find that now and then I go to a message therapist. I do a lot of computer work. Also, a change in pillow might help.

Some of the folks have been using cpap for years and they are a wealth of knowledge. They are all kind and caring and helpful.

Wishing you continued good health,

Jersey Girl

[DoriC]

Welcome to both of you. Lots of good advice here. JerseyGirl, it would be interesting to know how you were blocking the exhaust vents. It's never happened to my husband but it's a concern of mine.