CPAP newb....horrible first night...is this normal?

[cpaporance]

Thanks Kiralynx!! I am definitely going to try and bring the ramp up to 6 starting, and maybe stretch the ramp out a little so I can get to sleep before it really kicks in.

A lot of great ideas here guys! Thank you so much for helping me through this. It's kinda tough to come to the realization that I need this machine to sleep correctly, and a part of me wants to throw it out the window and take permanent residence on the couch! I know with persistance and self control, I will get used to this new sleeping method.

I was reading about people, before using CPAP, would prop themselves up to sleep. It's funny because I am so used to sleeping with two or three pillows, I was always more comfortable with more pillows. Now I think I was more comfortable because it was allowing me to breath at night!!!

[elena88]

Congratulations on the upcoming big day!

Also congratulations on the path you are own to a good night sleep... and good health!

Things usually get worse before they bet better, so hang in there, expect some really rough patches, some ups and downs, but
it will be worth it in the end.. You will be amazed at your frustration vs patience levels and how quickly you will work through them..


YOuve come to the right place, thats for sure!

[cpaporance]

Well, the second night went MUCH better than the first. I had to adjust the mask a little before I went to bed, but I slept almost all the way from 2am to 10am!!!! HOLY MOLEY!!! I woke up twice, with the feeling that the air pressure wasn't enough. I think I may attribute this to some deep sleep AHI occuring and waking me?

Either way, last night was much better, I felt pretty good this morning, though I could have used a couple more hours of that! LOL, seems like I have some sleep debt to repay!

[rubymom]

That is awesome news! I'm so happy for you. Sleep is such a pleasure now, I never wanna get up! But, alas, life goes on!

[Photomatt]

Adjusting can be hard.

I quit using mine after a few weeks try and was off it for at least two years. Finally I tried again. My doctor gave me some Xanax (not sure that was a good idea). I took it for a few days to get rid of the claustrophobia. Now, ten years later, I would not think about sleeping without the CPAP. It is like the seat belt in the car, automatic.

I never use the ramp. Once you get used to the final pressure, it feels like you can't breath when you are not up to pressure. So in my machine which is the same as yours, it has never been used. However, as others have said, you can adjust the starting pressure and the amount of time it takes to get to full pressure.

Good Luck. You will be happy when you hang in there. A time will come when you will be glad to put the mask on. It will trigger your reflexes to go to sleep. Then finaly you should get a good night's sleep.

[echo]

Way to go!!!! Now that you've had a taste of "good sleep" ....

Just keep focus and keep working at it, ya gotta be in shape for the wedding (night)

[pdean44]

Lately i have not been using the ramp feature. The pressure seems too low to me now when i place the hose on the mask. I am glad to hear that your therapy is going better for you. It takes some getting used to.

[cpaporance]

Well, last night was another trying night.... I was tossing and turning unable to get comfortable. Hardly got any good sleep. Now it seems like the mask is irritating the skin on the bridge of my nose. I really can't loosen the mask up much because I will lose the seal! Anyone have any suggestions?????

[Judybeck1944]

I have tried 7 different type masks finally just gave up, am on o2 at night but just recently had to try again 1st 5 or 6 night were ok then all at once High Leaks air was blowing up into my eyes. My cat would sleep beside me , he knew when I was not breathing and would smack me on face 2 times to wake me up LOL this is honest to God truth. Now the medical supply place just checked my machine, new mask, everything, last night I put it on it started ramping at 5.0 within 3 minutes it was blowing against me I could not breathe it was ramping at 14.0 the soft rubber seal around mask blew off the mask. Think I will keep cat get rid of machine/

[jazzer4]

This is a 3 year old post.
I hope he is happily married and still using his cpap.