newbie needs advice on getting used to cpap

[cinnerz]

Hi, I recently got a CPAP and I can't figure out how to sleep with it at all. In the sleep study it took me over 4 hours to fall asleep and it was on my side so they only had time to calibrate me on my side and not on my back.

I originally got a Quattro FX mask (I need a full face mask because I'm a mouth breather - I've never been able to breathe through my nose). In about 3 weeks of use I was only able to fall asleep with it on once. The rest of the time I ended up tossing and turning for hours until I would give up to get a couple of hours of sleep. I tried Ambien and staying up really late until I was exhausted but neither of them helped - I'd be tired but the mask would bother me too much and I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. I had problems with being uncomfortable on my side but the doctor didn't think I had enough pressure to sleep on my back (and I have never really slept on my back and that just felt strange). I was itchy under the mask and my ears were popping constantly and hurting during the day. After about 3 weeks I gave up - I was only getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night after I gave up on the mask and I was so exhaused I couldn't function.

I just got a different mask, a Liberty, that the doctor hoped would be more comfortable. The doctor also gave me Clonazepam hoping that would help me fall asleep with the mask on but I'm back to the same problems. The mask is a little less uncomfortable on my side and I can scratch my nose, but the nasal pillows became pretty painful after a couple of hours and I have sinus pain and blood when I blow my nose. I'm back to the same problem where I'm exhausted but just can't fall asleep with the mask on and the lack of sleep is making me completely useless during the day.

Any ideas on how to get used to the damn thing? I'm going to get a surgical consult in a few weeks but my doctor says he wants me on CPAP at least until surgery.

[SueBee]

Hi, I'm new too - in fact this is my first post!

I'm still learning about CPAP since my first night was just Feb 14. One thing that helped me immensely was to invest in a CPap-pillow. I sleep on my side, tilting toward stomach, and I just wasn't sleeping well with my regular pillow. My equipment should be listed at the bottom, but in case it didn't get added, I mostly use Swift FX for her nasal pillows. I'm doing pretty well with it now.

Well, guess I'll see if this posting goes through!

[Nelliebear]

I have been using CPAP for about 5 years. For me, it took a good month to get very comfortable with the therapy. I kept pulling the mask off in my sleep. Don't give up. I never could get used to the masks over my nose, and use a nasal pillow mask now. Are you using a humidifier?? Your nose shouldn't be bleeding. maybe your not getting enough moisture. If you add your equipment info. to your profile, there are others here with much more experience than I that could tell you specifics about what works for them. Also there are mask liners that you can buy or make yourself to make the mask more tolerable. Good luck to you!

[cinnerz]

Yes, I have a heated humidifier and I have it turned up to 5.

[Pugsy]

There is an ointment that you can put on your nostrils to help with the discomfort.
Lanoish. It is what nursing mother put on their nipples to help with drying, cracking and painful nipples when breast feeding. Found in the baby section of Walmart and most drug stores. Other moisturizers can help also, just don't use Petroleum based products because it is harmful to the mask materials and lungs.

The pillows shouldn't be that painful. Consider changing size. Only the very tip goes inside the nostril, sometimes a person uses a pillow that is too small and it goes too far inside the nostril. Sometimes friction from pillow movement causes pain. Sometimes the pillows are simply too tight and this causes pain.

Try wearing the mask while watching TV so that you can get used to having it on your face. Try using mask and machine when not preparing to go to sleep so you aren't under such pressure at bedtime.

What machine are you using? What pressure is the machine set at?

[Paulrp]

I was a mouth breather prior to using Cpap, however I have learned to keep my mouth closed at night. The only mask I used until recently was the respironics optilife nasal pillow mask. It has a chin strap that will encourage keeping the mouth closed. Assuming your humidifier has setting from 1 to 5, I would try a middle setting - I use 3 in the winter and 1 or 2 in the summer when it is not so cool and dry. If I turn it to 4 or 5 it causes congestion.
I have never been able to use the ramp feature of my machine because the really low pressure makes me feel as though I am starving for air. Saline nasal spray may help with the dryness and congestion - sometimes I resort to Ayr Saline Nasal Gel. You just have to experiment to find what works for you.

Best of luck, and do not get discouraged

[cinnerz]

Pugsy:

Thanks for the tips about the nasal plugs.

I'm using a REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine and my pressure is set at 9.

[Mr Bill]

If you can use a nasal pillow, then I suggest trying a nasal mask. I use one and nothing actually touches your nose. Get the smallest one that can fit. The larger sizes tend to leak more when you move. Then all you need worry about is keeping your mouth shut and that is a habit you can develop.

When you get ready to go to sleep get yourself calm and ready before masking up. You should be able to breath pretty comfortably through just the mask. If not, then you are still too worked up and breathing too hard. Once you mask up, then turn on the CPAP, once its blowing, then attach the hose to your mask.
It took me several months to get used to this also. Once your mind gets used to how great a sleep you get, the anxiety will lessen and you this will be routine and you will find yourself looking forward to sleeping with it on.

If you have congestion, I know this sounds nutty but try a couple times with less moisture rather than more. I was getting all stuffed up till I realized that I sleep best in passover mode with the water unheated.

Good sleeping!

[Wulfman]

Yes, I have a heated humidifier and I have it turned up to 5.

For many people, too much humidity can make nasal congestion worse. I would suggest turning the humidification way down or Off and do nasal cleansing before bedtime. Cooler air helps keep the nasal passages open during sleep.


Den

[imtired]

if you find the nasal pillows painful you may have them too tight. they barely need to touch to seal properly. you just need to get used to moving in ways that your mask doesnt come off which can take a few weeks to get used to.

[cotech50]

I too was a mouth breather until cpap. after 6 mos I asked my RT if I could try a nasal mask and WHALA I am using a nasal mask with no problems and am a back sleeper with a pressure of 11-14. Most nights get 6-7 on occasion get 7-8. Good luck hang in there and you too will find the SWEET SPOT!