Newbie

deerfield · Post by **deerfield** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:18 pm

This is might be the most asked question on this sight. I have had my CPAP for about two weeks and I can't get used to it. Where do I go from here?

iamcatk · Post by **iamcatk** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:27 pm

I've been attempting to use my system for a week and finally used it for two hours last night. I think having a bed partner makes one self-conscious and that can hold you back From the information I have received, no one expects you to just harness yourself up and then lay back for the greatest sleep you've ever had! Be patient but persistent. I will follow the responses you receive to see if anyone has a magic potion to assist the learning/using curve of this valuable intervention!

OldSeaRock · Post by **OldSeaRock** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:31 pm

As a newbie also, I can "feel your pain". I've adjusted well to my setup after two nights though I'm having a mask dilemma.

What problem do you have, specifically, in getting used to the system? Is it the air? The mask? All of the above?

This is a great group of people who have also gone through the trials and tribulations of apnea - so lean on them and I believe that you'll eventually get the hang of it. Or at least, get used to it.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:34 pm

Hi deerfield,

Good question. Seriously.

Let's see....I'd make a list of everything that was bothering me about the treatment:

1. mask hurts
2. can't fall asleep with this stuff on
3. feel suffocated trying to breathe at first
4. abdominal pain and gas
5. can't turn over - hose in the way
6. air gushes out my mouth
7. dry mouth
8. painfully dry or burning nostrils
9. taking mask off without knowing it
10. water dripping on my face
11. impossible to breathe out against the pressure
12. I just CAN'T DO THIS!
(Venting is just as welcome as questions here.)

Things like that. Then hit the Search button at upper left and type in the thing that bothers you most. You may find fixes or ideas in some of the topics.

As oldsearock said, post right here what your main problems are with the treatment. Many people have faced the same and will try their best to help you. While you're waiting for their replies, keep searching, searching through old topics. Make it your mission to dig back through the message board as if you were a med student researching for the exam of your life. Because that's what you're facing...passing the test that can save your life.

It's easy for doctors or DMEs to say, "You just have to get used to it" and send you on your way to sink or swim, but there are definitely ways to make it easier and most of all more comfortable than the scant help most medical "professionals" can, or will, give you. You've come to the right place - message boards where you can see that other users have faced the same problems you're trying to deal with. And see what they did about it.

Good luck! It can be a whole lot better!

deerfield · Post by **deerfield** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:36 pm

I've tried three masks already. The Infinity was my suppliers suggestion. I don't even know the names of the other two. I fall asleep with the machine ramping up, but wake up when it reaches full pressure.Go back to ramp up, fall asleep and wake up again. Finally go to the spare room ( CPAP less ) so my girl friend can sleep.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:42 pm

What's your prescribed pressure, deerfield?

Of the masks you tried, were any of them one of these?

Swift
Breeze
Activa

deerfield · Post by **deerfield** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 7:08 pm

Thanks for the great advice. I can see from the other posters that these must be the most popular masks. I don't think I have any of these ( I will check tonight ) The couple of people in my area that have CPAPs and the nurse who fitted me made it sound like this would be a walk in the park, by reading these posts I realize they are exceptions to the rule. This looks like it will involve some work. I'll check in tomorrow. Bob

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:22 pm

I have basically very low pressure - but in the beginnig I used to wake up whenever the machine got close to 7 - this is a pressure some people don't even start at. I could sense the chnage between 4 and 5, and used to tense up for fear the pressure would go up.

And slowly but surely I found myself capapble of breathing against the pressure, and even sleeping through periods of higher pressure (up to 9) and waking up much later at a pressure of 5 - I know this because I use software to monitor my results.

You'll get there too - don't worry.

O.